I am thinking of buying a 99 Disco II. The owner is pretty much giving it away ($1,750), but with a reason - there is an engine problem.

All the seller could tell me is that it is using coolant. It was taken to a mechanic who I spoke with and he said he doesn't know what the problem is but thinks it might be some seals on the bottom of the cylinders / block. I wasn't totally clear on what he was talking about.

The symptom is coolant overfilling the oil. It drives fine and is otherwise in excellent shape.

My question is, what would would be a typical cause of this? I am thinking cracked head. I am not sure what seals this mechanic is talking about, but suggest a complete motor removal to inspect and said we might as well put a new motor in if we're going through that.

A little more history is that it had a coolant leak prior to this problem. He replaced the radiator to remedy that problem and this "internal" leak showed up shortly after.

My other question is, since it drives okay, can I just keep on eye on the fluid levels and top-up as required and drive it? I am thinking if I buy it, it would be just to drive it until it dies and not to repair it as that would be too costly.

Thanks!

 

quick clarification. Coolant is getting into the oil, but no visible oil in the coolant.

 

That is a bad deal for you if coolant is getting into the oil, the least possible expense would be head gaskets at apx. $1600, worst case, the engine has dropped a sleeve and is junk.

 

Stay away. That engine is a basket case. You can find other Discos for good prices without those problems. If you want a 99 find a D1 and have a whole lot less problems all around.

 

i was having the same problem on my 99 DII. on mine it was my head gaskets.

 

Sounds like head gaskets to me too.
Here is some info for you.
https://landroverforums.com/forum/sh...ad.php?t=21328

 

Good parts truck.