So what started as just an alternator change has quickly turned into what feels like a full engine rebuild (and I wouldn’t be surprised if that’s actually what’s going to need to happen).

After removing the A/c compressor, alternator, water pump, and upper intake manifold, it became evidently clear that the engine is covered in thick black sludge. Pretty much every gasket is shot. I planned to replace the head gasket but, am I wasting my time? Does this point to a useless engine block or something? Also, is the sai cleanable or do I need to buy new parts- you can see in the photo the inside is filth too. I don’t want to keep spending money on all these parts and taking everything apart if it’s all for naught.

This is my first time ever even working on a car, so call me ambitious for taking this project on 🤡 (to be fair, I didn’t know just how bad it was). I’ve been YouTubing my way through this on my own, so that being said, any and all help is appreciated. And if anyone is Austin based and wants to come help out, I wouldn’t say no hahah

 

Was it running fine before?
If it ran fine then I would clean it as well as I could. Get to as much bare metal as possible and then keep an eye on it to see where its leaking from. It is hard to tell how long that has been building up. My wifes matrix had a lot of gunk/oil on it and it turned out to be a seal that had been leaking not enough to even notice for who knows how many years.

 

LA’s Totally Awesome and toothbrush.

 

I would certainly not be rebuilding an engine because it was dirty on the outside. Nor would I be rebuilding it just because some gaskets are leaking. If it bothers you, you should give the engine a good cleaning, then monitor how it runs, the amount of oil it consumes, or coolant it loses. From what I’m reading, I don’t see anything wrong with your engine.

 

That's just everyday grime mixed with ordinary Rover oil seepage. Replace the usual gaskets, do the PCV mod, and scrub down the outside as you go.

 

Shows being too long since last 'shampooing'. Get a few cans of these at any automotive store. I have even used oven cleaner spray !

cover connectors, sensors, high voltage wires and will be good looking again. Then inspect in a few days to find the sources of the mess.

 

I'm with everyone else. If it is running fine just clean up the outside do the PVC mod and run with it.

 

Looks normal for a 20+ year old land rover! I would scrape off the thick stuff and then hit it with aluminum-safe de-greaser and my harbor freight steam cleaner. Also, like everyone else said...do the PCV valve mod so more of the oil stays inside.

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...4x4-mod-92942/

Also, do the inline thermostat mod and your cooling hoses ASAP because an overheat due to a cooling system failure is the issue that is most likely going to hurt your engine.

 

I agree with what others have said. A filthy engine exterior does not necessarily indicate problems inside, which is where it matters. You write "Pretty much every gasket is shot." What is your evidence for that (aside from the mess)? And "... I planned to replace the head gasket ..." Why? How are the fluid levels? Is the engine losing coolant? How about the oil level?

The grime you see is not all that surprising for a ~20-year old truck if the previous owner didn't keep it clean. It's not going to look like a 20-year old Accord.

You write this started out as an alternator change. So why did you remove the water pump? Was it leaking from the weep hole, or was coolant leaking from the gasket? The oil mess could very well be from leaking valve cover gaskets. Very common and not that big a deal in the greater scheme.

You also write this is your first time working on a car. I think you overreacted to what you found. Put it back together (you'll need a new water pump gasket), clean it up, and patiently observe how it runs and what you see.

 

Based on the fact that you're tearing your engine down to replace an alternator, I'd say you're pretty screwed. Follow the advice above and hopefully you'll get out of this with a driveable truck.