Hello all, just bought a LR DII off someone locally who has had the car sitting at 129k for the last ~6-8 years. So far everything seems to work alright on it, except for 2 major things that I think need to be addressed.

Im familiar with the platform as I've read up online about the common issues and what not and decided to take a chance (talked the guy down to $1000 for this car) and it STILL runs and drives.

However I'm almost certain that the front propshaft needs immediate replacing, the vehicle shakes and gets bad when I hit 45 mph or higher, luckily this is just a project car and not my daily driver so I have time to mess around with it.

I've read that usually there aren't any symptoms but I'm almost positive a shaking ride has to be a common symptom...?

second issue is that I'm pretty sure the engine has a failing head gasket? I mean it's blowing SOME (keyword) white smoke but the oil isn't milky at all, I just replaced it last weekend. the smell definitely smells like a bad head gasket though, but the car is still running at normal power.

so I guess since I'm not very informed about this yet, could I get some information/tips? maybe some other people's opinions on this?

I called up a local rover specialist who said that the head gasket shouldn't be failing this early, and advised me to go with a "heater core bypass" trick (don't need heat as I live in a warm climate and it'll stop the engine from possibly overheating and the leaking coolant? (i've had to top off coolant every few days I drive it). real question is if the head gasket is already blown? it's a $2400-$2700 job and I really don't need to be spending money on something that doesn't certainly need to be replaced. also advised me NOT to get head gasket sealer either as the engine's mileage is low.

I am more concerned about the drive shaft though, is it okay to still drive around town? I mean I don't go over 45 mph like I said.

anyways thank you!

 

Welcome!

That warm climate sure would be nice right now!

DO NOT drive this until you replace the front drive shaft. PERIOD!!! If it lets loose you will have a rather large chance of further emptying your wallet, and your transmission fluid.

Second thing to do is invest in a way to read the actual temp of your engine. OBDII reader of any flavor. http://www.ultra-gauge.com/ultragauge/ is good and there are many mostly android based apps.

Go through and replace as needed every item in the cooling system. The heater core is not likely to be your problem. Check all hoses, thermostat, clamps, throttle body heater, and top corners of radiator for leaks. Check front and rear of each head where it meets the block for signs of coolant leak. May have to clean first.

If you can't find an external coolant leak then you just bought a internally leaking engine.

This is where a code reader will come in handy... Any misfire codes?

Remove and check spark plugs for signs of coolant, especially any cyl with a misfire code.

You can fix everything but the cracked block spewing coolant into a cylinder. Just need to find out which problem you have first.

 

Thnaks for the response!

quick few questions!

for the front drive shaft, do you recommend something like this? https://www.ebay.com/itm/Land-Rover-...g/143937594831 money for me is a little tight and I saw that this seems to be in good shape W a warranty! it comes with greasable U-joints too and that's the biggest issue?

as for the gauge; any that you recommend?

also the OBDII codes I got yesterday from bringing the car to autozone were:

P0171
P0130
P0150
P0174
P1171
P1174
P0159


i'll take a look today for leaks! I know that there is a coolant leak and i've seen it drip from below so it's definitely external!

thanks

 

Nice find. With the price you paid for it you should be able to invest a bit of cash and elbow grease and have a great vehicle.