Hey guys, me again,

So I took my Disco out about 2 weeks ago after I confirmed my HG job worked... but it only went about a mile down the road and died. I was able to get it re-started after trying for a few minutes and nursed it gently home, but discovered there was much, MUCH more wrong than just the HG. The HG actually seems to be fine now which is how it was able to start at all, but the rest of the engine... well IDK. It just seems very serious, so I started looking online and from my research it seems I have 2 options:

Rebuild or find a new engine. Suggestions please.

 

IDK either.

What seems to be the problem? You seem to be certain you have serious engine issues and a better description might help to determine if rebuilding would be an option. How did you reach your FUBAR conclusion?
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Well, after I got the fuel pump replaced it started right up and sounded pretty good, but as I said when I hit the road it died. I let it warm up for about 10 minutes, then as I hit the road it seemed super sluggish and weak like it had a compression issue and then as I came to a stop about a mile into the test drive it died. It took a few tries to start it, but I got it started and again it was super sluggish but it went about 3/4 of a mile sounding like it had emphysema and died as I had to slow for a 4-way stop. It then would not start for a minute or 2. I kept trying every little bit and it almost sounded like it wanted to start as I did long cranks, but then it wouldn't. Finally, after a few minutes and probably about 15 good cranks I got it to start and nursed it back the rest of the way having to really give it gas at first to get it from the stop and then keep it regulated to keep it going and not slow too far down as I rounded the corners back to my driveway. I was reading the following article JE Robison Service - Bosch Car Service Specialists ? the blog: Should You Rebuild or Replace Your Land Rover V8? and based on what it described, I'd say this engine needs an overhaul.

 

What would y'all think about putting a 350 Chev in it...? I'm very familiar with them and they seem like a better, more reliable piece of machinery...

 

Not me, think.

Do you suspect a coolant leak or overheating caused the sluggish performance and stopping? Any indication of that except the emphysema sound you expressed. Did you have a way to monitor actual temps versus going by the stupid dash gauge. Website you referred to may be a source of information about worst case engine block scenarios but not the holy grail.

Still IDK or have a clue of what problems your having.
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I don't know of any coolant leakage. There's nothing on the ground under it. The guage said it was cool the whole time... I think it might be bad because it didn't really even move the whole time.

I know that site is about worst case issues, but I just did the HG, and it seemed to turn fine while I had the heads off and when they were fully installed again. I don't understand what the issue would be if it's not a lower engine issue now.

 

You can simulate the heads off condition by removing all of your spark plugs and eliminating the compression. If it then turns easily like before you may want to discount the lower engine thinking.
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I skimmed through the thread and didn't see anything about a "check engine light" or fault codes associated. I did read where several asked you about fault codes but you didn't respond with any, unless I overlooked that. What's the current status?

 

again i would check fuel pressure and spark, if its dying it has to be one or the other.

 

chubbs878, as far as codes go, I mentioned I don't have a code reader. I've been thinking of buying one but I usually just take my vehicles to the local AutoZone and use theirs, so I've never really needed a reader 'til now... but this thing won't even get half way there, so I might break down and buy one. I'll keep ya posted...

As far as fuel pressure and spark, I also previously mentioned getting zapped pretty good (while wearing rubber gloves) confirming there is most definitely spark. So do you think it could be fuel pressure still, perhaps the fuel filter?