Blown head gasket

[djmalachi]

Looking for some second opinions, advice, thoughts, comments - whatever. Crossover pipe fail lead to me being an idiot and not realizing the engine was overheating. It never spewed white gas from the exhaust, no misfires, no check engine light, no signs of overheat for a layman like me. Kept topping it off with water for a good month or two before one day felt a rumble, heard a rattle, and immediately shut off the now steaming engine and had it towed to a mechanic.

Mechanic said a lot of stuff but that he couldn't effectively diagnose the issue until he replaced the crossover pipe/water pump, etc. Shelled out the $1k and, surprise surprise, it's a blown head gasket. A little disturbed that he couldn't check the engine somehow before taxing me on the coolant system. Now when the engine starts up it's emitting the white gas / burnt coolant (it did NOT do this before the coolant system fix, but I'm assuming that's because there was no pressure in the system?) misfires, check engine light, etc.

He said he doesn't fix head gaskets on these cars because chances are there's a bunch of other issues elsewhere around the engine. Wants to sell me a used engine for $12k.

I'm about to attempt a hail-mary mickey mouse fix by draining the coolant, filling with water, and pouring in a head gasket sealer to see if I can at least drive this puppy into a dealer. My research has shown that I can't remove the thermostat, so it really is going to be a long shot.

The real dilemma however, is, I really do love the hell out of this car. I want to keep her if possible (or at least trade her in for as much as possible to get another LR4).

So I'm out there (and here) trying to effectively get these questions answered:

1. Should I even try the head gasket sealer with the thermostat installed
2. Should I consider a head gasket replacement and what's the average cost
3. Would it be better to replace the engine or cut my losses and scrap her for trim / parts
4. Is this mechanic full of it, kinda knows his stuff, or is he spot on

 

[Quijote]

That REALLY sucks.

I'll start by telling you that I'd really recommend doing the proper thing and replacing he head gasket. yes, it will be a PITA and probably very expensive, but your incident does not sound like it was mild. I can't imagine head gasket sealants will hold up for long ad could make matters worse, but admittedly I don't know much about them.

Now, not to alarm you, but all-aluminum engines do not tolerate over-heating like the old iron engines did. I'm hoping for the best for you, but there is a possibility that your engine may have suffered a lot of damage that may require reconditioning to get it to spec.

Even if all goes well and you really just need a new gasket, be sure the oil and cooling systems are properly flushed since they have both cross-contaminated.

Oh, and I would not bother with a dealer. It will be a fortune to fix there (if they even agree to do it) and they may charge a small fortune just to assess the situation.

EDIT: To specifically answer your questions:

1. I would not.
2. I'm not sure. I only would if "they" are pretty confident the engine is otherwise ok. No idea on cost, but it has to be thousands. $2k? No clue.
3. I'd find out how much an engine is, but the labor in swapping the engine will be about the same as doing the head gasket job, I would imagine, so if the engine is otherwise fine, just do the head gasket.
4. He could well be right, based on what I mentioned above. It might not be worthwhile (to him or you) take the chance on a head gasket if there are other things wrong and it was all done for nothing.

Best of luck to you!

 

[TheWidup]

I wouldn't recommend a mickey mouse fix unless you're 100% destined to head to the full $12k replacement. As Quijote mentioned there's a lot of cross contamination issues and I don't think you'd want gasket sealant leaking into the oil system and doubling down on the existing damage. Get a quote on doing the head gasket from a shop that's actually willing and able to do it. Odds are if you get a new gasket you'll be in a position to keep it or trade it off more readily. Worst case you find out they pull the head and you need to replace the whole engine. Most mechanics will work you a deal on the service if you need to move on from an assumed repair to a much bigger job.

 

[ktm525]

What year and how many miles? If older and higher I would probably just sell as is or part it out for lots of marital fun!. If it is relatively low miles and newer then look into engine..

My 2010 is in that zone, if I needed an engine I would likely just part it out. A higher mileage LR4 is worth maybe $12-$15k Can ($10k US).

 

[djmalachi]

What year and how many miles?

2010, about 125k miles so... on the higher side

 

[PaulLR3]

I think your options are either trade it in as-is or spend the $12K+ and drive it to 200K miles. Here is one source for a rebuilt engine...

https://www.roverlandparts.com/LR3-LR4-engine.aspx

 

[avslash]

Call the guy doing LS swaps.

Probably won't save any money in total, but you would end up with a serviceable and reliable mill.

Honestly, if mine blows up tomorrow, I would be putting a new engine of some sort in. What is even out there to replace it as a comparable vehicle

 

[Quijote]

Call the guy doing LS swaps.

Probably won't save any money in total, but you would end up with a serviceable and reliable mill.

Honestly, if mine blows up tomorrow, I would be putting a new engine of some sort in. What is even out there to replace it as a comparable vehicle

I agree. I do love the LR4 for all that it brings, but honestly, a big factor for getting it was that it is the roomiest vehicle of it's type given its length, thanks to it's height and boxiness. My attached garage is very shallow. When parked, there is only about a foot in front of the LR4 and maybe 8 inches in the back. Other similar vehicles are substantially longer - between 10" to over a foot longer. Considering we have to walk in front of the LR4 to get to the door, it's already tight enough as it is. I could not lose another foot.

 

[ktm525]

2010, about 125k miles so... on the higher side

Have you replaced a lot of the suspension and such? If you have, it may be worth an engine. If not if it was me I would part the beast out and buy the best condition 2013 I could find. I bet I could part out a LR4 sans engine and walk with north of $10k.

When mine got smacked a bit in the rear a OEM rear quarter panel alone was something like $2500 CAN.

 

[cperez]

Damn, this is a depressing thread.