I am replacing the radiator and intake gaskets on my 2000 DiscoII and wondering if I should go the extra distance to replace the head gaskets and redo the heads while I am there. The Disco has 168,000 miles on it, and no engine problems other than the intake gasket leaking. Replacing the radiator because of leak and noticed a very small leak dripping from top of engine down the passenger side of the engine where it meets the bell housing of transmission (assuming this is intake gasket leak resulting from overheating.) Since getting this involved with the intake, my thought is I should go ahead with the head gaskets as well, since it got hot a few times while the radiator leaked. I have also ordered another water pump, even though it was replaced less than 2 years ago. Once I get the water pump off, I am also thinking the timing chain and sprocket as well. It seems I could just go on to the point I should just do a full rebuild. From experience, can anyone say how many miles this engine should get before a rebuild assuming no other serious issues are present? I hate to open it up unnecessarily, but still afraid of having to go back in later.

What do you all think?

Thanks-
Michael

 

how do you plan on driving it? off road mostly? or just back and forth to work?

 

Just commuting. Never has been off road and never will be.

 

I wouldn't go as far as doing the timing chain but if it were overheated, I would definitely do the head gasket and take the heads to a machine shop. At that kind of mileage, I wouldn't risk it. Do the heads, replace the thermostat, expansion tank cap, and hoses if needed. Also a good time to upgrade to 8mm wires if you haven't done that.

Eric

 

Yeah- I already ordered all new coolant hoses and thermostat, and plan on switching the wires. Who sells a good set of 8mm wires online?

Thanks-
mtfife

 

I use Kingsborn. Others will recommend Magnecor or STI.

Eric