I have a small coolant leak (about 1 cup every 2 weeks). I looked around underneath and it's coming from the back of the engine, passenger side just below where the exhaust manifold is. There's a few drips of clear orange coolant and the side of the engine looks wet. Is this the head gasket? If it is the head gasket, do I have just that side replaced or do both while it's apart? ( 2001 D2 119,000 miles)

 

OH YES!!!!
So, how mechanical are you, is this something you are going to want to do or send out?

 

Well Mike, I'm great at taking apart it's the putting back together that's scary. I've done my brakes and other maintenance things but I think this is a big job to do alone the first time. I called my mechanic & he told me it would be about $1200 parts & labor. Does that sound about right?

 

That price is fair, as long as he has done a Disco engine before.
Make sure to buy a complete upper head gasket set and head bolts from some one like Atlantic British, also get a new t/stat and up-graded upper radiator hose assembly with the bleed screw mounted in the "TEE", if you haven't already changed it.
While in there, also replace your old plug wires if they haven't already been done, suggest 8mm Magnacor or STI wires.

 

My top radiator hose has what looks like a bleed screw right in the middle on top of the fan shroud. My plug wires were replaced about 2 yrs ago but I don't know what brand he used. This guy only works on imports, lots of Rovers, Jags. I'm planning a hunting trip this weekend. Would it be safe to drive the Disco (100 miles each way)?

 

That is the old style hose that has been replaced with the a solid hose across the radiator and the bleed screw in the "T" off to the left. You need to replace that top hose.