Truck: 2000 Disco II

My SES light had been on, chose to ignore it (bad idea, i know) but all seemed OK.

as of late, my disco has been especially gassy smelling and periodically the SES light would blink on an off and the car power would feel rough (when coasting, and then you'd def notice when hitting the pedal again). When that happened, knew i had to take it in soon.

went to get my codes read today and it's the 02 sensor causing the SES light. The mechanic took a quick look, showed me, and there was an obvious oil leak from the engine (head gasket i'm assuming). The oil is leaking on the 02 sensor. This explains the SES and the gassy smell.

He quoted me $650 for the job (parts and labor). He said he had to take off the engine block which he said takes some time (hence high labor).

At $650, is this a good deal? Anything else i should be aware of? Are there certain parts i should request? Outside of the leak, is there anything else I should have him take a look at?

Also, he said he'd replace my spark plugs with the job for an even $700. What spark plugs should I go for if i end up doing this?

I'm based in Los Angeles, if you know anyone who is good and can do the job at a similar or lower price - let me know!

All of your input would be greatly appreciated!

 

What EXACTLY is he saying he'll do for the $700? How many miles on your truck?

If he's saying he'll do the HG and all for that price it's a steal and he probably has no idea what he's doing. Disco HG's I've seen quoted usually run near the $1200-$1500 at a shop.

I'm betting the gassy smell was the leaking oil burning off on your exhaust.

I'm not sure what "take off the engine block" means, but if I heard a mechanic say that I would run away because that sounds like complete nonsense.

If you're replacing spark plugs, you'll want to do the wires at the same time. Lots of folks here will recommend 8MM wires with your choice of spark plugs.

Get back to us with a little more concrete info so we can help you out.

 

@yloDiscoII you're exactly right on the fumes, it is leaking oil burning on the exhaust.

Mileage = 125k

What is the process for installing a new HG? To be honest I know very little about trucks.

He didn't say engine block, he really just pointed to the big chunk at the top of the engine where you put the oil and where the spark plugs are attached. Whatever that is called. Again, pardon my ignorance.

 

Assuming you have a headgasket leak is not smart. You just as likely have a valve cover leak. If he is just doing the O2 sensors for $650 run far far away. He is a pro and should have the tool necessary to change the sensors without jacking up the engine, regardless that should not cost that much more if he is doing it as it would be a time saving measure.

 

@lipadj46 he is not touching the O2 sensors. this would be to fix the leak only.

Should they be able to tell where the leak is coming from before they work on it?

 

Big Chunk = Intake Manifold?

https://landroverforums.com/forum/members/humroot-7098-albums-removing-heads-my-2001-dii-226/

Take a look at this picture gallery, this will give you a snapshot idea of what a HG job might look like.

Depending on what that mechanic had on his list of "things to do" in return for your $700, I might be inclined to search for a Rover specific mechanic.

And yes, they should be able to pinpoint the leak assuming you don't have oil everywhere. You can also power wash your engine bay so the leak is easier to spot.

 

Yes they should tell you you have a leaking "x" (valley gasket, upper IM gasket, rocker cover gaskets, head gasket) and this is what we are going to replace. $650 would be an OK price if they are replacing the valley gasket including new valve cover gaskets. Give him wires to use (magnecor or kingsborn 8mm).

As far as O2 sensors go if they are coding they probably need to be replaced. Why are they not fixing that? Do they think you are getting a lean condition from a vacuum leak?

 

@yloDiscoII you rock, that was helpful. yes, the intake manifold is the big chunk he was talking about.

Does anyone know of any good and fair Los Angeles area Rover mechanics? I know of two LA-based Brit transplants that come to your door, pick up and do the repairs after you buy the parts. Names are Vincent Rocco and English Dave. Anyone have any experience with them?

 

@lipadj46 Yes, I would need to replace the O2 sensor as well. I'm assuming the O2 Sensor being dripped on is the root cause to the rough drive and sputtering, yes?

Trying to place it all together. Really appreciate all of your help!

 

Hi,

Sorry to bother, but did you find a disco mechanic in the LA area. I'm located in Santa Clarita and the ones I tried already just stole my money!

Please let me know if you found a good mechanic that really understands Disco II.

My truck:

2003 Disco SE7 99500 miles.
Work performed:
- Head cover gasket
- Magnecore wires
- Belts
- New tires
- New brake pads
- 90K miles maintenance
- New battery
- New coolant container
- New O2 sensor (4x)

Current issues:
- P430
- Weird repetitive sound coming from belts area (cant tell if coming from engine)
- Oil? smell coming from engine
- Oil (maybe transmission) leak

Concerns:
- Coolant seem to be leaking, but I dont see it on the floor. But level get low very quickly
- Had to add break fluid recently--maybe leaking too!
- Rough engine start and standby. Probably due to P0430.

Please somebody give me a good reference otherwise I will have to part ways with my truck. The dealers is only offering $4k...which it doesnt surprise me.

Thanks,
joseph