Hey everyone,
I recently bought a 2001 Discovery II with 112k on it and was incredibly happy with the truck. Sure it needed some TLC, but overall it didn't seem like anything major was needed.

The previous owner told me head gaskets were just done, which was a pretty big concern of mine when I was looking at Rovers, so I was very glad this major repair was already taken care of.

A few days ago, I was driving down the highway and I randomly overheated big time - steam, overflowing coolant, etc

Brought it to the shop to see if it could be something small, like a stuck thermostat, faulty water pump.. Unfortunately it wasn't small.

They tested for exhaust in the coolant, and sure enough there was, pointing to a head gasket or other engine problem. However, without taking the heads off, I guess there's no real way to 100% identify for sure. Even with the heads off, the shop told me they still couldn't be 100% certain. Could be gaskets, could be a slipped liner, could be a bad block in general. Pretty frustrating considering I thought head gaskets were just done - but apparently it may not have been the greatest job and may have caused further damage.

So here's my dilemma.. Should I just sell this thing as a parts car? I can't afford to do a gasket job, then only find out it's something else in the engine. In other words, pay $1800+ to find out the damn thing still overheats. As much as I'd like to work on it myself, I work 5 days a week and can't be without a car for a month or more.

Based on the symptoms, does anyone have an idea of what's going on? What would you do if you were in my situation?

Best,
Dylan

 

Your block is probably junk. You can get a used engine for about $1,000 and have it installed for about $1,500. The truck is probably only worth $2K with a bad engine. Sorry for a bunch of bad news.

 

I mean that's pretty much what I'm thinking, that the engine is done. I've been trying to convince myself that wasn't the case, because I loved the truck...

But you're right, should probably just accept it and start thinking about moving on

 

sorry to hear about the landy,the only thing is if you fix you know it been done prop and your not buying another motor thinking how long it will that one last.

 

Most say head gaskets will take a long weekend to complete, even for rookies. If you can dedicate that time and can afford the parts, it might be worth it to save the truck you love.

I dumped my '96 DI after a cracked IM and regret it every day

 

I see DIIs going for $1,700 with blown engines and that's RETAIL..you'll be lucky to get $1,500 in this market. I suggest..

A) buy a cheap daily driver and do the work on the rover yourself
B) buy a cheap daily driver and slowly part out the rover

sorry to hear about the engine. If you choose B let me know I'm looking for a few parts.

 

Yeah if you choose to part it out let me know as well... I could use a thing or two. Sorry about your rover though.

 

I say have it stuffed or bronzed maybe and put it on your roof..... then go out every morning and pray to it just to mess with the neighbors.... maybe use a left over rubber floor matt to kneel on and a snorkel as a sceptor

 

That is Hysterical!!! I think I'll do it when mine craps out for good!

 

Maybe I should try that and see if the mojo keeps my other rovers running.