I am replacing the head gasket on my 2004 land rover discovery. What parts in addition to the head gasket do I need to replace? British atlantic has an expensive head gasket kit with many parts. The car has had a head gasket replacement about 4-6 years ago (the other gaskets and stuff were also replaced). Can I reuse gaskets like the exhaust manifold, valve cover, etc?

 

I would not reuse any gasket. There will be a few things you do not use in the kit but not many. I would suggest that you rehab your injectors. The baskets on mine were filthy
https://theinjectorshop.com/products...3d24dfb5&_ss=r

 

I'm new to the rovers but not motors. I think this forum is a little slow, not a single answer to any of the ??? In my thread so maybe we can learn together.

don't reuse head bolts, some are 2 time use and some are one time. It's a dumb idea. These engines go through head gaskets like a Ford 6.0. Arp head studs. I believe the rover heads have some odd torque sequence/process/method. Go with arp studs and use a regular torque wrench, torque method and they are reusable.

im about to remove the intake to do my valve cover gaskets with felpro. Don't reuse gaskets as you'll likely be going back in soon. If this was a 4bbl 350 if say go for it, 20 min to do both valve covers, but it's much more than that. Im a huge believer in a thin coat of good Permatex gasket sealer (I like black rtv great stuff) on the valve cover gaskets. Thin like you had to borrow money to buy it and need it to last.

plan on new exhaust, intake and valve cover gaskets. Don't go with oem if there is an aftermarket gasket that is better. The good rovers got diesels, if there is anything better than factory option on these old motors use it.

don't forget water out outlet o rings.

I'll swap motors before I put money/time into heads for my motor at 225k and unknown service history but I can fill you in more in at least the intake and valve cover R&R later this week so long as there are no shipping delays.

Probably wouldn't be a bad idea to install all new radiator hoses and thermostat while you're in there a long with checking the cooling fan. Just in case the head gasket went because of over heating and not head gasket deterioration.

I'd also plan on pressue testing the coolant system before test starting and again after a few heat cycles. I've had to re torque the hose clamps on new hoses more than a few times over the years after a few heat cycles.

I use torque pro to monitor the temps via a blue tooth obd dondle. I highly suggest it if you don't have one already.

 

Also, do I have to drain the oil?

 

@evil_goat Yes oil and AF have to be replaced, I did a short turn over oil change 500 miles after the head gaskets- but that is personal.

Replace every gasket you remove and consider replacing the exhaust manifold bolts if any seem iffy.

GET THE HEADS CHECKED for true any warpage is going to have you back in there

But the simplest most important thing take your time,if you are not sure post a question and wait for an answer, if do this job right it will last along time

 

Can I drain and replace the oil after I put the engine back together, or is is going to spill out when I take the head off? Also what is AF?

 

Just be sure to drain anti-freeze before disassembly, at lowest point (bottom hose of rad). This will limit amount that gets into crankcase/oil pan. Yes, change oil immediately after assembling engine, and do it again after a few hundred miles.

 

These questions indicate that you are probably quite new to this process. There are lots and lots of threads on this forum -- and many videos from Atlantic British on YouTube -- that describe the process of changing head gaskets and associated maintenance. I know that I have seen several threads on here where people have asked the exact questions that you posed in your first post. It would probably be highly beneficial for you to do a lot of background reading first, before you start tackling anything, so that you at least have some basic knowledge before you actually start turning wrenches.