Hi everyone,
My 2003 Disco with 165k miles finally let go of its original head gaskets. Both sides are leaking coolant externally down the side and rear of the motor. With 165k miles on my truck, is it worth replacing the head gaskets given the age? Overall it has been a fantastic rig and does not have any other problems. No rust either.
How much would an LR shop typically charge to replace them? Or should I try to do it myself? I am fairly mechanically inclined, but I am an engineering student in college and do not have much time to do all of the work myself.
Does anyone have any recommended shops in the NJ area that would do the job?

Thank you all.

 

I have 1 D2 that went nearly 250k on it's original HG's.

 

What is your secret? Lol. But for real that is impressive. Did you have any cooling mods or just stock cooling system?

 

218k was my longest serving set of HG. Dropped a bolt down the intake and because I had to take the lower intake off I wasn't going to get that far without replacing the HG. They showed some deterioration but who knows how long they would have gone.

 

It's not terribly hard. I did it when I was 16 with 0 experience, not even an oil change. I watched AB's videos on replacing them and took lots of notes. I also had the video pulled up and followed the instructions Doug gave. Even if you go to a shop, I'd recommend watching the videos (1.5x if you are limited on time). As he shows some tips and tricks for removing different components such as the AC compressor.

The gaskets are pretty cheap, it's just labor intensive. Hardest part was the coil packs, and broken y pipe to manifold studs. Oh and when I didn't know how a torque wrench worked and over torqued head bolt till it snapped..... So as long as you don't snap any bolts you'll be okay. Atlantic British has 2 videos that covers how to do it with some tips and tricks. They also have a gasket set. I believe I did replace all of the seals and I did replace the injectors too. A shop in the Bay Area (CA) quoted 3k to do the job. This was 4 years ago and idk the prices on the east coast, but I imagine it would be at least 2.5k or more. Definitely call around for quotes. 100% worth keeping especially if its a no rust, and only problem is the head gaskets.

I would only attempt the job if you have another vehicle/mode of transportation, tools, a safe place to work on it, and patience. For tools, I don't remember the exact tools but any tools you need you could get at Harbor Freight or any parts stores. All my mistakes were when I was rushing or didn't double check tool settings. If you have a buddy who can help it will make it go faster.

If you do decide to go for it, spray down the y pipe flange bolts with PB blaster, and I'd recommend Extinct's exhaust stud replacements. I snapped a stud taking a nut that wasn't even tightened against the flange while trying to take it off.



AB gasket kit: https://www.roverparts.com/engine/kits/STC4082BKA/ (You may find it cheaper elsewhere, or only need certain gaskets. This is for reference of the gaskets you will encounter)
Videos:

 

I may be wrong, but it's my belief that DII headgaskets can last indefinitely if the engine is not overheated. I'd guess that the poorly designed throttle body heater was responsible for a large percentage of headgasket failures because coolant leaked to the point of overheating and people keep driving instead of pulling over immediately.

In the case of my truck, my wife was driving 3½ hours home from chaperoning a school trip with six middle-schoolers on board when the temp gauge spiked. She kept going another hour and a half or so, which cooked the heads and caused the headgaskets to fail.

 

And this is why societies that believe in multiple wife's...are usually ones where wife's don't drive modern vehicles. Because, no man could ever keep up, no matter how skilled he was as a mechanic...just saying...

 

My wife & my 06 LR3 certainly were not made for each other!!! I love my wife, but she literally drove that flawless LR3 into the ground. I got in it one day & every single warning light was on!!!! I was like how long have these been on? She replied aren't they supposed to be like that?? I fixed as much as I could but she just constantly ignored stuff and didn't tell me. I sold it & she now drives her grandma's 2014 Ford Edge with the 3.5L V6 with the famous & $$$$ to replace internal water pump. She inherited it, but I told her if she cooks it due to the water pump she is on her own lol.

Some women and cars just don't mix lol

 

Mine just started failing at 248 and to be honest, I actually replaced them at 200. It wasn’t because they needed it, I broke a valve spring so the heads had to come off.