Land Rover Repair: 1998 Land Rover LE, general mechanics, head gasket

Question
Hi John,

I have a 1998 Discovery LE with about 140,000 miles on it. It has been running well the past year -- despite all of the leaks (oil, steering, etc.). Last week it stalled out while I was going about 25mph without any warning. The engine started making a horrible noise. It has been parked ever since the stalling incident and each time I start it the noise is even worse. It sounds like metal against metal and I'd guess it is probably an engine problem. Smoke comes out of the hood and it smells like it's about to catch on fire.
Any idea what the specific problem might be? If I do have to get the engine replaced, about how much do those cost? Would I have to get this done at a LR dealer's service center?
Any advice you can share with me would be appreciated! I'm a student and can't afford to keep putting money in it. I just got a new serpentine belt last month--could that have something to do with the problem?

Thank you,
Kristin

Answer
Hi Kristin,

it could be a seized engine.  Maybe a cylinder has lost a ring and that's what caused horrible noise.  The smoke and smell are tell-tale signs of this.

A new engine can cost $7000US.   A rebuilt can be around $4000.  Some good general mechanics can rebuild your existing engine an it could cost you about $2000 to $3000.

You'd have to check to make sure that the new Serpentine belt is on ALL the pulleys.  If the belt had slipped off, it could cause the engine to overheat.  Maybe one of the pulleys has lost a bearing and the HORRIBLE NOISE you hear is the pulley bearing, grinding away to nothing!  

Have a closer look inside the engine compartment.  Look for coolant (green liquid) all over the engine...IF not, check the serpentine belt.  IS it seated on all the pulleys?  Check the oil dip stick. Is the oil clean?  Does it look frothy, if so, it could be a head gasket that had blown.

Tell me what type of engine you have, how many miles you have on it, and describe the engine compartment as it is right now.  

From where I'm sitting, I can't really tell if its a simple gasket or bearing, or worse, a blown engine.  Don't worry too much at this point.  There are several options still available, no matter what the problem is.

Waiting for your reply,

JohnMc

NB:  even if its a blown engine, I'll help you find a replacement, if you'd like.