Just wanted to get everyones opinion. Backgroun: 2003 Disco, 60K miles. Took it to my independant Land Rover garage (they have always worked on the car) to get the oil changed and they noticed a slight seepage of coolant and oil from the rear drivers side block where the head bolts to the block. I do smell coolant, but my coolant level stays the same, no coolant in oil, car has never overheated. When I looked at it you could see that it was a little red in color, not oil. I trust their opinion. They said it was not a major problem yet, but something to be aware of.

Now my questions is: the 60K is due, needs new wires, which requries the disassembly of the upper part of the engine. I was going to do this myself, but had already budgeted to pay for this. So I was looking at paying $300 for the 60K, plus $500 for the wires to be replaced. They can do the Headgaskets for 1,800 which inlcudes plugs, wires (I will supply the magnecor ), I also want to include the water pump not sure what they charge for this, and then the diff, transfer and transmission flush for another couple hundred. Does this sound reasonable, $2,100 for headgaskets and 60K service plus wires? How long do you think I can drive it with the headgasket seeping? Any advice would be greatly apreciated.
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i got head gaskets from the dealer for 1.5k if i recall correctly.

 

Well $1800 for the head gaskets, plugs and wires sounds good.
$400 for the transmission, transfer case and both diffs also sounds reasonable for a shop doing the work.
Tell them $2,000 for everything is what you are willing to pay.
Plus tax of course.

 

First, I would go for a second option, especially if you are not having to add coolant. Have someone pressure test the coolant system, mine seaped for nearly 2 years before I finally replaced them.

 

I agree with Disco Mike's recommendation. A second opinion is always useful in a decision cycle.

In addition, if it is not broken, why fix it, small seepage is good because it will keep the anti-freeze refreshed (just kidding). These aluminum engines always leak a bit of oil, so a bit of anti-freeze is not a big deal as long as you do not let the level go down and cause it to overheat.

On a serious note, is this 2003 within the VIN range of the 4.6 L with the oil pump misalignment issue. If that is the case, I would not spend any money on the head gaskets.

 

Thanks guys for the responses. It sounds as if it is not that big of a deal. Since I am not seeing anymeasuarable coolant loss or overheating. Truck runspretty good, although it has developed a slightly rough idle,due to the plugs and possibly wires. Although this is my first time doing the wires, been reading up on doing it without removing the intake, so shoudl be a good experience. I have a set of Magnecors sitting on the shelf and the plugs. So I might just go ahead and do the 60K on it myself and just bevigilant about checking the coolant level and oil. It does not fall in theoil pump issue VIN range.

 

Great that it is outside the 2003 VIN range.

Do your 60 K service and keep an eye on the coolant level.

I am sure, you will drive it another 60 K, trouble free.

Disco IIs are great, the last forever as long as you keep all fluids in check and clean.