Thread: Difference of opinions - head gaskets

It really comes down to the overall condition of the cooling system, my first rover an 81 3.5 rangie blew a gasket at 160k, my next 85 rangie i did the gaskets at 270k only to find that it was something else.
Now i just replaced the head on my tdi but it wasnt the gasket that blew .

Just as Loanrangie has described, there is more to it. My head gaskets were done at 210k, and they hadn't actually gone at that point.

Originally Posted by loanrangie

It really comes down to the overall condition of the cooling system, my first rover an 81 3.5 rangie blew a gasket at 160k, my next 85 rangie i did the gaskets at 270k only to find that it was something else.

Not sure about the 3.9 V8 but I had a '77 3.5 V8 RR Classic who's original head gaskets lasted until the first engine re-build at 540,000 k's, (still running fine, just a bit down on compression that could have been due to a worn out cam as much as worn rings and with copious oil leaks), it was a low compression/fully pollution control version admittedly. I sought council from a Land Rover "expert" and re -fitted the heads on my overhauled engine using the "shim" type gaskets, which both failed at a little over 700,000k's, the heads were then re-fitted using "composite" type gaskets and were still working fine when the vehicle was sold some years later. personally my choice on a recon would now be "composite" head gaskets and studs not bolts.

Originally Posted by gazby

Not sure about the 3.9 V8 but I had a '77 3.5 V8 RR Classic who's original head gaskets lasted until the first engine re-build at 540,000 k's, (still running fine, just a bit down on compression that could have been due to a worn out cam as much as worn rings and with copious oil leaks), it was a low compression/fully pollution control version admittedly. I sought council from a Land Rover "expert" and re -fitted the heads on my overhauled engine using the "shim" type gaskets, which both failed at a little over 700,000k's, the heads were then re-fitted using "composite" type gaskets and were still working fine when the vehicle was sold some years later. personally my choice on a recon would now be "composite" head gaskets and studs not bolts.

The first set i changed were tin and after the composites i drove it for another 110K without issue but it was due for a cam/ lifter/chain by then.
I would only use composites on a rover V8.

Thanks guys!! Really appreciated for yor replies..

290, 000 on my 95. All original. Runs like a seiko. D2 were more prone. V8 rovers do crazy high ks when not cooked.

Cheers

Thanks for reply. Just wasnt sure. Although i am not the first owner, it did have a full log book service. I just dont have records of whether the heads were prev done.

Needless to say, the engine runs and pulls strong. Auto is still smooth. ITS done 283k

Apart from the std water temp gauge, is there any recommended after market product to giver early warning to prevent possibility of over cooking??

Yes mate - Dave's Engine Saver - he is on here somewhere. Very economical way of knowing if the water level actually drops...

Cheers