I have a 2000 Disco Series II, purchased new in 2000. Now has 120k miles. Has been diagnosed (by the Dealer) with a head gasket leak (slow leak; fluid level in overflow tank drops about 1/2 inch per week at most.) Leakage evident on driver's side, rear of engine, when viewed from underneath car. Delaer's cost estimate is about $3000, and this assumes about $1600 in parts and about 13 hours of labor (I beleive their local rate is about $124/hr). Parts inlcude various gaskets, head bolts, plugs , some hoses, new oil, coolant, freon, thermostat (I think), etc, etc. After I picked my lower jaw off of the floor, I told them I'd have to think about it . Called a local independent repair shop (that works on Land Rovers), and they said the time and cost sounded about right....but that their $3000 would also inlcude a new water pump (which they strongly recommend). They also said that if the head gasket was the only thing replaced that would run about $2000k.

I guess I should not complain about the potential cost, given that at 120K miles EVERYTHING under the hood of this car is still original equipment. Aside from the usuall 7500 miles check-ups and 3k mile oil changes, the only other money I've spent is for tires, a break job, and one new battery.That said, does this time/cost seem reasonable ? Any thoughts/guideance ? Thanks !

 

I hope my Disco goes 120K before needing a new head gasket!

No, 3k doesn't sound outrageous for a dealer to do the work but I would get an independent mechanic to do it for less. While you're at it you might as well replace some other parts like the water pump, pulleys, beltetc. while the engine is tore down. Others will be along shortly to add to this list. I take it you didn't overheat your engine so, hopefully, you won't have a warped head, dropped sleeves etc. I would add thatat 120k you may want/need to have your heads worked, valves etc. this will add to thecost. Good luck and keep us posted.

 

Thanks for the advice !

 

The price you have been quoted is nearly twice the going rate if you shop around. You should be able to have the repair work done for less the $1500 using Rover parts.

 

Well just to give you a idea of what the parts will cost...
http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/9224.cfm
http://www.roverparts.com/Parts/STC4082BK.cfm
But yeah, $3k for the dealer to do the work or $4,000 for a whole used engine from a good Rover supplier.

 

It sounds steep to me, working at a dealership. Why did they quote you for refridgerant, no A/C lines are disconnected during the process, the compressor gets unbolted and swung out of the way, resting nicely in the airbox. Also, I hope they quoted you for both banks and not just the leaking one. It would be pointless to do just one, as the other side will follow right behind it. I would also recommend locating a reputable independent shop that has experience with Rovers to save some cash.

 

Thanks for the advice. There are 3-4 independents in the area that I will contact and solicit quotes.

 

Update : got the work done at an independent shop. Cost to repalce all the necessary gaskets was about $1500 (heads were OKno machine work necessary). Yeah !!