Externally Leaking Head Gasket V8

[Cannon]

I decided to put the BattleTruck in to a specialist Northside Landy Mob to have a coolant leak fixed with a new water pump & as I'm going down the LPG route I thought I'd get the engine checked to make sure all is OK before I go ahead.

Got a phone call at 9:00 which got me thinking "this can't be good" & unfortunately I was right:(

I was told it was not the water pump but the head gasket which is leaking from the corners which apparently is quite common.

I was quoted $3700 to fix including reconditioning the heads specifically for LPG & a few other things, I can't remember.....(must have blacked out momentarily;) ) I haven't got the written quote yet so I'll update when I do as to specifics.

Anyhoo when I went to pick it up & the work order said that it is leaking 'externally'. Gotta be better than internally I guess.

The guy who worked on it was out so I couldn't get an answer as to how bad is an external leak?

This is why I'm here. How bad is it? Will I have time to be able to sell one of my kids:o I mean kidneys? Or will I have to move on this quick smart?

Thanks for reading:)

:cry:

[bee utey]

I decided to put the BattleTruck in to a specialist Northside Landy Mob to have a coolant leak fixed with a new water pump & as I'm going down the LPG route I thought I'd get the engine checked to make sure all is OK before I go ahead.

Got a phone call at 9:00 which got me thinking "this can't be good" & unfortunately I was right:(

I was told it was not the water pump but the head gasket which is leaking from the corners which apparently is quite common.

I was quoted $3700 to fix including reconditioning the heads specifically for LPG & a few other things, I can't remember.....(must have blacked out momentarily;) ) I haven't got the written quote yet so I'll update when I do as to specifics.

Anyhoo when I went to pick it up & the work order said that it is leaking 'externally'. Gotta be better than internally I guess.

The guy who worked on it was out so I couldn't get an answer as to how bad is an external leak?

This is why I'm here. How bad is it? Will I have time to be able to sell one of my kids:o I mean kidneys? Or will I have to move on this quick smart?

Thanks for reading:)

:cry:
If the engine has no signs of internal leakage then the leaks will be confined to the water gallery parts of the head gaskets, namely at each end only. This is a common problem and can be halted by simple radiator stop-leak solution. However new head and valley gaskets will be all you need to replace if you decide to do it properly. The heads DO NOT need to be done up for gas as they are very well made unless you are really intending on severely overloading it. LPG usually has little to do with Land Rover engine death, although the ignition leads and plugs need to be changed to make it reliable on gas.

[Cannon]

i'm feeling a little more at ease now...thanks mate:D

i'll give the guy a ring tomorrow to find out exactly what's going on.

[Cannon]

If the engine has no signs of internal leakage then the leaks will be confined to the water gallery parts of the head gaskets, namely at each end only. This is a common problem and can be halted by simple radiator stop-leak solution. However new head and valley gaskets will be all you need to replace if you decide to do it properly. The heads DO NOT need to be done up for gas as they are very well made unless you are really intending on severely overloading it. LPG usually has little to do with Land Rover engine death, although the ignition leads and plugs need to be changed to make it reliable on gas.

I hope I understand you correctly.

Are you saying that if the leak is in the water galleries ONLY then the engine will be fine on LPG or petrol with a stop-leak additive every coolant change?

Will the gaskets need doing eventually?

I hope so because something's going to have to go be it car or boat:(

not allowed to sell kids:angel:

[bee utey]

I hope I understand you correctly.

Are you saying that if the leak is in the water galleries ONLY then the engine will be fine on LPG or petrol with a stop-leak additive every coolant change?

Will the gaskets need doing eventually?

I hope so because something's going to have to go be it car or boat:(

not allowed to sell kids:angel:
The head gasket seepage indicates weakness/loss of clamping in the thin section of the gasket alongside the end of the heads. The pic I have is of a P76 engine but the D2 should look much the same. I have witnessed many leaking gaskets, and yes, one failed gasket where the thin bit blew out. The stop leak will certainly contain the leak for a considerable time (50K?) but replacing the gaskets is going to be a longer term fix. If it is a faint weeping you can expect good results from the stop leak but if its a gusher forget it. Fit a coolant level alarm for peace of mind as there are plenty of other bits of D2 that can leak coolant.

