Thread: Externally Leaking Head Gasket V8

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.

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

Got the quote

$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

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)

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

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

I'm still deciding what to do

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

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

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