Radiator and Engine Oil Leak

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BarrettRC8

Member
Jul 31, 2017
16
0
San Diego
Unfortunately, what I knew would eventually happen occurred sooner as opposed to later. I was in the process of checking the oil level and noticed it was low on my 2003 D2, and upon further investigation saw a pretty significant leak of both coolant and oil.

I have a very trustworthy shop that has quoted me at approximately $1,000 for the radiator leak and an additional $2,800 for the oil leak which is happening in three locations - Valve cover ($800), Intake Gasket ($1,000), and the Oil Pan Gasket ($1,000). The guy believes about 60-70% of the leak is coming from the valve cover.

Does that sound pretty fair for what you guys have seen? I've attached a few pictures of the leaks and one of the the truck.

Bottom line, I absolutely love this truck, and I'm going to get it fixed, but probably only the radiator at the moment while I continue to monitor the oil levels and add some when required. Anyone else dealt with these issues and or have some advice? Or maybe I'm just looking at some comfort for Discovery ownership... :rofl:
 
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mearstrae

Well-known member
Mar 15, 2017
143
18
Pennsylvania
Did these folks start out with the Vaseline or just jump right into using Sand? Those costs are half way to a new engine. I'd look else where for repairs, or... just learn to do them yourself and really save.
 
Icannap1

Icannap1

Well-known member
Mar 3, 2015
123
21
OC, CA
You are better off doing it your self or find a friend that is mechanically inclined if your not able to do the job yourself. The green coolant may be coming from the water pump. You can clean the engine carefully by using a degreaser mix and place it in one of the pressurized pump bottles that are used for bug spray that can be purchased at your local HD or any hardware store for around 12 - 20 bucks, and rinse it with water. Do not use a pressure washer as that can get into places that it shouldn't be in. Once you cleaned the engine you can see where the leak is coming from. Fix your coolant leak first as that is something that you don't want to wait till it goes as that will become a costly repair later.
 
jymmiejamz

jymmiejamz

Well-known member
Dec 5, 2004
6,008
361
35
Los Angeles, Ca
That sounds like dealership prices. Also, I wouldn't bother doing just an intake gasket on a DII, the head gasket will start leaking soon too.
 
WaltNYC

WaltNYC

Well-known member
Mar 3, 2010
710
138
NYC
They are 'double dipping' on you. For instance, it is impossible to replace the intake gasket (aka valley pan gasket) without removing the valve covers.

And the oil pan gasket quote is just insulting.

You were wise to ask here first. You will be wiser to find another shop.
 
K-rover

K-rover

Well-known member
Jan 15, 2010
2,179
69
Raleigh, NC
What everyone else said!! Those prices are insulting.. You can do the intake and valve cover gaskets yourself with basic hand tools. Nothing special there. Same with the oil pan.

Spend a little time and try and pin point exactly where the coolant is coming from. It could be something as simple as a loose hose clamp or a split hose.
 
D

discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,733
1,024
Northern Illinois
jymmiejamz said:
That sounds like dealership prices. Also, I wouldn't bother doing just an intake gasket on a DII, the head gasket will start leaking soon too.
Click to expand...

He's double wacking him. Full boat on the valve cover gaskets and full boat on the intake.

Find someone who knows these a little better. If he is an honest mechanic then he just doesn't know enough about these trucks to quote it right.
 
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discostew

Well-known member
Sep 14, 2010
7,733
1,024
Northern Illinois
WaltNYC said:
They are 'double dipping' on you. For instance, it is impossible to replace the intake gasket (aka valley pan gasket) without removing the valve covers.

And the oil pan gasket quote is just insulting.

You were wise to ask here first. You will be wiser to find another shop.
Click to expand...

I didn't see this. Looks like you beat me to it.

And like jimmy said the headgaskets are going to leak soon anyway.

And I charge 10 hours for headgaskets , and 11 hours if it's got secondary air injection.

Sucks that people try to get away with this kind of shit. Like clubbing baby seals.
 
J

JohnnoK

Well-known member
Mar 19, 2017
193
19
Cape Town, South Africa
I'd suggest first cleaning the motor and them going for a drive to see what is leaking most and requires first attention.

Unless you are totally ham-fisted, those are all DIY jobs and the benefits in what you will learn about your truck along the way is an added bonus, not to mention the savings in beer tokens.
 
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