[gonfishen]

I have the same problem with my wifes D1, it is only seeping out and would use no more than 1/4 of liter in 2 months, Question : what is the best brand of coolant inhibitor. sorry to hijack the thread :wasntme:

regards simon

[bee utey]

I have the same problem with my wifes D1, it is only seeping out and would use no more than 1/4 of liter in 2 months, Question : what is the best brand of coolant inhibitor. sorry to hijack the thread :wasntme:

regards simon
Dunno about the best, I have been using Castrol inhibitor for 20 years and haven't regretted it. No long term corrosion noted yet.

[gonfishen]

Sorry i ment stop leak not inhibitor.

simon

[bee utey]

Sorry i ment stop leak not inhibitor.

simon
I have used the Nulon Radiator Stop Leak product for a few years now, no problems with gunking up encountered yet.

[BigT]

Hi Cannon
just been thru the same thing a couple of months ago, the price you have been quoted sounds about right,the leaking can be caused if the coolant mix is too strong,should only be 33% for V8 not 50% as the hand book has shown,so i've been told. :)



Tony
03 D2a V8

[Hoges]

Had similar situation on P38 4.6 three yrs ago...#1 cyl head bolt. Was long way from home at the time. BarsLeaks "Stop Leak" did the job brilliantly. Even after 2 coolant changes (due to HVAC o-ring job)

I use the GMH coolant (orange stuff) specified for the LS1 5.7 V8. Excellent!

[cal415]

Becareful using things like bars stop leak, it can also cause blockages and seize up the thermostat. Theres a product called seal up, it looks like water with metallic dust through it, i have used this with good results unlike the bars i used years ago that cause more trouble then it fixed.

[Cannon]

Well I've spoken to the mechanic & he's pretty sure it's leaking into the bore as well:(

My warranty doesn't cover gaskets so I'm up for the full cost & with a chance that a liner has slipped I'm considering a 4.6 short motor replacement.

Still waiting for quotes.

I don't want to get rid of the car as I LURVE it & the idea of trading it for something else really makes me cringe.

Looks like my boat will be up for sale soon:(

[Cannon]

Got the quote:eek:

$9800 for the 4.6.......don't love it that much

guess i'll have to go the head gasket & hope there's nothing else wrong

[Pedro_The_Swift]

just one quote?

from where?

TRS in SA?

hmm, wheres that other thread???


believe it or not,,
there are LOTS of threads on 4L replacement costs,,
(nearly as many as oil in the loom:p:p)

a quick search through this forum should bring up a few prices,,

[Cannon]

If I get serious re the 4.6 I will get more quotes & more details.

I'm still deciding what to do[bighmmm]

[PhilipA]

AFAIR from this thread , your mechanic has not said that the sleeves are leaking, just that the head gasket is leaking.

This is a minor problem.

I was astounded at the quote you got of $3700 seeing that it is about 10 hours labour and $200-300 in parts plus head service about $400. Even at 20 hours labour , it still seems expensive.

Maybe the Land Rover specialist you mentioned knows better than me or is quoting for a lot of additional work such as a cam change.

A blown head gasket is NOT a reason to swap engines, unless of course all this is a smokescreen so that you can convince SWMBO of the absolute necessity for a new 4.6 motor.LOL.
Regards Philip A

[Cannon]

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2010/05/460.jpg


This is the quote.

The 4.6 part is just to provide an guesstimate to give me options.

It appears this is for a replacement long motor.

I'm sure a short motor would be cheaper.

So far as using this as a 'smokescreen' for SWMBO I'm not even sure I'll get the fix of the gaskets passed her yet:)

I've also asked for a quote to tophat the liners while it's in bits.

May as well do it right first time:angel:

[PhilipA]

IMHO , $1100 for recoing heads is outrageous.
I had mine skimmed and recod in Sydney for $400.
The fitting of gas seats is the major part of this cost and maybe unnecessary , as I have never heard of valve recession on a Rover V8.

Did you ask for this , or was it recommended?

