[ian.h.fraser]

My P38 started to badly missfire last week and the next day would not even turnover on the starter - I recognised the dreaded 'hydraulic-ing' so did not try again. I took out the plugs and cylinder 4 was full of coolant. With this plug removed I spun the engine to clear the coolant and then started the engine so that I could limp the car near to my garage.

Since Boxing Day I've got to work and, despite the red wine, ruddy exhaust heat shields and the longest breaker bar known to man, finally removed the cylinder heads today.

My worst fears were confirmed when I found no obvious head gasket breaks and could see that there is no water passage anywhere near to cylinder No 4. I've done a lot of searching this evening on rangerovers.net so I think I have big block problems.

My questions is simply this --> is there any point in rebuilding the top ends ? if so how long might it last ? --> or shall I bite the bullet and drag the rest of the block out for rebuild ?

Thanks - and hope you had a better Christmas than me !!!!

 

[lrscott]

Do you have any pictures? Check to see if the liner has slipped, if it has, you need a new engine.

 

[ian.h.fraser]

No pictures yet - I found your replies to other strings and will take some pics and check for slipped liners in daylight tomorrow. If they have not slipped is there any hope ??

 

[john-sussex]

Which are you calling number four? Some call it the rear cylinder of one side of the block whereas most correctly call it number 2 on the left hand bank standing at the water pump end. If so then sorry its likely you are right.

 

[ian.h.fraser]

Second cylinder back from the water pump on the left bank when standing in front of the water pump --> officially cylinder no 4 on right bank from the drivers position

 

[john-sussex]

oh dear. Hoped it was the rear one near a water channel. unless there is a head problem then it does look as though you may well be right in your thoughts. I have had this on my LSE. In the end i rebuilt the heads and fitted a new short block. Kept costs down a bit. you could top hat your block but i have no experience in that.
How many miles have you covered? Might be worth thinking of a long motor instead. One thing i would say is that in the club many people have found that something like 'k seal' has saved them, but thats before they pulled the heads.
All the Best.

 

[Keijo]

Ian,

Don't forget that coolant also runs through the heads.

A cracked head is a definite possibility and a very common source of coolant in cylinders.
Have the suspect head thorughly checked for any micro cracks before you commit to any expensive block work.

Cheers,
Keijo

 

[nipper]

Turner engineering do a top hat linered block with a three year warranty for £1250. Well worth it in my opinion if you intend to keep the car.

 

[ian.h.fraser]

Thanks to all responses.

Discussed things with LR Dealer in Swindon this morning and I'm now certain of the block being the cause. Like 'nipper' they recommeded Turner Engineering. I called Turner and have just ordered a top hat linered block.