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"She cant afford the $6k plus to have a new unit fitted. And id advise against it, now being informed of "porous" heads. Thanks for ur time cobber. Brett"
Brett,
It may be that she can't afford the repair and that's life. As I said I have just replaced my head but thought it was unwise to use a Landrover head due to the issues with them. I used an AMC head they are a Spanish company that have been making heads for 50 years and they have a great reputation on here. They say that they have fixed the issues evident with the original heads (I hope so).
I can confirm JC's advice as mine cost $5300, installed (although I did do a deal with the mechanic and supplied the parts, so no warranty) and that included a new Fuel Pump Regulator, Top Hose, EGR Removal and two engine mounts. My car is now driving superbly, it is sooo much smoother and quieter. I am really very happy with the result and would recommend it to you. Turner Engineering in the UK told me that they have sold 1500 of these AMC TD5 heads (it is a worldwide problem) without any issues, so it is a permanent fix.
Whether you spend $5-6k on a car worth apparently $7-16k (it is a lot of car for that money) may be unwise however, your/Ann's decision.
I did it, but I'm a Landrover nut and I do love my Disco!!! They are just such a great car to drive and sooo capable, but like all vehicles they do have their issues.
regards
David
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This is always a difficult decision - Do I cut the losses and replace or do I repair.
I just spent 6K on mine getting the head all redone along with a few other bits an pieces. It has 330K on the clock. I plan on keeping it for atleast another year.
Another way to look at it - what will you replace it with? A new small car is going to cost you about $20,000. Over 3 years that would be aprox $6600.00 / year for cost of the car in itself. I look at it that I can then afford atleast $6000.00 for major repairs / year on my current vehicle.
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All that fuel leaking into the cylinder(s) may have caused and bent conrod, cracked piston damage crank or more!
If your mechanic suggested a new engine maybe this is the case?
The diluted engine oil may have caused damage to all the bearings?
Regards
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Reduced lubrication of the oil/diesel mix can kill a motor, happened to a mate of mine the day he bought it.
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I ran mine for a long time like that, I did change the oil every 5000kms to try and limit the damage of the diesel in the oil. I'm told the bottom end of the TD5 is pretty heavy duty and bulletproof, I hope so.
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The value of spending 5 to 6K is dependent on how long you intend to keep it.
If it was mine and I had plans to upgrade within 3 years I would sell it now.
However, if I was going to keep it 5 plus years I would see the cost as ok as I would get my moneys worth.