The rest looks OK and $1330 is probably OK.

You neglected to mention the rad clean, and water pump which brings up the cost and the extras allowance of $350 seems high.
Won't you have to pay extra for the new water pump and rad with the 4.6???

Removing the engine a fitting top hats is a MAJOR exercise and will cost you thousands.
Regard sPhilip A

[Cannon]

IMHO , $1100 for recoing heads is outrageous.
I had mine skimmed and recod in Sydney for $400.
The fitting of gas seats is the major part of this cost and maybe unnecessary , as I have never heard of valve recession on a Rover V8.

Did you ask for this , or was it recommended?

It was recommended but having read other replies it's something I could save a few bucks on as it's not really necessary.

I went for a lovely 200km drive on the weekend but I didn't have time to check the coolant level this morning.

Hopefully the stop leak has done it's job & I can get a few more weeks out of it.

[simonl8353]

I'd like to add my info if it can help.

I went down this road last year after the coolant loss in the V8 reached about 0.5 ltr every 300K.

Got 3 quotes from LR specialists (one was a dealership) they were $1600, $1750 and $2800. This is a base cost and did not include any liner replacements, cam work etc etc.

I chose the $1750 for many reasons but also the $88 pre-work inspection fee is waived if the job goes ahead.
The job inclued an engine block pressure check and the heads examined and cleaned (not refurbished). In my case block and heads all checked out ok.

Good luck

[Cannon]

Well, I've done about 800kms since the Stop Leak was added to the coolant & so far so good:)

The coolant level hasn't moved & the radiator hoses are spongy when cold again.

I'm thinking I'll get the LPG on & hopefully I'll save enough money on fuel so that if/when I have to get the gasket done I'll have some spare cash:)

Do you think SWMBO will belive that one? ;)

[Traco]

Irontite ceramic sealant is supposed to seal up small cracks and leaks well - you can buy it off eBay from the UK. A lot of P38 RR owners have used it.

P38 Range rover V8 cracked block/head repair. IRONTITE on eBay (end time 01-Jul-10 18:32:46 BST) (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/P38-Range-rover-V8-cracked-block-head-repair-IRONTITE-/320431762692?cmd=ViewItem&pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4a9b38ad04)

[Cannon]

I've heard about this on the weekend.

Certainly worth considering.

I think it's cheaper directly from the US.

Irontite by Kwik-Way Inc. (http://www.irontite.com/)

It's a fairly involved process when done properly but way cheaper than a new gasket.

One of the guys at our last LROCB trip was talking about it.

He had been talking to the distributor in the UK who said that he puits it in all of his engines after head work.

Reckons it fixes a porous block as well.

He drives a P38.

[Cannon]

A little bit of info that has me puzzled:confused:

The coolant levels had been fine for a couple of weeks now with the climate control in ECON mode. This mode prevents the aircon compressor from running.

But I ran the climate control on the weekend normally i.e AUTO for a couple of hours & found that I'd lost about 200mls of coolant.

Is there an extra part of the cooling system that is used when the Aircon compressor is running or is it just extra pressure on the system?

[Cannon]

Just a little update.

Things have been going swimmingly for the last month or so until this week.

Started losing heaps of coolant.....somewhere???

Had the cooling system pressure tested & the pressure dropped a very small amount but the outside of the engine where it was leaking previously was dry as.

We then did a gas test of the coolant & the bloody stuff turned yellow:mad:

So I've booked it in for a poverty pack head gasket replacement;)

They quoted best case scenario about $1500.

Fingers crossed:)

[ozscott]

Sorry to hear that mate. How many ks on her?

Cheers

[Cannon]

Sorry to hear that mate. How many ks on her?

Cheers


135K so I'm hoping the heads are still OK.

Still running like dream though:)

[Cannon]

For anyone interested I got my car back yesterday.

Heads were in great condition so just a skim & clean up reqd.

Inside the engine looked tops apparently & gasket was leaking into no. 2 cylinder ( from memory)

So all gaskets replaced, brittle plastic hoses replaced with rubber & a new set of Platinum spark plugs for a total cost of $1747:)

I'm a happy chappy & I can now drive with confidence.