Hello folks,

It looks like my truck is in need of a new head gasket. I smelled coolant and saw evidence of coolant on the underbelly. So, I took it to an independent LR shop to get it checked out. They told me they put some pressure on the system and saw a leak from the coolant reservoir tank, so they put a new one on. After that, the shop says they saw some coolant leakage from the driver side front area of the gasket. I was given a quote for the HG job and a list of other items that could get done at the same time. Told the shop I'd think about it and get back to them.

So, the next day, I took the Disco to another nearby indy LR shop who confirmed evidence of some coolant leakage at the HG. He had it on the lift and showed me some leakage on both sides (I assume both sides because he showed me both driver and passenger sides). I was given a quote for the HG job and was told it would include valve job, drive belt, thermostat, and replacing all plastic lines with fuel injection hoses. They said they would also do the bypass for the throttle body heater plate since we're in California and they are prone to leak. This shop mentioned the replacement heads they put in wouldn't be the ones they pulled out, but others that have been prepped and are ready to go, so that my truck isn't sitting around as long.

The quotes were similar dollar amounts, but it seems like the second shop would do a little bit more for the price. On top of these two shops, I texted another shop I sometimes do business with and they said they would do what sounds like just the straight HG change for several hundred dollars less. He mentioned the head work would include machining (decked), valves ground and reseated and new oil stem seals. He was trying to be detailed with me, but that is basically a valve job, correct?

Ok, with all that said, I would love guidance on next steps. Do you recommend I try doing this on my own? I am no way as mechanically inclined as many of you are, but I do take some pride in doing some work on my own. For example, I swapped out the plugs and wires by myself (took a while but got it done). I also recently replaced the Crankshaft Position Sensor.

If I try to do this on my own, I'd need to find a place to do it, as the HOA here probably won't allow me to work on the Disco extensively. Is this something I should tackle on my own?

I've been reading a bunch to try and prepare and make a good decision. I'm in So Cal, in case that matters, and someone wants to help give some guidance in person. I have more questions, but figured I'd stop for now and ask them in a separate post. I can also tell you more about the Disco if needed.

Thanks all!

 

Hi Chris,

Sent you a PM, any help I can provide let me know.

Abran

 

Just curious as to what the quotes were.

 

Hi Abran,

Sent you a PM. Thanks.

 

I'm guessing $2500 range

 

Question- if a mechanic mentions valve work will be done with the HG changeout, do I need to get into details asking what they mean by that? Or is it a given that they'll be doing a 'valve job'?

 

no..that would be a valve job. Any machine shop that has the heads for resurfacing will do a valve job.

 

Ok, I think I'm going to tackle this repair on my own, BUT I'm going to need all your assistance please!

Now, I need a list of tools I'll need- and I wanna hear about all the tips/tricks you all employed to get this done.

What HG kit should I order, and I don't want to start a lengthy debate, but studs or bolts?

 

Also, does anyone have access I can borrow to the infamous In Search of the Experience DVD or link w/ the HG portion?

 

Keep your phone handy.


TAKE LOTS OF PICTURES.


If you need anything, just post it, if it gets really bad, I'll give you my phone number.