Land Rover Repair: Radiator and Oil/Coolant leaks, jockey pulley, coolant leaks

Question
Hi John,

I have a 2001 Discovery with 137,000 miles. The temperature gauge has been running high so I took it in for an inspection.

They found multiple problems including a cracked radiator, oil and coolant leaks from the head gaskets and the throttle body kit. They also recommend replacing the jockey pulley. The total estimate is $2800.

Do these sound like common Land Rover issues? Do you think all of this work needs to be completed immediately or can it be done over time? Is there any other information I need before I make my decision?

Thanks for your time and your advice.

Heather

Answer
Hi Heather,

yes, these problems are common AND yes you can separate these problems into smaller work orders and spread them out over time.

Address the headgasket problem first.  This can be very serious and it could threaten the life of your engine.  At $7500 or more, you don't want to replace the engine block! If coolant is appearing in your oil sump, that needs immediate attention and you only want a LR specialist to perform this work.

I've not had a jockey pulley problem but it may have to linked with the headgasket work...since the engine is being worked on anyway. Otherwise, wait until after the rad is repaired or replaced.

After the headgasket probem, I'd tackle the cracked radiator problem.  You don't have to go to a LandRover dealer to have this performed.  Recently, I went to a radiator specialist to have my Disco radiator re-cored.  The cost was a fraction of what it would cost at the dealership.  Most dealers would simply replace the radiator with a new one (~$800).  A radiator specialist could possibly repair and recore the rad for under $400 and it would be just as good.  

So yes, its possible to divide this into at least two workorders.  Have LR do the headgasket and pulley work and then find a rad specialist to repair or replace the rad.

I've used a rad specialist on my '95 Disco and was very satisfied.  When the specialist worked on my Disco, instead of 3 layers of cooling vents (normally found), the specialist installed 4 layers: "there was enough room so I did it" - no additional charge.

I found out that some LR dealers use local specialists to peroform repairs (jobber work) and then markup the work even more.  Be aware of this.

Best of luck,

JohnMc