Alright so i have never owned a land rover. but i possibly have a good chance at a good deal on one. It is an 03 with the 4.6l with 97k. i have the chance to pick it up for around 3500. i know one like this usually goes for around 8000

here is the kicker.... its overheating. i have been reading posts all day about this issue. i took a look at and ran the rover not driving it. The exhaust is smoking white. which more than likely a head gasket. i checked the oil and it is clean as a whistle... i asked the owner which is a friend of mine and he said when it over heated he was like maybe a mile from his house and he got it home and hasent touched it since... i looked around and didnt notice any leaks. there is no plan in the water pump. i opened the coolant cap and noticed it was bubbling like someone had a straw in it as if the engine was pressurizing it.

he had a code reader and the thing threw a lot of codes
p1884,p1451,p0414,p1482,p0445,p0448,p0102,p0340,p0 134,p0135,p0141,p0154,p0155,p0161
i know that some are 02 sensors and MAF and camshaft sensor.

what exactly would i need to repair. just a head gasket with new bolts or will all the sensors need replacing as well. if i do buy it i am going to do the work myself i have access to a good shop and i have done plenty of car work. also would like to know about how much this could cost me or has cost some of you to do yourself for parts? beside having plenty of time as i know its at least a weekend or two project.

Thanks for all the information to help me get a better feeling about buying or not buying.

Caloeb.

 

Head gasket kit with new bolts, about $300; add $200 or so for machine shop; DIY over two weekends. Download RAVE shop manual below.

 

I think that some of the 03's had problems with the oil pump. There is a thread around here that will let you know what VIN's fall in the "Danger Zone" just search.

With the miles on it things the things you should do are:

1) head gaskets (don't forget about machine shop cost)- $400
2) water pump- $150
3) oil pump gears- $100
4) spark plugs and 8mm wires- $175
5) thermostat and coolant hose kit- $40 & $250
6) Crank shaft position sensor- $80
7) All new Fluids; coolant, transmission, T-Case, Diffs, Brakes, Power Steering, oil- $200
8) oil pressure gauge- $100
9) timing chain- $100
10) Branke pads and rotors- $300
11) Rebuild or buy a new front drive shaft if it hasn't been rebuilt- $100-$400
12) Shocks and Springs if they havn't been changed- $550
13) You will probably have to battle the 3 Amigo's at some point also

This is all assuming that you have a blown head gasket and not a cracked block causing the over heating. If that is the case then you are looking at a new engine.

I bought my 01 with the same amount of miles and around the same price. I thought I was getting a good deal, but it took a lot of work to get it to daily driver status. It runs great now and I love it, but all I can say is be prepared to put some time,money and love into it.

 

thanks for the input! to replace the head gasket is it a must to bring the heads to a machine shop?
if just doing the head gasket to start would it be safe to say gaskets/bolts thermostat new coolant and water pump? for the entire head gasket job?

 

i checked the VIN and it falls in the range for the bad oil pump rovers. a bad oil pump wouldnt cause overheating would it? Im sure it wouldnt cause the exhaust to smoke white either.

 

In my opinion I would say yes, you must take your heads to the machine shop. If your car over heats (as yours did) then the heads may be warped. If you don't take them to get surfaced then you run the risk of having to redo the head gaskets again very soon. Then machine shop will also install the new valve stem seals for you and clean the the heads like new. This is not a Truck that you want to cut corners with.

I would install new oil pump gears while you are doing the heads gaskets. They are only $100 and you will already have everything half way apart to do them. The white smoke is more then likely your head gaskets.

 

i would agree do it right; once.