Finally Getting Back Into a Disco II: HELP

[DiscoTech]

I have been a member on here for a long time; lost my first D2 in an accident, went to an LR4, got away from Rovers for a bit, but finally picking up another D2. That said, I am getting the truck from a friend (I inspected it for him when before he bought it 2 years ago), it is a clean truck with just north of 100K miles. However, it does have a blown head gasket, not sure which side yet. I was told that it will leak copious amounts of fluid from the head once it has been shut off. Anyways, I am getting the vehicle for $300, so I can't really pass on it. lol. I have done a HG job many years back, and it was a pain in the ass then, and I am sure it hasn't changed. Should I just pony up the money for a shop to do the work? I suppose I could do it again myself, but I have gotten lazier as I have gotten older.

Mike

 

[Tugela]

Do it yourself. Especially if you've already done it before. It's worth calling around for some quotes to see what the professional options are. Part of the reason I tackled the HG job myself was because the shop quotes I got were in the $2,400 range but that was 6 years ago. My total costs were around $900, which included a valve rebuild, machining the heads, tools, beer, and replacing some extra parts (hoses, etc.). It's possible to do it for less, I tacked on some other things. But it also took me two weekends and some weeknights in between to do the job - admittedly I'm slow - so you also need to consider the value of your time.

I learned a lot doing the job myself and know the quality of the work as a result. That was worth a lot to me. There are tons of great resources for helping you through the job if you choose to take it on. But if you have the money and your time is more valuable then farming the project out to the pros is fine, provided you know exactly what they are doing (will they machine the heads, for example?).

Here's a write-up I did of my experience replacing the head gaskets. It might inform your decision.

 

[kcabpilot]

Not sure what you're asking or what kind of answer you're looking to get here. You say you know how to do it but you're lazy. What exactly are we supposed to tell you?

 

[DiscoTech]

You're not supposed to tell me anything. I was just asking for opinions, nothing more. But, thanks for the input all the same...

 

[kcabpilot]

Okay, opinion: do it yourself

 

[DiscoTech]

Okay, opinion: do it yourself

See, that wasn't so hard. Lol. Thank you!

 

[DiscoTech]

So, now that I finally have the vehicle in my possession, it looks like it is not the HGs. I am seeing steady drip from the water pump and timing chain cover area. This is definitely much easier than a whole HG job!

Mike

 

[discostew]

It will be easier. But don,t forget that the oil pan will have to come off to get the front cover off. Because the oil sump bolts to it. I know all to well about feeling lazy and old, but why trust someone who probably knows less about that truck than you to do the job?

 

[DiscoTech]

It will be easier. But don,t forget that the oil pan will have to come off to get the front cover off. Because the oil sump bolts to it. I know all to well about feeling lazy and old, but why trust someone who probably knows less about that truck than you to do the job?

You're 100% correct. Thanks for the advice!

 

[kcabpilot]

Finding the source of a coolant leak can be elusive. Are you sure it's not just leaking from the water pump shaft seal? That would be the most likely culprit whereas a timing cover leak is not as common.

 

[DiscoTech]

Finding the source of a coolant leak can be elusive. Are you sure it's not just leaking from the water pump shaft seal? That would be the most likely culprit whereas a timing cover leak is not as common.

No, I'm 100% sure, so it very well may be the water pump shaft seal. Either way, I'm replacing all of it with new stuff to be on the safe side.

Mike