Overheating, Misfiring - Need Opinions

[dhuddleson]

agro1,

The GEMS and Bosch shortblocks have minor differences, but the Bosch can be quickly "fixed" to work in place of the GEMS. The difference is the welded in plate which holds the crankshaft (flywheel) position sensor. This is the lower left rear corner of the block. You need to remove the "disk" and transfer it to the new block. Everything will end up in perfect alignment! Ask me, I know... my 98 D1 has a new "Bosch" shortblock in it since May.

As for your other options of short or longblocks, I would probably choose #3 if you can get any warranty or guarantee... even 30 days! The #2 option is still too expensive, and risky. Maybe $800 to assume that risk, or dealer willing to stand behind it for a period of time...

And you ask "what can fail? " In my case, try (1) dropped sleeve, (2) rear main bearing shell showing copper and loose in main cap, (3) blown head gasket, and (4) worn lobes on camshaft..... and still it was running and getting 12mpg! (of course it runs better now!)

Good luck!

 

[antichrist]

Antichrist - 'Preciate the suggestion, but remember, I'm loosing LOTS of coolant, and it ain't going on the ground.
snip

Ah, missed that. That's what I get for responding when I'm supposed to be working

 

[agro1]

Just wanted to post an update. The truck was taken to The Rover Group in San Diego for the short block swap where they did en excellent job of getting me back on the road. They pulled the heads, sent them off for a valve job and to be surfaced, replaced the short block with the new 4.0 GEMS block, and re-assembled everything in 3 days. I was absolutely astounded by not only the speed in which they completed the job, but also the quality of work they performed - top notch marks to Jim Newmann and his staff. Jim is a consummate professional who would rather loose a few bucks rather than loose a customer. If anyone is in the San Diego area, I highly recommend their shop. Jim is a straight shooter, very knowledgeable about Rovers and extremely helpful. It was quite refreshing to deal with a shop that delivers what they promise, on time, at a very reasonable price.

I'd also like to thank Dan at Specialized British Recyclers for providing me with the 4.0 short block. The motor was delivered in a couple of days, as promised in a crate - brand new. Dan is a great guy and has been around for a long time. His price was very good and his service was exceptional. If it's a Rover part you need, Dan probably has it.

Lastly, a special thanks to Paul Schram for all his help and knowledge. Thanks Paul, if you're ever out this way, let me know - I owe ya a fat ass T-Bone


http://therovergroup.com/home.htm

http://www.britishrecycling.com/about.html

http://www.btlrovers.com/

 

[p m]

glad to know you're back on the road - did you say it was a slipped sleeve?

 

[agro1]

Peter - Yup, the sleeve had juuuuust started to slip. It was going through almost the entire expansion tank of coolant every 50 miles. Bad news...But, with your help and others I was able to get it diagnosed and fixed pretty quick. $5k later Oh well, it's pretty much a brand new motor now so it ought to last a long long time. Thanks again for the help man.

Luke

 

[p m]

Ouch... no wonder I feel low on JN's totem pole