Yeah....I think photocrimes is right. You're likely throwing good money after bad if you keep that motor (if what you find out is true). If that were something I wanted to keep around I'd be swapping the motor (or doing a full teardown) and seriously inspecting and possibly replacing the heater core and radiator. If I didn't do all of that, I don't know how I would trust the thing.

Edit: you won't get 2k if you are honest about what you know and sell it to someone who knows what they are doing.

 

I found a motor with 98K miles for 1,200. Sounds like a deal to me, but what do you guys think?

 

Sounds like too many miles. But if that's your price range, it's about right.

I picked up a 38k out of a roll over for $1800 a few months ago (including freight to my door).

 

I have looked for a motor with fewer miles, but this is the best priced one I have found that was under 100K.

I had someone that is about 90 miles away (no shipping) offer me a running 99 Disco with 150K for 800.00. I may drive down and get that truck just to get mines back on the road. I know the miles are "high", but I figure I could be on the road and come close to breaking even after parting it out.

 

What he said. It's quite possible the shop screwed up the head gasket job. I bought mine the same way. (but mine had water in the oil) Turns out they never machined the heads. One was warped. I say pull the heads and have them checked. BTW that trans temp light could just be the sensor. (on the trans cooler)

Eric