Land Rover Repair: Disco II problem, mo warranty, head gaskets

Question
Thanks, John.  The mechanic was about 2 miles away, so I took it there w/out heating up.  

So here's the scoop:  the head gaskets are blown.  They're quoting me $2200 to do the head work (parts and labor), but telling me that I run a risk of having the lower half of the engine go bad afterwards.  So my other option is a rebuilt engine for $4400 (parts, labor, 12 mo. warranty of engine).  Naturally I'm feeling a little pushed towards the $4400 option, but does this feel right to you, or are they just trying to hook me for a bigger sale?

Thanks for your help, I know squat about cars!



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Followup To
Question -
John,
Thanks so much for this service!  You rock!

I have a 2000 Disco II, and the SES light has been on for about a month... wasn't worried as I understand the emissions thing.  

However, yesterday it started blinking, and the truck started idling rather roughly... like a vibration.... and the same this continued in 1st gear.  When I got out of 1st gear the vibrating went away and the SES light stopped blinking.  I drove the truck about 2 miles so I could pull under a light.  When I turned the truck off it smelled a bit like burning coolant.  When I popped the hood there was wetness on the left side, behind the coolant overflow tank...like fluid had squirt up from something in that area of the hood.  This morning it looks like there has been some leakage on my driveway.  

Any ideas?  Also, my mechanic is a couple of miles away.... do you think it's ok to drive it to him, or should I have it towed?
Answer -
Hi Dennis,

the coolant overflow is unrelated to the SES light.  SES reminder is usually triggered around the 82700 mile mark.  

Coolant spillage in the engine compartment indicates a blockage somewhere and boil-over has happened.  Could be the rad, inside the engine or the heater matrix.

You'll need to have your rad and cooling system pressure tested.

Is it safe to drive?  Well...if its a very short drive, you could risk it.  The problem is ...  if the engine is allowed to overheat, the sleeves that line the cylinders have been known to fall (the welds melt) and then the engine becomes a 'big paper-weight'.  Just one sleeve falling can ruin the engine completely.  At what point would the sleeve fall is anyone's guess.  New engine $10,000 vs towing $150..

IF its a short distance to your mechanic and you can top up the coolant... risky.

Best of luck,

JohnMc

NB: thanks for the kind intro words.  

Answer
Hi Dennis,

ouch.  Blown headgasket. I'm so sorry.

So, LR is willing to sell you a rebuilt engine for $4400 (parts, labour, 12 month warranty, taxes included?) OR you repair the headgasket and take your chances.

NOTE:  DiscoII engines have a problem with sticking exhaust valves.  Eventually, the problem becomes so severe that you loose power and performance.  Can start as soon as 50,000 miles.  Only solution is a valve job (about $2500).  

With a rebuilt from LR, you can postpone this problem for many years.  If you do go with LR engine solution, make sure this problem is not present and that they check this "IN WRITING:  exhaust valves inspected and certified clean and undamaged".  Don't go on just their word.

Your other option would be a salvaged engine.  A quick search on www.car-part.com resulted in several engines for your Disco starting at $2000.  Some yards include installation while others will do the install for a nominal fee (as low as $200).  If you take the engine to your own mechanic, there's the transportation and the install fees.  Could be an additional $800 to $1000.

So LR engine: $4400.  Salvaged engine: ~2000 to ~$3000

differences: warranty from LR or salvage yard, exhaust valve problem checked/corrected, ~$1000 to ~$1500 saved with salvaged engine; LR installed engine vs general mechanic installation.

Definately, a salvaged or rebuilt engine is much better than the price of a new engine.  I'm not too sure about the statement that you'll loose the lower half of the engine.  It could be true but I'm not sure.  I've never heard that happen but you never know.

Salvaged engines are just as risky.  Of course, the lower the mileage is always best.  A 6000 mile engine runs about $3000 while a 19,000 mile engine sells for about $2200.

I hope this helps...if it were me AND I could afford it, I'd go for the LR $4400 (tax included?).  This way, I'd make sure the valves were inspected and free of any sticking problems and deposits.  

If I was tight for money, I'd take my chances on a salvaged engine install.  So far, I've been satisfied with salvaged parts.

Best of luck,

JohnMc