I have a 2002 Disco that just turned 50k miles and is now out of warranty. The delaer says it is leaking coolant and oil and needs the head gaskets replace to the tune of $2500.00. Funny how we brought it in for leaking coolant in warranty and it was supposedly just some coolant gasket somewhere.

My question is do these motors typically need new head gaskets so early? I have never owned a vehicle that needed head gaskets at 50k miles. This is just a daily grocery getter for the most part. I am contemplating getting rid of it if the motor is that bad.

 

GNX,

To answer your question, yes. Unfortunately the head gaskets on your NAS Disco II are prone to early failure.

Question in return; You state " your Dealer says... " Your head gaskets are leaking coolant and oil. Are you noticing coolant and/or oil loss ? Many times the head gaskets merely seep these fluids. If you are not noticing fluid loss or spots on your driveway then forget about it.

 

Bait, you are correct- head gasket leaks are part of rover ownership. A funny story- Since I work on british cars for a living I went to a Rolls Royce technical seminar and alot of the techs were asking what they can do about the various leaks. The service rep from Rolls said "Nothing, this is called Controlled Seepage". Try and explain that to an irate owner. Thanks- Rusty Owens-HR Motorcars, Indy Rover specialists.

 

Well, all I can say is that my 1952 model doesn't have any leaks..

 

With that in mind lightening, does that mean we should all get a 51' Rover??

 

Update- The Zone Mgr met with the Service Mgr at the Dealership and did the right thing and agreed to cover the replacement of the head gaskets. I was so delighted I bought a LR3 on the spot. What a whole different animal, I love this thing!!!

 

Only if you like things very basic and a top speed of 45mph.. back then even the heater was an optional extra, and only in 1950 the doors had become a standard fit rather than an optional extra..

It is something I have noticed that modern vehicles tend to leak slightly more or are prone to failures more than stuff built back in the 1950's. Though this is because we are stressing the engines far more, and having to work to much finer tolerances when building the things. After all my 1952 model has a 2 litre engine and develops around 45bhp, where as my current Rover 25 with it's 2 litre engine develops 135BHP. Big difference in power for the same size engine.