I really appreciate all the constructive feedback. Now I think it's time to make my decision. My mechanic suggested that if he were to replace the engine, there would also be a bunch of other things he would do that should probably be done while the engine is being replaced. My question for you guys, is how reliable are the used engines that are out there on the market. I believe my guy said he usually goes through British Atlantic (maybe?). How can I be sure that if I get a used engine that the same thing doesn't happen in 10k miles...what's the lifespan on these kind of things if I'm generally pretty diligent about taking care of it (as much as a car novice could be). Thanks again guys, I realize I made some mistakes and ask some stupid questions but like I said, this is totally out of my realm of knowledge.

________
Charlie
2003 Disco, 80K Miles
________

 

There is no guarantee in anything.
From the sounds of it your guy wants to go through the used engine and replace all of the gaskets and seals, which is a good idea, before putting the engine into your truck, it is easier that way.
Head gaskets last about 75-85,000 miles, have him replace the crank position sensor on the donor engine too, those fail in the 80-90k range.
When it fails it will not destroy the engine, the engine just will not run. It is a cheap part.
Your mechanic sounds like a good one and he has a plan, now the ball is in your court.

 

if you go with a used motor unless it is a really low low milage engine have them replace as much as they can before installing it, regasket the complete engine from the oil pan to the intake,from the front main seal to the rear seal.

Replace the oil pump, water pump, timing chain, CPS. all new hoses, belt, wires, T-stat and seeing you have been thru it already have them install an oil preasure gauge as well as a real water temperutre guage.

Yes it is going to add a few hundred dollars in parts, but purhaps you will then be able to drive it for a another 3 or so years before gettting back into repairing it again.

the only thing worse than having to replace an engine is having to keep going back to have the accessories replaced afterwords.

 

And so you can look back and laugh at this, don't forget to put the old engine to good use....

 

You might want to send me your number, I can walk you thru all the questions and option you have, as well as where to buy a used engine and how much to spend.

 

Hi,
Sorry to hear about your engine.

You are in a tough spot.
If you buy a used engine - you don't know how it was treated.

Best thing -
Buy an engine from a wrecked Discovery that got totaled in an accident.

Or, from a Discovery which you can hear it running and listen for noise.
And, check that the coolant tank is not pushing out coolant from a blown
head gasket.

I mean, you could buy an engine and have head gaskets installed and
hope for the best. That way, all that drama is over with.

In Denver -
A junk yard with a running engine was wanting between $2,500 to $3,000 for the engine.

I told the guy - that's more than I paid for the whole truck.

They don't care.
Junk yard operators are vultures.
You just need to find a nice vulture.

Sort of like taking a snake across the river in a boat.
Snake says - "I will not bite you if you take me across".

But, a snake is a snake.

 

Trust Neal and the other guys at Road Britannia. They are the best, and the only people I have ever trusted to work on my trucks. I used them while living in Atlanta and prior to learning how to work on my own disco--and even drove all the way from Birmingham to pick up remanufactured cylinder heads when I replaced my head gaskets. And for Gods sake stay away from Hennessey Land Rover. Their service department will rob you blind, and then take your guide dog too.

Im sorry to hear you baked your engine, but it doesn't take long for that to happen. Just check all the posts related to coolant leaks. You should check your fluids weekly (in any car, but especially a rover because the engine is aluminum). Put a new or used motor in her and enjoy driving a rover for a good while and let Britannia maintain her if you can't do it yourself. If you have any questions, just let me know. Good luck.

 

I looked at an inventory of used engines locally for $750. I am going down in a few minutes to pick up an alternator.

If you shop around there are lots of decent deals available.

Sounds like you really need to determine if you like the vehicle, can live with the 12 mpg average, if it is in decent shape have them prep and install a good engine. Expect to spend a few thousand right off the bat doing a replacement of the needed items before installation and of course what warranty do they offer.

If you can find a better vehicle for less than they will charge, then sell it for scrap and walk away to your next purchase.

Either do it well or walk away from it before you pour more money into a deep hole.

Savannah, I love those pics especially of the one with the wine bottles in the cylinders.

I bet Stephan will make one of those. I already have a nice round table top from a breakfast set that is long gone. Maybe I can find a scrapped block. That would make a nice addition to the outdoor BBQ area behind my pavillion beside my smoker grill...

 

Hi All,

Thanks again for all the feedback it's been very valuable and I think I've learend a lot from the mistakes I made with my Disco. Unfortunately I'm very sad to say that I think I've made the decision to move on from it. It's been a good run and I just don't think I can justify putting any more money into it. Like I said in my first post, I'm not that much of a car guy and the level of upkeep for this one is just too much for me to maintain responsibility for. That being said, I now turn to you guys with a new question. What can I reasonably expect to get for it? I asked Neil at Road Britannia what some of the options were and he basically said I could try to sell it privately to someone who may what to do a DIY project on it, sell it to a scrap yard, or maybe even sell it to him so he could put a new engine in and then turn around and try to sell it for some kind of profit. Any advice on my next steps as I walk away from the Disco ? Thanks again everyone.

________
Charlie
2003 Disco, 80K
________

 

Depends on the market in your area and the condition of the body and interior, but I would guess around 3k is about all you'll get for it.