I have a 2002 discovery 2 4.0 and just found out today that I have to get the head gaskets replaced. Not news I wanted to hear but I guess it's better that it happens while I'm not in school. What are the benefits that you've seen when you replace your head gaskets? Does the car function better? is your fuel economy a little better? This sounds like a dumb question but I'm curious and haven't seen anyone really ask this question.

 

It all depends on if and how bad it runs now.
But there shouldn't be much of a difference performance or mpg.
Did it overheat?
Does it have anti-freeze in the oil, or vice versa?

 

No mpg or performance improvement, but it will overheat or miss if you don't repair it.

 

Head gasket leak effects fall into several categories (or combinations thereof), depending on which part of the gasket is leaking:
- coolant leaking into the cylinder(s), leading to misfires, poor fuel economy, cylinder rust, or in extreme cases, damage to the valves, pistons, or connecting rods. Can also lead to the engine overheating if enough coolant is lost.
- coolant leaking into the lubricating oil, leading to less effective lubrication and all of the problems associated with that. This one can also lead to the engine overheating if you lose enough coolant.
- oil or coolant leaking outside the engine, leading to possible low oil pressure or overheating, depending on how severe the leak is.
- reduced cylinder compression, leading to misfires, poor fuel economy, and loss of power.

It's not a situation you want to drive around with for any length of time.

 

thanks everyone! I just bit the bullet and took it in, i'd rather lose some money than lose an entire car and the money i've put into it so far.