QuestionPlease help. I have a 1999 disco series II. My temperature gauge was in the red and antifreeze was on the floor of my garage. My mechanic said it's likely the head gasket. After tearing the engine apart he found antifreeze in cylinder number 4. He noticed that the gasket was o.k. and speculated that the heads were warpped or cracked. After pressure testing them he realized that the problem lies in the block.
Now he's telling me that the block could be cracked or warpped. I,m no engine expert but, I know this is going to be painful. Is there anything that can be done to remedy the situation without pulling the block out? Or is this guy taking me for a ride?
Do you know what block could cost? I appreciate your time. thx very much
AnswerHi Brian,
Its difficult to say if you're being 'taken' by this mechanic. Its true that a failed headgasket can leave coolant in any given cylinder.
As for a crack or warped engine...you'll have to take his word or get a 2nd opinion from another shop.
I found a salvaged 2000Disco II engine block for $400 at www.car-part.com. Most salvage yards have guys who'll install the part for an extra $100 or so.
If you are being told that the new block will cost you BIG DOLLARS, maybe you can buy another engine from a salvage yard and save those BIG DOLLARS.
There are remedies that claim they can repair cracked blocks without pulling the engine out. I have my doubts and would advise you to just replace the engine or the block - start anew!
Best of luck with this,
JohnMc
