head gasket leak

[Taytum98]

Hello my rover buddys, i was thinking about replaceing my heads gaskets by next year.The only time i drive it is local right now. My question is, if i wanted to drive it out of town some weekends like 3 to 4 hour drive.Will i have more problems with it leaking doing that?Do you think it would it be alright to drive it sometimes with that kind of distance? Any feed-back guys,thanks!!!!!!!! 99disco1SD

 

[joey]

2 questions come to mind:

1 - how bad is is leaking? i.e. just leaking some antifreeze (carry a gallon and check often)

2 - Are you diligent in checking fluid levels at every startup?

 

[98Disco]

I agree with Joey, if its not a major coolant leak and you keep tabs on the level it shouldnt be too much of a problem. Just make the job that much nastier from the grim buildup when ya do get around to doing the headgaskets

 

[Taytum98]

I check the levels regularly the leak is small, I feel better now. thanks guys!!!!!!!!

 

[Disco Mike]

I check the levels regularly the leak is small, I feel better now. thanks guys!!!!!!!!

How often do you check the fluid level, where do you keep the level at and do you know how to bleed the system to make sure you have not allowed any air into the engine?

 

[Taytum98]

Hi mike, I check the fluid level every 3 days. It leaks about less than a half a quart.I fill the over flow tank to the marker inside the tank. I haven't bleed the system. What happens if air gets in the engine? Does it sound diffrent or runs weird? How do you bleed the system? Thanks for the feed-back. 99disco1SD 117,752 mileage.

 

[joey]

If air gets into the system it can over heat.

On a Disco best way to bleed the system is park with front end at an up angle. Turn on the heater start the engine and let it run till it warms to operating temp. Shut down, let cool fill tank. Repeat till you don't have to fill.

 

[Disco Mike]

That is not a small leak that can turn from 1/2 quart every 3 days to a blown engine if the head gasket lets go and it can happen so fast you won't know it happened till there is steaming coming from the engine compartment.
Do the repairs before you toast the engine.

 

[Taytum98]

Thanks guys for the feed-back. I will start on the repairs as soon as i can.

 

[Disco Mike]

Order your parts from Atlantic British, get their head gasket set, head bolts, t/stat and up graded upper radiator hose set if you still have a bleed screw in the hose and not in the black plastic tee.