Hi guys I originally posted on landroversonly, but the thread quickly descended into a war of words amongst some of the veteran members. So I'll give it a shot here.

I own a 2003 Disco 2 with the Bosch 4.6l engine, I had been experiencing some overheating issues as well as an over pressure of the cooling system. All symptomatic of exhaust gas in the coolant. Originally I thought that the head gasket had failed, but this turned out not to be the case. Upon disassembly of the engine I discovered that either cylinder 3 or 5 (I forget which) appeared to have been steam cleaned and the liner seems to also be out of position. The heads haven't been inspected by a professional yet, but appear to be sound. Therefore I suspect that there is a crack in the cylinder wall. What I'm looking for is advice on how to proceed, and would be most grateful to receive it.
Thanks,

Alan

 

I would either look for a earlier Bosch block out of a Range Rover or bite the bullet and get a top hat block from Turner.

 

Hi

You have a few options.

Firstly try to establish whether your block is defo cracked using fluorescein and a black light (UV light) by introducing food grade fluorescein into the waterways then checking in the oil sump and block externally with a UV lamp for the tell tale yellow glow.

Then if the block is cracked there are these alternative options. Find another good 'top hat' converted engine of the same type and transplant the engine.
Or, speak to Turner Engineering in the UK and see whether they have a spare top hat converted block available.

Check with the guys on this forum here as many may have a different take on your dilemma or know where you can get your hands on a readily converted top hat cylinder liner engine in the US.

 

Hi AR, you 'topped' me as I was typing a reply

 

Thanks for the responses. For the early Bosch block what model years are we talking? Would those be equipped with the secondary air system?
I believe that the crack is between the sleeve and wall of cylinder 3 would I be able to detect that with a fluorescent light? With regard to the oil, when I drained it there was no evidence of water it looks as though the coolant was being vaporized and expelled in the exhaust.

 

The Bosch block they are referring to would be from a 99.5-2002 Range Rover P38 4.6. Most are secondary air, but for the block purposes that is a non issues as the heads dictate SAI.

Even though that is a superior block, it still can fail. I would contact Q&E in Anaheim CA. You send your block to them and they will repair the crack and press in wet liners. $1500 all said and done.

 

wow, just read it. That was a Sh$tshow

 

Yeah, I was reading it last night and thought that escalated fast.

 

Any engine builder worth his salt can install O-ring top hat liners. Find the best builder in your area and get a quote. Order a liner kit and go from there.

 

The top hat kit, is that Turner engineering's? Or are there suppliers stateside that you're aware of?