Dear D2 forum

I first reviewed previous forum posts regarding this topic but didn't find a thread where I could add my question to, hence sorry for opening this new post.

The level of the coolant reservoir on my 2003 D2 goes down about 1/2 inch every week or two. I've had the problem looked at by a mechanic who diagnosed the issue. He saw traces of engine coolant leaking from the rear of the cylinder head and said I need a head gasket overhaul.

Besides the issue above, the vehicle is perfect and purrs like a kitten. Right now, the vehicle has 97,000 miles.

I've checked for possible leaks of the coolant - replaced with reservoir with brand new LR part, replaced all coolant hoses, and the part which heats up the air intake. There's definitely a leak from the back of the head.

The head gasket overhaul job costs USD$3,000.00 The mechanic said the price includes removing the head, taking it to a machine shop for the overhaul and putting everything back together.

Any suggestions from anyone here who has done this type of work? Is the price reasonable and fair? What other items should I be replacing if I decide to move forward with the job?

These Land Rovers are supposed to be "work horse" vehicles... why do they seem "fragile"? I have a 1999 Mercedes ML430 with over 200,000 miles and the car keeps on going with regular maintenance. My 2003 requires far more repairs and maintenance.

Thanks, Al

 

Depending on your location that is a little high 2-2.5 is closer.

 

It also depends on if the mechanic has done many Rovers before or not. I know guys who can tear one down and put it back together in 16 hours (not including time of having heads finished) and I have heard of shops charging 32 hrs of labor.

 

For reference, I do a "valve job" (disassemble, clean, lap valves in, new seals, resurface heads.) For around 2500 Parts and labor. I charge around 16 hours labor (that covers the valve job and resurfacing) I have a spare rebuilt set of SAI and non SAI heads in stock. I check the oxygen sensor plugs and if needed hard wire the oxygen sensors to the harness. I also check adaptions before and after and may clean the injectors if needed. Cam and lifters are checked and replaced if needed. An inline thermostat setup is installed and tuned.

 

Like I said, a guy who does them often can do it in 16 hours

 

Thank you very much.

For D2 owners in Southern Cal, I've shopped around and found two reputable shops and what they charge:
1. British Car Service in Inglewood - $2,600 and can do it in two days since they keep an overhauled head in stock
2. Custom European in Huntington Beach - $3,000; can do it in a week (sends the heads to a machine shop) but offers loaner cars for free

Question to you guys:

Both mechanics say I should replace the ignition wires (I assume they mean spark plug wires?) while doing the head job. Is this correct?

If yes, one tells me to use the factory wires while the other recommends Magnacore wires (a high performance part). Which one is better?

Any feedback regarding this?

Thanks again

Al

 

Make sure they put in Victor Rhienz (spelled wrong) head gaskets.

If you have never overheated your land rover, make them use YOUR own heads not some bungled up heads from Lord knows where.

Yeah, I could see it done in 16 hours.

I really feel a real pro could do it in 8 to 10 hours.

And that means putting in a ready to go head or two.

If you do your own heads in a parking lot - it may take you two weeks.
I was really slow it it.

But it all came out well on my 2001

https://www.flickr.com/photos/76579732@N07/

I could probably do it in 10 hours now as I know exactly what to do.
And of course I may screw it up rushing now.

I have been in no rush to do a pair of cylinder heads again.

Might be fun.
But the Discovery II would need to be absolutely mint.

 

WIRES - DO REPLACE THEM.
Get OEM wires.
I guess the Magnacore work fine too I have heard.

I remember reading 8mm thickiness?
Seems kinda thick.


Anyway,
Here is how mine turned out when I was done and cleaned it all up..

 

There's a guy up in Burbank/Glendale on CL that does ONLY Disco and RR 4.0/4.6 HGs out of his garage for $800 parts and labor. Swears he's done literally hundreds of just these. I'm sure machine work is additional; premium gaskets are probably more, too.

Might be worth looking into:

Sam at 213-507-8072

Land rover range rover or discovery head gaskets

 

About to replace hgs myself.
Good info in this thread.
Cheers.

Is the job the same DI compared to DII? Or am I going to run into any surprises?