Hi Guys,

I was on a while ago about my 2003 Disco II and I did get some work done on the engine.

They replaced the oil pan gasket, the water pump gasket (I supplied the new pump) and a new timing cover gasket as well, and last a new serpentine belt.

I think its still leaking a bit from the place where the head meets the block and oh well .... (they offered to do a "total engine reseal for $5000) I said no and paid $2100 for the above. (I know)

So a few questions:

- it needs a tune up what does that entail - I was told a can of gas treatment for the jets and some carb clean down the hole and new plugs but that seems a bit lame. Is there a documented procedure someplace?

- I am going to get a new windshield and its leaking in a bit of water up on the headliner on the pass side by the sun visor - would a new windshield seal help with that and where can I get one for a decent price?

- Lastly tires, right now I have on a set of Toyo Open Country H/T 255 / 65R16 109H so now the big debate is .... I'd like to go a bit larger and I am going with their AT model of tire instead of the HT.

But can I go up a size to a 255/70R16 109S Overall diameter: 30.1" (approx. +3.5%) instead of the original 255/65R16 109H Overall diameter: 29.1" that is on the truck now ?

I was told this by the TOYO guy .........

Overall diameter affects the safety systems that are based on revolutions per km (ie; ABS brakes etc.) so you should check with the dealer to ask about maximum difference allowed. The increased overall diameter combined with the lower performance rating (speed symbol) could lead to reduced handling. The taller tire with lower performance construction could cause some body roll that makes the vehicle feel unstable. Your vehicle requires a very high air pressure in the rear so I would guess it is designed to achieve a specific handling feel. Considering the pros and cons I would recommend the original size option. The 255/70R16 size is not a bad choice but less than ideal in my opinion.

What do you experts think? (grin)

And as always thanks again for the amazing help!

Cheers'
Dave

 

They replaced the oil pan gasket, the water pump gasket (I supplied the new pump) and a new timing cover gasket as well, and last a new serpentine belt, paid $2100. For that price you should have gotten head gaskets also.

 

You need to find a new shop. 2100 is a complete rip off for that work.

 

"I" believe a timing cover gasket is 4-hrs, that's what the dealer quoted me.

 

Wow, my guy quoted $1600 for head gaskets, water pump and a tune up. Wow, sounds like he had a cigar in his mouth while he was counting your money. I have never worked on a vehicle but I did everything but the head gaskets for the price of the water pump and a few busted knuckles.

 

Yep, I know this is Calgary, AB and you have two choices:

One - the formal dealer - it would have been triple that - they're blessed by LR Canada.
Two - the local pirate rover shop - not blessed by LR Canada.

What can ya do? I just about laughed at their suggestion for a "complete engine reseal" for $5000 bucks but that was just tossed out there I suspect to soften the blow of the other job probably.

What's my option? I've done my own work in as far as changing the plug wires to Nicors and little things like that but I'm an IT geek not a car mechanic ..... I know you put gas and oil in the thing and it moves you from A to B and that's about it.

Hence my questions here on the board about the tune up procedures - windshield seal thing - and new tires.....

I've talked to Disco Mike and he knows his stuff and it's to bad there isn't a guy like that up here. I love my DISCO but there is NO dealer support in Calgary for LR or really that much in Canada. What can ya do? Probably the polar bears and living in igloos scares people off! (grin)

I went to the formal shop one time to buy a block heater (no you guys don't know what this is-grin) anyway the formal shop wanted $249.00 bucks so i got one and took it to our local car place called Canadian tire - the same block heater there was $14.95. both stamped MADE IN CANADA.

How about this: The O2 sensor -post stream - the formal shop $375.00, the pirate shop $170.00 - my local auto parts store once I got the part number $89.00 bucks ...... the same Bosch part.

So ya ..... I know ...... :-)

So anyway, a front windshield seal/trim thing, and tire suggestions, and how to do a tune up?

Cheers'
Dave

 

how about $100 in tools, $200 in parts and a manual. if you can read IT programming you can read a LR manual, it might help actually.

Honestly for 100 in tool and 200 in parts you can do it in a weekend +, take lots of picture, mark everything with tape and labels. it is the simplest big job you will ever do.

when your done you can drive buy and laugh at both dealers, because after you do head gaskets you feel like your ready for anything.

 

Hi Drowssap,

Thanks for the notes about the tune up - the tools I have so i guess it gonna be just parts.
Any idea where to get a list of suggested bits to replace?

Also, can you please tell me where on the board I can go to ask some questions about tires? I do want to go up one size but some other off roaders say "just do it" but the tech from the tire company said don't do it ..... so stick with the Rover suggested size or get one size bigger?

I like to ask actual Disco II Rover drivers about that ...... have they done that, and are their any problems with going up 1 inch bigger? 29.1 to a 30.1?

Cheers'
Dave

 

you will need a head gasket set with an upper intake gasket, some come with in some do not. New head bolts or ARP head stud kit (my preference). New 180 LR thermostat, plugs & 8 mm wires (kingsborne my preference) & coolant. I think its an 8 mm 12-point socket needed for the valve covers

you can order them from any of a dozen places Atlantic British Land Rover Discovery 2 Parts & Accessories: Air Filters, Wiper Blade Kits, O2 Sensors & More! ,
rovers north Rovers North - Classic Land Rover Parts-Tech Tip: Installing Head Gaskets, V8
or lucky8 now that they have a real website.

as far as tires I'll let someone else jump in; but I don't see a problem going up to a 30. All tire manufactures will tell you never use anything that the cars manufacture did not use, that's to cover there butts in case of liability.

i have run into one chain store that wont even mount tires to bare rims unless you tell them what they are going on, so that they can check their liability.

 

If you want to go up in tire size then a 2" lift is usually the best option to give you proper clearance.

As for the repairs. You said it was leaking where the heads meet the block. That would suggest a possible head gasket leak. You can buy the entire head gasket kit ($150) from AtlanticBritish and it will come with everything you gasket and o-ring you need to tear down and replace the head gaskets (minus new head bolts-$80). Here is a link to the parts.
Land Rover Head Gasket Kit | RoverParts.com
Land Rover Head Bolt Kit (Same fit as Part # ERR2943) Fits Discovery, Range Rover & Defender Vehicles

You will still have to take the heads to a machine shop to get cleaned, milled, and the new valve stem seals (included in gasket kit) installed

However, you should really be honest with yourself in your mechanical ability. You do not want bite off more then you are capable of doing correctly. I personally would never pay a mechanic to head gaskets but everyone is different. The RAVE gives you step by step instructions so if you feel like you are capable of doing things exactly by the book then go for it.

Here is a thread I made when replacing my head gaskets. You might want to check it out to get an idea of what you are in for.
https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...o-month-47324/

If you have not replaced the Crankshaft Position sensor yet then it might be worth it to buy one and replace it now or keep it around for a spare when the old one finally dies. The CPS dying was the only time my Rover left me stranded.