Hi Guys,

My 2004 Disco II, which I've owned for just over two years, has 77k miles on it. Along with ordinary maintenance (plugs, wires, ignition coils, sensors etc.), I've replaced the catalytic converter and rear differential.

After an overheating episode, I realized the coolant levels were low. A couple refills later, I realized I was rapidly losing coolant and had the head gasket replaced. Unfortunately, it's still overheating.

The mechanic did a pressure test and believes there is a slipped liner. After reading a handful of forum threads, I get the sense this is terminal. Should I be shopping for a new engine? I found a few reman short blocks, any recommendations? What should I expect to pay for the install?

I'm located in South Jersey. If there are any mechanics in the New Jersey or eastern PA region, I would be grateful for a recommendation.

 

so no visible signs of fluid leaks? smell of coolant from exhaust?

 

What kind of mechanic is this? Independent LR specialist? There are quite a few reasons to still be overheating after major engine work.

Step one is to make good and sure all the air is bled out of the system. Just refilling the coolant after overheating is not good enough to get all of the air out.

Also, make sure the thermostat is functioning properly. There are quite a few known cases of bad thermostats out of the box by aftermarket manufacturers. Did the mechanic put in a new stat with the head gasket job? What kind? What temp?

So the mechanic did a pressure test and got what result that led to the slipped liner conclusion? That coolant is filling a combustion chamber when pressure is applied?

That could also be a poorly installed head gasket or that the mechanic did not deck the block and machine the heads while changing the HG. Did he do those things or have them done?

The more info you post the more you can be steered in the right direction.

How mechanical are you?

 

Check this guy out in South Jersey
Land Rover Forums - Land Rover Enthusiast Forum - View Profile: RoverMasterTech

 

He's an independent local mechanic specializing in Jags, but services a considerable number of Rovers.

To answer your last question first, not terribly mechanical.

I don't know if he bled the system. To my knowledge, he did not replace the thermostat.

There's nothing in my service record that suggests he milled the head. This was raised as a concern by others I consulted on the subject. Trying to get an answer on that.

He didn't explain how he arrived at that conclusion, just that he was 95% sure that was the problem. He also didn't have a remedy, just that he'd get back to me (that was 2 weeks ago).

If there's still hope, and it seems there is, I'll gladly take it to a LR specialist (e.g. RoverMasterTech) for a better assessment.

Thanks!

 

I thought there were no signs of leaking and there is definitely no smell of coolant from exhaust. HOWEVER, now that the snow, leaves, and debris are cleared from the driveway, there's an obvious stain there. It was leaking.

 

Now that you confirmed it's leaking, First find out where it's leaking from, check simple & obvious things as mentioned above first, by the way a slipped liner will not lead to failing pressure test or leaking, it will make loud knocking sound,
A cracked block will lead to failing pressure test & loss of coolant , But internally,