I plan to look at a 96 SE7 tonight. When does the overheating normally occur if it has a head gasket problem? I plan to replace head gaskets and all fluids anyway I just don't want to buy one that has been over heated. I have seen cars that will boil over at idle only and some only under a load.

Thanks Craig

 

Craig, usually it's the overheating that makes it necessary to replace the head gaskets. When the heads get too hot they warp and headgaskets blow out. You probably know this already. My Disco 1 has never overheated and I don't think they are any more liable to overheating than any other car/truck, unless of course they're driven in mud a lot and the rad gets it's fins clogged, etc. I did have to pull the heads and replaced the head gaskets at about 100K miles due to a sticky exhaust valve. Personally, I think this was due to the previous owner using regular gas, but that's debateable. I've had my Disco 1 about 10 years, and it's been very good to me. Of course mine is the base model with no sunroofs, jump seats, or whatever else comes on the SE7.

 

I just wanted to check. I have seen Acura and Honda J series have the top of one head bolt snap and overheat, refill with coolant and go another 3k before overheating again.

I glad to hear that your DI has been good! I'm a Subaru tech have been for years and all Subarus leak from head gaskets also. You just replace them and drive another 100k then change them again.

 

One cause for overheating on a DI is a clogged radiator, the coolant was supposed to be changed every 30,000 miles and if it was left for to long it can sludge up the radiator and the only cure is to have it rebuilt or buy a new one.
A bad water pump can cause overheating, blown headgaskets too, mine has the original head gaskets and radiator.