I am about to do a head gasket replacement on my '04 Disco with 93K miles. I'll be purchasing the kit from Atlantic British ( https://www.roverparts.com/Parts/STC4082BKA ) and I'm interested to know what other items I should preemptively replace since I'll have the engine torn down.

My thinking is once I get the heads off and can confirm the block and cylinders are solid items that come to mind include the oil pump, water pump, cooling lines & thermostat, hydraulic lifters and timing chain. What else would you include?

 

I'd say check condition of rocker arms,lifters/cam,water and oil pumps and any and all plastic parts of the cooling system exposed to coolant.If the lifters need replaced,the cam should be replaced also as a "worn in"cam will usually eat new lifters...look over the crank damper/pulley to check condition of the rubber vibration damper ring.Water pump on mine had failed at 114,000,but many go way past that.

 

You nailed most of it. The '04 is the most prone to a cracked block. Controlling your heat via proper cooling is imperative. Just take your time and button her up right.

 

Thanks for the feedback coz & FZ. Yea, know that you mention it, I do remember reading that a worn cam will prematurely wear out new lifters. I need to review the post that details the wear patterns to determine if replacement is warranted. Still, if Im going that far to replace everything else, I think its money well spent. As for the heads, I'm taking them to a reputable shop that will go through them and I'll let them do any necessary work as well. My '04 has been well maintained and is is mint condition outside of a few common oil leaks and I am hoping the block and cylinders check out.

 

You should be fine at your mileage. I would only add going to a genuine OEM 180 thermostat. Not an aftermarket one. Not one from AB, Lots to read on here about finding the correct one. But they aren't all as advertised. And yes always replace cam and lifters at the same time if needed.

 

I’d recommend Fel-Pro or similar gasket kit.

If you have not done CPS, Coolant Temp Sensor or coilpacks recently this would be a good time. Use Bosch!!

Do the in-line mod! Keep the original Coolant bottle the Britpart s crack. Hoses if due(use Genuine IMO)

Get injectors Rebuilt.

Use remanned Heads or make sure and have the valve stem seals done(they’re in the kit).

thrown nothing away until you know all new parts are good.

 

Thank again for all the great recommendations. I'm going to tear into this project shortly and once I inspect the block and I know its solid, Ill take the heads in to get worked and get the replacement parts ordered. Its about to get fun!

 

So I got the heads off today and the valves, pistons and cylinder sleeves look good with no obvious damage. With that, Im taking the heads to my local shop tomorrow to be inspected and worked and will get parts orders. Thanks again to all and I can't wait to get her back on the road!

 

New front cover, timing chain/gears, and all new cooling parts.

 

Do you want to put new lifters on an old cam? I would replace the cam as well. I went through this a year ago. Take your time. I really did enjoy it.