The Real Head Gasket Poll

[TheDarkKnightt]

I've had two head jobs done on my '96.

Don't remember what mileage the first one was done exactly without looking at notes,
but the second one was done at 280K-ish.

The engine is nearly ready for Land Rover heaven.

 

[91 PBP 5079]

We often seem very concerned about our engine oil type. But the big engine killer seems to be engine internal cracks and head gasket problems.

Maybe we should have more talk about antifreeze types and change intervals.

I haven't seen to many problems with cams going flat either.
Just thinking.

170K miles and no head gasket or cracks yet.

 

[tongolo]

Recently replaced hg in 2001 DII 4.0 108K miles.

Also have 1998 DI 4.0 168K miles and will be needing HG replacement very soon.

 

[BDM]

I had a first gen Rx7, which had an aluminum housing. The rotaries were known to be very sensitive to overheating and you would be advised to go really easy on the pedal until it was fully warmed up. Otherwise, seals would fail majorly. Could the Disco aluminum engine follow this theory??

 

[awatkins]

99 D2: once at 80K again at 110K (suspect first on used non-OEM gaskets).

 

[ptschram]

We often seem very concerned about our engine oil type. But the big engine killer seems to be engine internal cracks and head gasket problems.

Maybe we should have more talk about antifreeze types and change intervals.

I haven't seen to many problems with cams going flat either.
Just thinking.

170K miles and no head gasket or cracks yet.

I don't know if the anti-freeze problem is the coolant attacking the gaskets, or if it is an issue with the radiators getting clogged up and overheating resulting. I know this is what was happening with mine, although a split expansion tank was a contributing factor.

Good maintenance will definitely improve one's chance for longevity.

PT

 

[bovw]

I don't know if the anti-freeze problem is the coolant attacking the gaskets, or if it is an issue with the radiators getting clogged up and overheating resulting. I know this is what was happening with mine, although a split expansion tank was a contributing factor.

Good maintenance will definitely improve one's chance for longevity.

PT

Mine was the radiator clogged and a defective fan clutch. I had the radiator flushed right before vacation and the problems started while away. Thank you PO.

 

[burn_e]

My 3.9 went down the drain at about 140000km when a coolant leak was undetected.

Was not just the head gasket - had to rebuild the whole engine. But used the opportunity to upgrade to 4.2ltr.

 

[DeMak]

Of the 3.9's, 40% have not had there HG's replaced. These should be the oldest - highest mileage motors out there. What gives?

 

[ratboy]

i had to do mine cause someone (p o) overheated it so much that it was squeaking out of one of the head bolts, altho the piston slap tells me he ran it until is seized. oh well, just the reason for a 4.6. at least it "was" cheap...at the time

 

[97DiscoXD]

I have had my 97 Disco XD since new and have never replaced the head gaskets now 220K miles, it has been used as a work vehicle often pulling a trailer and it has overheated many times without ever slipping a cylinder lining.

 

[Darren M.]

Replaced mine at 108K:banghead:

 

[delash_81]

DI w/ 105k when gasket blew....not hard to replace but time consuming.

 

[bigred]

99 dII - done at around 68k

 

[quick128]

00 D2 with 145k. burning coolant. ordered kit from PT.

 

[JohnB]

My D2 had leaks in the front and rear. The gaskets were just weaping not a full on spray. Noticed the leak with 93K lived with it for 10K more. Replaced when my cam lobes wore out and was breaking down the engine anyway. The gaskets that were pulled off didn't have a Land Rover stamp on them so I assume they had been replaced once before.

 

[bwalls]

'99 D1 SD 4.0, 86,000 miles. 3rd owner. No Head Gasket/overheating issues. I drive it once a week, sometimes.

 

[canada72]

02 Disco II Head Gasket blew on it yesterday, coolant leaking out of the exhaust manifold. Valley pan was leaking oil so get both in one shot, probably change the water pump and timing chain while I'm at it. Odometer 150k

 

[Plain2000DII]

2000 D2 done at 105k, cost more than the truck was worth, but what the hey, its only money

 

[Two Cold Soakers]

160k - Not saying it isn't getting close, but so far she's tight.