My local mechanic says the head gaskets on my 170K m DII are leaking and need to be replaced.

Furthermore he says - whoa! - you better replace the bottom bearing while you're at it because an engine with this mileage won't take the stress of a refurbished top end (valves and lifters...). His estimate is actually just for a head gasket/valve job. Although he did mention the "better do the bottom or just put in a new engine while you're at it."

True?

 

And how much is the estimate for the HG work? You have probably noticed that on this site a number of owners take that on themselves, the parts kit is on the order of $300, and the machine shop work is about $200. An indy shop would charge in the $2400 range for this. A very low estimate, like $1000, should be suspect. Also, here is a write up of the lower bearing replacements, so you will see what is involved for that. Most of the HG work reported here is not quickly followed by lower end rebuild or engine destruction.

See https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...rite-up-48197/

However, I'm on a keyboard under a shade tree and your mechanic has his ear to the engine in question. Many times the lower end problems show up as knocking noises and oil pressure not staying up (from bearing wear).

So while your mechanic might be giving his belief, there are also guys on here with 240K on their engine. Most head gasket jobs reported here are not accompanied by lower end rebuild at same time or just a few months afterwards.

 

Not true, he is just trying to pay off hie upcoming vacation.
How much coolant are you leaks, be specific, and where is it leaking from?
There are things that should be done at your mileage, such as replacing the timing chain set and oil pump for wear. The only way you would determine if you need new bearings would be by a visual inspection.

 

I agree with Mike.
You probably do need new head gaskets at 170K.
Why?

They just go.
The heads move around with the thermal cycling of the engine hot and cold.


But-
The mechanic may be correct in wanting to put in new bearings on your crank - the lower end.

Yes, this will be expensive and will pay for his vacation..

But.
If you had antifreeze getting into your oil, then this ruins the main bearings which are between the connecting rod and the crank shaft.

These tend to show as copper colored specks in your oil.
I had copper colored specks in my oil on the Discovery I.
I changed the head gaskets.

And, added some Barr's leaks just for good measure.
I have gone about 25,000 miles on that discovery I.

That Discovery I does have a lower end rod knock.
It will be just a matter of time before I "spin a bearing".
meaning, the bearing fails and wrecks the roundness of the crank shaft.
Then, major motor rebuild.

After you get your head gaskets changed, change the oil right away.

You will probably pay a hefty fee for your lower end work.
But, at 170K - the engine could stand a total rebuild.

I bet it makes that strange clunk clunk in the morning when you are lightly on the gas.
Our 162K Disco I makes that noise.
The Disco II at 98,000 makes the same noise in the morning, just not as bad.

I have yet to figure out that noise. But, it is "tired engine" noise for sure.

 

I was taught that if you rebuild the top half you must rebuild the bottom half.
As long as all you do is replace the head gaskets you will be fine, but if you go ahead and replace all the valves and cam and lifters etc. then yes, you need to rebuild the bottom too.