So I decided to tackle the head gasket issue on my own. I got the RAVE CD loaded finally and it looks doable. That and some words of encouragement from Disco Mike and I figure why not, I can always flat bed it to a garage if needed.

Just double checking that I don't need anything else:

1) HEAD GASKET SET COMPOSITE V8 BOSCH MOTORS
2) HEAD BOLT KIT
3) THERMOSTAT

Disco Mike mentioned that I should find a machine shop that can inspect my cylinder heads and reface them if needed. I am also going to get a couple good impact wrench socket heads so I don't crack my regular sockets.

Can anyone else add to this list? Going to order this evening so I can get the parts by this weekend.

Thanks.

 

Other then all the fluid and a good oil filter, you won't know what else you'll need till you open up the engine.

 

OK so I need to drain the oil before I start? Sucks I just put 6 quarts of Mobile 1 and a Mobile 1 filter in it on Saturday.

Also how do I drain all the coolant?

 

pop off the bottom hose, then pop off the top hose. Good thing about these trucks is that you can get a bucket under them without jacking up the vehicle.

 

You shouldnt need to drain the oil, unless you get coolant into the crank case, there is no oil in the heads unless the engine is running and the oil wont be completly drained back out of the heads for a good hour or so after shutting it off.

 

OK sounds good I will post a couple questions before I get started this weekend.

 

With his milage, doing an engine flush first keeping the ATF in the engine and then draining it after it is put back together would be better, that way he can chemically clean out all the old build up with the manifold off.

 

I just recently completed the head gasket replacement on my 99 Disco II. It was not as formidable as I anticipated. I ordered a complete gasket set from British Pacific and ended up with extras I did not use, but had all I needed, so there was no waiting for more packages to arrive. I replaced every gasket from the block up. I would think you need the upper intake gasket, lower intake gasket and exhaust gaskets to go along with what you have already mentioned as a minimum. I am no mechanic and was elated that the vehicle is once again running great and the only think that drips on the drive is air conditioner condensation. I was trying to sell this beast before I made the repairs, now the wifey wants to keep it for her to drive, go figure. Good Luck.

 

Thanks, I should get the parts tomorrow and start on Friday. Thank goodness for this site, RAVE CD and Harbor Freight. Hopefully my wife falls back in love with this truck. I still have a few more things to sort out after this (collapsed Driver's seat, Freon Leak, steering stabilizer) but after that I hope the truck will be solid for a while.