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How to keep Disco 2 on a budget


CaliDisco2000

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I currently have a petrol 2000 Discovery 2 in Los Angeles, California.  It has 110,000 miles and has been a hard worker these past 17 years!  Running exceptionally all these years!

Without having any expert knowledge, I have managed to maintain with standard services as recommended by Atlanta British (coolant hoses, 02 sensors, etc etc.) which has saved me thousands over taking it to a shop.

The head gaskets have never been replaced and the vehicle has run great this entire time.  Just recently I am noticing a loss of oil and coolant without any obvious external leaking.  A car of this age is known to start needing many things replaced.  The cost of the head gaskets is just one part, as while you have it taken apart it is recommended to replace hoses, gaskets, and a myriad of other things— not to mention the potential of engine failure even after this work has been completed.

Having a vehicle for this long has really made it part of the family and I can't really face the reality of getting rid of it.  I really really want to keep this Disco, but I am afraid I can't afford doing the head gaskets if it means I could still very likely have very expensive problems with the engine in the coming months / years.  Most people in the forums recommend a complete rebuild if you do not want any surprises down the road.

Robinson Service Blog Estimates a proper rebuild to be $12,000

http://robisonservice.blogspot.com/2013/10/should-you-rebuild-or-replace-your-land.html

 

My current budget maximum is not much, only $4,000— which is making me think I just keep driving it topping off oil/coolant until the bitter end.  

I would love any thoughts and recommendations!  Thanks

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Buy a manual, on a CD if thats all you can get, a good set of tools with a torque wrench and do it yourself. Take your time and do it as per the manual and you wont go wrong, at 110,000 miles your bearings and piston rings should be fine, The most that you will probably have to replace are the valve guides and valve seals,  lapping them into the seats is easy with a cordless drill.  

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The V8 is stone age simple (in engine terms) it just has a lot of stuff fastened on the outside to make it look more complex than it is. It is all nuts and bolts engineering. If you can pick up a tool and read most jobs are within the ability of a home mechanic, the factory manual is a great help. Parts for them are also relatively inexpensive so long as you don't buy from a Land Rover dealership and try to avoid the US specialists because some of their prices are simply ridiculous. $12,000 to rebuild an engine is OUTRAGEOUS. You could buy another engine and have it shipped to the US for less than half that amount.

Try looking here. for both engines and parts. I have always found them to be very knowledgeable and helpful. http://turner-engineering.co.uk/html/V8enginesreman.html

Edited by neil110
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