Thread: D2a TD5 Need advice, when should I replace my head?

I sent an email to AMC themselves in Spain and their Australian Distributor phoned me today with a great local price.


I have been looking for a new head for my D2a. The prices vary considerably:-


Australia:
1. AMC Head at Hoppers Heads Melbourne with install kit included, delivered to Brisbane (only $50) $3045 incl GST
2. AMC Head at British Offroad, Forest Glen Qld, $3795 incl GST plus install kit no delivery
3. AMC Head at M.R.Automotive, Redcliffe Qld $3995 incl GST plus install kit no delivery
4. AMC Head at SMS Diesel, Salisbury, Brisbane $2035 incl GST no install kit no delivery. This is AMC's Australian distributor, almost half what 2. and 3. above are charging for the same thing!!!!


UK:
1. AMC Head at Turners Engineering UK $3100 delivered including 2 x install kits (seals front and back etc) and sealant all GST and Charges delivered to Brisbane


Only price so far for Labour only to install is British Offroad at $1450 plus all fluids and parts so all up it is at $4500 plus fluids, and filters. With a contingency I can see this costing at least $5000, so much money, jeez!

Well I've been saving my pennies and ordered my new AMC head today from SMS Diesel, Salisbury, Brisbane for $2035 incl GST.


This head includes valves + springs assembled only , no camshaft and rocker gear, its normal to reuse all of that isn't it?

Yes it is normal. Make sure you keep and assemble all those parts including the injectors in the same order ie; cylinder 1,2,3,4 & 5.

Nick

Well I've bitten the bullet and have been collecting parts for a while as follows:

• New AMC Head with Injector washers and manifold studs (?)
• Exhaust Manifold studs and locking nuts
• EGR Removal Kit
• TD5 Low Coolant Alarm
• ABS Shuttle Valve Switch Repair Kit
• Spare Key for Programming as well as normal programmed key

I've also ordered the following from Turners:

• TD5 Cylinder Head Fitting Kit – gaskets and head bolts etc
• Oil Pump Bolt and Sump Gasket
• LBF500020 VRS Kit
• Engine Mounts x 2

Booked the vehicle into Greg Tunstall Mechanical a Landrover Specialist recommended on here to:

• Remove and replace head.
• Remove EGR.
• Replace Engine Mounts.
• Install Low Coolant Alarm in bottom most spare button in dash.
• Get rid of 3 Amigoes and clear faults. Please check brakes they squeal like crazy for some reason?
• Check manifold for warping, don’t think it is, let’s see? Vehicle does whistle at take off under load at times?
• Replace oil pump bolt and sump gasket, only if you decide you need to do an oil change otherwise we’ll do next oil change.
• Programme spare key for car.
• Please use the 2 x steel dowels supplied, definitely not the plastic ones in the kit!!!!
• Please perform a leak report as I am trying to get rid of all of the oil leaks.
• Please perform an under car inspection and do anything you think should be done prior to rustproofing. Downey St Lubritorium has done an underbody and engine bay steam clean for you. But won’t rustproof until you have finished your work.
• l. Replace protective flexible conduit to wiring loom on side of rocker cover near turbo.

I'm away all next week so the mechanic has a clear run, lets see how it goes. I reckon I'm at approx. $3100 in parts and that the labour will be $1500-$2000 so all up $4600-$5000 for the new head installed and a few extras done as well. I'm happy as I was quoted $6500-$7000 by my old mechanic and one other. But of course I have no warrantee as I've supplied the parts, I can live with that though to save $2k.

Sounds good, how are all your coolant hoses though?
That was a great price for the AMC head.....
The Head fitting kit i got from (Turners UK) had high tensile exhaust studs as well as the copper injector washers & seals,
plus the 2 steel dowls included

Yes I did think of that, I replaced the top hose a couple of years ago. Mechanic is going to give the cooling system a good going over so we'll see.


Is that what they are, well I have 2 lots of exhaust manifold studs then?


It was a great price for the head, SMS are AMC's distributor in Aus, he gave me engine rebuilders pricing because he had had a couple of them sitting on the shelf for awhile. You've got to have a win sometime!

Well the heads off. He's also found that the exhaust manifold is warped and has had that shaved. Also the fuel block needs replacing as well, whatever that is. Anyway should get it back next week. They are expensive cars these Landrovers!

had invested a fair bit of time & money on mine i was ready to give up when the head **** itself.
but after considering my vehicle is 14 yrs old (99 mod), what can 1 expect.
They are a worthy vehicle with exemplary capability on & off road, towing is great (TRS chip) & EU3 intercooler, plus low stall TC.

I wouldn't have thought 2wice if it were a D2a