I am going to remove the heads on my brothers 99 SD2. It needs a complete valve job. I was wondering if anyone has done this job on this site and what it was like. I have removed heads on other cars but never a Rover. Any tips or info would be greatly appreciated. Is the Factory workshop manual the best for the procedure or is there another manual that explains the details of the head removal better? Thanks.

 

I did it on my D1, and it wasn't too bad. The factory workshop manual worked for me. Make a holder out of cardboard to put all the pushrods in so you don't get them mixed up, same with the lifters. I soaked my lifters in Marvel Mystery oil while the heads were out getting done at the machine shop - this will clean them and keep them quiet. Buy new head bolts, they stretch and should not be re-used.
Take pictures w/digital camera. Write down what you do after every step and try not to take apart things that you don't have to, and of course buy a set of good quality gaskets. Take your time. You don't want to have to pull the heads again !

 

How many miles on it and why does it need a complete valve job??????

 

over 100K miles. it is missing and having lots of issues. many cylinders aremissing and has valve noise.

 

I wouldn't go jumping into something you may not be familiar with.
D2's don't get into valve issues till up around 200,000 miles. internal noises are common and easily fixed then do a goo tune up.
If you don't believe me do a compression test.

 

The long block is the same between a 4.0 and 4.6 so I assume the under hood clearance will also be the same. With that being said, my only advise is to get a 1/2 drive 5/8 universal socket. Not a seperate 5/8 socket with a universal attached. Also a 1/2 drive 3" extension. On both heads, the head bolts closest to the firewall will be a challenge. I read a post where someone suggested unbolting the motor mounts so you can shift the engine around for extra clearance. For me I did not go the motor mount route, but if it was not for these two tools I would have been out of luck.


Have fun