There is a class action lawsuit against GM because of dex-cool. Which causes more head gasket problems, casting process or dex-cool? We'll probably never know unless somebody does an independent study showing at what mileage each culprit causes a failure..then look at rover head gasket failure records to see when most failed.

 

so do you use the green coolant in yours?

 

im not disagreeing. could be a combination.

 

I flushed my system and put in prestone extended life coolant

 

So the headgaskets fail due to coolant chemical composition......Well the question I have is:
Do you guys rebuild the heads prior to replacing the headgaskets or do you just take the heads off, clean everything, replace the gaskets and torque the heads back on?

Anyone have experience with this?

 

luckily I have not had to deal with a rover headgasket problem but I think most people remove, clean and replace gasket. Why would they need to rebuild the head if the rocker arms, springs and valves are good?

 

That's why I am asking.
I used to work on VW's years ago and we would always rebuild the head but there was never any problems with the gaskets due to coolant. So that's why when the time comes on my '03 (76,000mi) Disco, I would like to know what the rest of the guys are doing, what works and what is/not necessary.
If the heads are in good shape with fairly low milage, do we just replace the gaskets or do we rebuild the heads while we are at it?
Sugestions?
Thanks.

 

It is usually recommended to check the cylinder head for straightness, and machine, if necessary.

 

i had the heads machined and put a new gasket and head bolts thats it.

 

Depends.... if your oil looks like mine did, then I would take the heads to a machine shop and have them go thru it. On mine, one of the heads was warped. Doesn't cost too much. You would hate to do it all only to find out you have to tear it all down again!

Eric