Land Rover Repair: 2000 Disco II - heater core, pipe saddles, pipe clamp

Question
My 2000 Disco II is pouring coolant into the passenger side of the cab and the mechanic tells me it's the heater core.  When I took it in, they said they would have to replace the entire heater box/case because the heater core didn't have seals and the entire project would be > $2000.  Do I need to replace the box or just the core?

Answer
Hi Sheri,

heater matrix has to be changed.  In order to do this the dashboard has to be dismantled and is very labour intensive.  Some say at least 10 hours.  The matrix itself is not that expensive - around $150 to $200 for aftermarket.

You can try having the repair done by an independent LR mechanic but since its mostly labour that is racking up the cost, it will still be an expensive repair.  

As for replacing the entire box?  Sounds like the dealer is trying to confuse the repair (padding the bill?).

Here's what the normal repair steps are for a heater matrix (heater core):

Heater matrix

Remove
1. Remove heater assembly.
+HEATING AND VENTILATION, REPAIRS, Heater assembly - models with
air conditioning.
2. Remove 2 screws securing coolant pipe saddles and remove saddles.
3. Loosen screws securing coolant pipes to matrix, release clamps and remove coolant pipes.
4. Remove and discard 'O' rings.
5. Remove heater matrix.

Refit
1. Position heater matrix, using new 'O' rings fit coolant pipes and align clamps.
2. Fit saddle clamps and secure with screws
3. Tighten coolant pipe clamp screws.
4. Fit heater assembly.

It is one of the most tedious jobs to repair and most DIY'ers will attest its a better part of a day to complete.  I don't know if there is something else wrong but I do know that usually only the matrix is replaced.  Should be around $1200 to $1500.

IF you suspect the dealership is trying to RIP YOU OFF, contact LR headquarters and raise your concern.  It would not be the first time that a dealer has tried to add parts to beef up the bill.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB:  another option, if you live in a warm climate, is to by-pass the heater matrix. This can be done inexpensively and you'll never have wet floors again.  Mind you, you'll never have heat either.  A "U" shaped connector can be fitted to the two coolant hoses that pass into the bulkhead - thus creating a by-pass.