I'm gathering information and parts getting ready to do my head gaskets. I found a slow drip off the passenger side rear of the engine and a whole bunch of gunk that I had missed in previous power washings.

I called a recommended machine shop to quote having the heads surfaced and it was not as expensive as I was expecting. My question though, is there anything else I should have done with the heads while they're off? I haven't noticed any ticking noises or other problems, but I'm hoping that this HG job will extend the life of this Disco for some time (I'm at 166k now).

 

you should give the shop the valve guide seals that will come in your gasket set and have them replaced it will save you from disassembling the rocker and valve springs.

 

Check that the block is flat as well. Have a good flex handle for your socket and a cheater bar for the final 1/4 turn on the bolts. Make sure the head gaskets are right side up. Have a look at the cam and see if it is wearing OK. Check the bottom of the lifters for cupping.

 

I got my heads resurfaced, new guide and seals put in while they were out. While your heads are being done if you have the time you should do the front cover bits. I just finishe my HG job last week or so https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...-gasket-75433/

 

Excuse my ignorance, are the valve guides a separate part or are they part of the HG kits?

Also which front cover bits are you recommending? I was planning on replacing the water pump while I had the coolant system drained, but should I dig farther into it than that?

 

I did water pump, oil pump gear, timing chain and gear, and oil pan gasket.

 

the guides are not part of the kit only the guide seals are, the guides need to be pressed in and out of the heads it is the part that the valve rides up and down in, if your going to that point you might as well do a complete valve job. IMHO.

replacing the water pump,oil pump and timing chain are a great ideas; I did mine, but none of them are things you will be touching to do head gaskets, and the last two require dropping the oil pan so you might want to let them for another time.