LR4 Head Gasket

[kalani0115]

Hello I bought an LR4 that needs a head gasket. The car starts up without any problems, but there are gases in the coolant and coolant in the oil. It failed to gas test twice by turning yellow. I was reading on the forums about Nathan Crabtree and Platinum Auto group land rover in KY. I live in Colorado and looking for a good place to replace my head gasket. Can any tell me who is good or any reviews on Platinum Auto Group Land Rover KY? Thank you.

 

[LR4Slavo]

Unfortunately, these things aren't as simple as just replacing the head gaskets. A few of us have gone through rebuilding overheated engines and at minimum you'd need to get the heads re-surfaced. However, you most likely also have the headbolt threads re-tapped on the block as the threads tend to let go when the motor overheats - probably why LR recommends replacing the motors. Skipping this crucial step may basically bring you back to square 1. This job is very possible but quite a bit more involved than just a head gasket replacement. Most individuals also opt for updating the timing components to the newer/redesigned ones since the heads are off anyway as that's another typical issue with these engines. Also a good idea to go through the valve train to get everything cleaned and tightened up (carbon buildup removed, valve stem seals, valve clearances checked etc), also not a bad idea to do some additional preventative work that may chat you big bucks later down the line.

I'd be happy to provide some more insight, I'm also located in Colorado.

 

[kalani0115]

Do you know of any good places to go in Colorado? I would like to stay in Colorado instead of taking it KY. I have been reading mixed reviews but do not mind giving them business if they are good. Its scary sending your car to another state. we normally do our own work but this is a big job.

 

[M32H32IS]

Mine was rebuilt but ultimately failed again within 3k miles. In my case the guy doing the rebuild just decked the heads & didn’t touch the block.

I’m doing an engine swap to a 55k mile engine.

 

[ryanjl]

I have seen JC's British mentioned online often. You can give them a call.

 

[kalani0115]

I'll have to call them.

 

[LR4Slavo]

Mine was rebuilt but ultimately failed again within 3k miles. In my case the guy doing the rebuild just decked the heads & didn’t touch the block.

I’m doing an engine swap to a 55k mile engine.

That's a major bummer man - My rebuild is so far at 4300 miles and counting, a good portion of which was used to climb mountains but I did re-tap the headbolt holes on the block and also opted for the larger headbolts as they have a greater clamping force.

 

[Rieseb]

I know this is an older post but I am seeking some guidance on my rebuild. I am currently tearing two 2011's down with the intent of hopefully making them better. I have the Hun kits and I found 5 layer metal head gaskets. I plan on checking and resurfacing both the heads and the blocks down to .001 or less gap. The only other thing I am not sure about is the treating the head gaskets with the copper gasket sealer. I am on the fence about using them In theory the larger head bolts and the tapped inserts should be enough. I plan on never letting these things overheat. I will be installing separate temp gauges on my A-pillars to keep an eye on things. I am also planning on swapping out the fan for an electric fan setup and adding a second low coolant light. Is there anything else I might be missing? How is yours holding up?

 

[f1racer328]

I will be installing separate temp gauges on my A-pillars to keep an eye on things.

I would just use an OBD monitor, UltraGauge or ScanGauge.

I am also planning on swapping out the fan for an electric fan

This is probably very complicated to do. The viscous fan is tied into the ECU, and they seem pretty reliable. I wouldn't mess with the radiator fan situation.

Best bet on not having problems is replacing the crossover pipes.