2004 Disco SE with Cracked Block
 

My wife's 2004 LR just suffered a cracked block. She was driving down the highway and pulled off at her exit to go to work. When she exited the highway the temp gauge started going crazy. She pulled off into a neighborhood into a service station and the engine made some loud clunking sounds from under the center dashboard area. The mechanic investigated and said the thermostat went and block is cracked. She owes $10k on it. The body & interior are in great shape. We're not in a position to junk it. Anyone have experience with replacing an engine? What are we looking at? $5k? $10k?
Any and all help, tips, and advice appreciated!

Yes.

$4-5k if you track down a used engine and have your local garage swap it.
$10k + for a new engine from LR and the dealer does it.

Are you sure it's dead?

It starts and runs. When he pressure tested it, he said all of the coolant went into the oil. I think my options are limited.:(

geez... lots of cracked blocks and blown head gaskets recently... are the rover gods mad??

I'm wondering if the colder weather has something to do with it.

This time of year could bring about increased thermal related stresses by going from cold to hot and back too quickly, especially if you only drive short distances (like me).

I spent several years running a nuclear reactor in the Navy (hence my handle). Operating procedures dictated that you maintain specific heat up or cold down rates dependent upon where you were in the startup/shutdown process. It was quite possible to cause serious material failure if you exceeded the design limits.

Just a stab in the dark.

Send me your tele number, I thin k you need some help/guidance.

look for a 4.6 Range Rover engine from a 2001 I found an outfit in FL that made me a deal on one for 2650.00 delivered.
Seems the older engines have better blocks

There is probably nothing wrong with their block, problem is a mechanic that is trying to sell something that is not needed.

I with Mike, I'm not sure how much I'd trust the fate of my Rover to the first opinion from the guy in a "neighborhood service station."....but that's just my opinion.

get it shipped out of there and taken to a dealer or independant Land Rover mechanic.

All hell, ask a land rover technician from the dealer to come out and look at the thing for himself and I bet he will give you a better idea.