Head Gasket Leak, Overheating, New Engine Needed
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Three Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 67
Likes: 46
From: AL
Head Gasket Leak, Overheating, New Engine Needed
Picked up a very clean, dealer maintained LR4 a few months back for $15k. Had a pre-purchase inspection done by the JLR dealer who maintained it, but they missed the head gasket leak that causes the cooling system to pressurize, the vehicle then overheats and pukes it’s coolant.
That’s what was found by another dealer, after it left us stranded a few hours away from home. That dealer is saying it needs an engine ($30,000), since they don’t replace head gaskets. I see reman engines from “the rover spot” and “tapa” for about $11k shipped. A zero “0” mile engine seems like a better deal than sourcing an engine from a wreck via LKQ for the same or more money.
What’s been the consensus as far as sourcing a replacement engine?
That’s what was found by another dealer, after it left us stranded a few hours away from home. That dealer is saying it needs an engine ($30,000), since they don’t replace head gaskets. I see reman engines from “the rover spot” and “tapa” for about $11k shipped. A zero “0” mile engine seems like a better deal than sourcing an engine from a wreck via LKQ for the same or more money.
What’s been the consensus as far as sourcing a replacement engine?
Baja
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,907
Likes: 792
From: Huntington Beach CA
I don’t think a used motor is worth it.
But, the rebuilt is going to cost you way more if done right.
While it’s out you should be changing everything possible as it’s only the cost of parts essentially vs changing it out later and paying labor.
So you need to consider the added cost of fuel injectors, high pressure fuel pumps, coolant manifolds, radiator, vacuum pump, pulleys/belts, alternator?, AC compressor?, etc.
Then if you are paying for install, $2-$5k. It adds up.
Lastly, call the dealer and get a quote for a new long block. The pricing from them is variable and sometimes those factory motors are selling for $12-$15k, way better option as they are truly zero mile engines as the above mentioned vendors are sending a core to a machine shop and they are refurbishing the used engine.
But, the rebuilt is going to cost you way more if done right.
While it’s out you should be changing everything possible as it’s only the cost of parts essentially vs changing it out later and paying labor.
So you need to consider the added cost of fuel injectors, high pressure fuel pumps, coolant manifolds, radiator, vacuum pump, pulleys/belts, alternator?, AC compressor?, etc.
Then if you are paying for install, $2-$5k. It adds up.
Lastly, call the dealer and get a quote for a new long block. The pricing from them is variable and sometimes those factory motors are selling for $12-$15k, way better option as they are truly zero mile engines as the above mentioned vendors are sending a core to a machine shop and they are refurbishing the used engine.
Last edited by abran; Jul 5, 2025 at 08:25 PM.
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Three Wheeling
Joined: Aug 2023
Posts: 67
Likes: 46
From: AL
Yes, I’m of the same opinion. For the money, the used motors from a wreck are still $10-14K, although I believe they come with everything, supercharger and all.
I believe the reman engines, at least the two I mentioned, come with injectors, coils, plugs, pumps, etc. I’m hoping for feedback from someone on the forum with experience before i start making calls.
I believe the reman engines, at least the two I mentioned, come with injectors, coils, plugs, pumps, etc. I’m hoping for feedback from someone on the forum with experience before i start making calls.
Baja
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,907
Likes: 792
From: Huntington Beach CA
I’ve bought from Tapa, no injectors, no cooling parts. But hit them up, maybe things have changed.
And used valve covers.
Like the dealer, they want a core back.
And used valve covers.
Like the dealer, they want a core back.
Last edited by abran; Jul 6, 2025 at 11:24 AM.
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