Okay, so with the aid of this Forum (and the people on it) I've almost completed my list of necessary repairs / replacements! One of the last items on that list however, is the headgasket leak.

I definitely have a very clear whistling sound coming from the engine whenever I drive > 5 minutes, and it was diagnosed by the LR dealership.

So.. Question 1) How severe is a headgasket leak? I know I constantly have to monitor the coolant level and whether the oil and coolant is mixing, is it only a severe problem when that starts happening? I definitely want to prevent any major problems.

Question 2) I was considering doing this repair myself, but some of what I've read here and on other LR forums about head / cylinder inspection and machining is beginning to frighten me. :P I have no doubt that I could replace the headgaskets and put everything back together okay, but is that enough?

Thanks again, you guys are the best.

 

Stop driving that truck as of right now. How serious is it, you are blowing exhaust out from between the heads and the block which acts like a torch and will burn a grove in your heads and or block making them both junk.
If this frightens you, then send me your number, I'll call you and go into more detail.

 

Listen to Mike. If your head gasket is leaking enough to whistle you can ruin your head. It will have to be welded and decked, and sometimes that can't be done.

 

Head gasket leaks are pretty serious. Don't let it get a chance to mix oil and coolant. You're lucky it hasn't already. You don't always have to get them machined.