Thread: D4 head gasket - what now ?

I don’t believe servicing daily would alleviate the issue. The km that some engines die at are barely past the first few services and barely run in. There have been many that have died in the first 60,000km. It’s a design anomaly that can show at any time.

It simply a lottery with these things.

^ this. It's why i went L322....😟

Again feel the pain for the OP.

One comment I would make - cooking an engine is different to an engine snapping a crank.

Would be good to understand why the low water level alarm, temperature gauge, and ultimately ECU going into restricted performance didn’t help save the engine.

Sounds like more than one failure here with some of the protective devices.

Have been considering adding an engine watchdog system to my D3.

Originally Posted by williamr

Hi all,

I have a 2013 d4 (132000kms) which I love, unfortuntely whilst towing a campervan it overheated as a result of a coolant leak from the coolant outlet in the V of the engine. LR replaced the coolant outlet, pressurised the system and told me it was all good.

By the time I get her home the coolant light was coming on and I have been replacing up to 4litres of coolant a week every since! They believe (and MR Automotove at Recliffe have confirmed) it is a blown head gasket (best case scenario) or a cracked head (worse case scenario).

Qoute by LR to do head gaskets = $12000 quote by MR to replace engine (will not do head gaskets) = $27000!

Apparently the coolant outlet is a known fault (cost for part is about $100) however LR do not replace the part as part os schedule maintenance or tell anyone about it.

Not impressed for a car still worth $30k in good condition! Anyone else heard of this problem - it has been suggested I should go to the ACCC about it.

Has anyone tried a gasket sealant you add to cooling system so i can get her salable?

THanks all I am in a real predicament!

If LR "fixed" it, then you should have a statutory warranty for that repair of the original issue. LR should be correctly fixing the issue regardless of cost. They have insurance for this so they are not out of pocket at all.

My recent (april 2020) experience was secondary turbo, failed after 192000km. Replaced with a new genuine FoMoCo (Garrett made in Italy) unit. Cost me 4450 to do. 2 weeks later same fault code, back to the mechanics who fitted it, full diagnostic and replaced under warranty including labour no questions asked.


Was a reputable Perth WA independant, but regardless they stood behind their work and will be getting future work from me no doubt.

Thanks for that - great point I will explore that option.

Yep I agree - shouldn't happen when you buy the car new and have the same LR dealer service it for 7 years - you wouldn't think you would have to google and tell them what the problem is...

Originally Posted by DiscoDB

Again feel the pain for the OP.

One comment I would make - cooking an engine is different to an engine snapping a crank.

Would be good to understand why the low water level alarm, temperature gauge, and ultimately ECU going into restricted performance didn’t help save the engine.

Sounds like more than one failure here with some of the protective devices.

Have been considering adding an engine watchdog system to my D3.

Yes warning came up stating "engine overheating" and then something like "engine shutting down" yet it did not and I got off the freeway and turned her off with in 5 seconds.

Originally Posted by williamr

Yep I agree - shouldn't happen when you buy the car new and have the same LR dealer service it for 7 years - you wouldn't think you would have to google and tell them what the problem is...

Yes I totally sympathise and agree with the principle but I bet the dealer will say - we’ve never heard that ever happening before - as they are never, in my experience, ‘enthusiasts’ at the dealer only a money making machine for the dealership being faceless behind the glitzy service reception. Until something breaks they will do A and B services forever.

The difference with an Indy or DIY is the interaction and getting choices on what ‘should’ be done.

At 7 years you’re due a timing belts change but I bet the dealer would not mandate changing that part. It is a concern though that it’s gone so severely at 7 years and didn’t give you a slow leak for a long time, or did it?