Greetings Fellow Rover Fans

I have a dilemma on my hands and would like some feedback from y’all in the forum. My old girl “99-D2” has finely got to the point where she needs new head gaskets at 165000k. I have done some upgrades to her along the way as per my signature block. My question is should I just change out the gaskets and get the heads machined or go the more expensive route and have the engine redone up in Oklahoma by the folks at Cannibal?

She to this day does not leak oil, runs great other than external coolant leak at the back of the engine (must keep her burped to keep my scanguage temp happy). She has never been over heated and I keep the engine power scrubbed.

She was my daily driver but now I just run her on the road a bit to keep her in working order. Since I bought my wife a new vehicle and now using her old vehicle to commute, I plan to just use her as my hunting/trekking/adventure vehicle.

So back to the question at hand what would y’all do? (Not concerned with the vehicle value as selling her is not in the picture). Just for your info I am leaning toward redoing engine since she does have 165000k on her.

Your input is appreciated.

 

not leaking, not burning oil, low to moderate usage.......= head gaskets only, IMO

 

Thanks for replying... your course of action does make sense...I have a buddy down in Baton Rouge who has a good independent mech. just waiting for him to get back to me with a cost. I love my old girl and want to keep her running. lots of off road memories including trip to Colorado Imogene pass where I proposed to my wife.

Cheers

 

Head gaskets skim the head and hope for another 150k