I have a 2001 Disco II with 210,000+ miles. Never had a head gasket replaced. It sieves oil - doesn't really burn it, it just leaks a lot. Traveling on the interstate a few weeks ago I heard a belt slipping. I was 1/4 mile from the next exit. I decided to pull over. Almost immediately the temp needle spiked, stayed there for a few seconds, then immediately dropped to the bottom. I continued to drive as the exit was in sight and pulled over. Radiator fluid was leaking everywhere. I had it towed. I was told a new water pump was in order so I paid to have that done. After repairs the truck still runs hot - but now after driving about 4-5 miles it starts to creep up the gauge (no spiking). I'm being told I have a slipped cylinder sleeve and need a new motor.

I should add that I also had the thermostat replaced with the water pump. The other bit of info is that no exhaust gas is found in the radiator test kit either BEFORE or AFTER the water pump and thermostat repairs were made.

Atlantic British confirms the diagnosis after giving them the above history. Been told that my cylinder sleeve slipped the moment my needle spiked, but that doesn't explain why it now runs hot only after driving it about 5 miles. Cost of a rebuilt is $5-6k. Seems outa sight for the condition of my truck.

Do my symptoms match a slipped sleeve? Is that the death of my engine? Is there an alternative fix?

Thank.