That is disappointing. You could probably tap it flat with a normal steel hammer. The paper gasket is 1/16" thick. Just think if your mechanic did that accidentally he would take it to his bench and make it flat and roll on. Its a Land Rover not a Maserati. Originally a farm truck.

 

The cooling system on a LR needs to be in good condition. Taking a chance on a leak = could be costly later on. Just get a replacement & go from there.

 

Trust me, it is very disappointing for me as well. I normally just jerry-rig or redneck fix anything I can that won't cause me issues down the line until my rigs are full of weenie roasters and duct tape. (Don't worry, I buy the right parts and perform upgrades where absolutely needed)

Cooling system components are where I draw the line especially with these trucks, just not worth the risk. I haven't done the radiator in the 2ish years I've had the D2 so I plan on doing that as well since I added a bottle of K-Seal and I hate thinking about lingering stop leak.

It's gotten me by 500 miles and monitoring the coolant levels and it's holding well so I'm content to wait for a replacement pump. I know I drive a tractor and as such I don't ask much of her but she sure asks a lot of me.

Speaking of, I am building a road on my property and the disco spent the weekend towing bushes out of the land. In the next week or two she'll fill the role of my modern mule and we'll be plowing the land as well. Farm truck roots, farm truck goals.

 

I'd flat file that and put it on...in a new york minute. Still plenty of area surrounding the hole. Apply a thin coat of ultra gray permatex for safe measure...which l do regardless.