D90Don wrote:

@geobloke, I appreciate the prompt reply and the honesty. I was afraid of that..but had a bit of hope to be able to add a ftlb or 5…

Cheers.
Don

Yeah I am sorry for the bad news Don. The good news is that you can do this all yourself on the side of the road if necessary. I only did this exact thing six months ago.

When it comes to parts contact Turner Engineering they have everything you need in handy kits and will post anywhere in the world. Really the only specialist tools required are a torque wrench and an angular wrench or adapter.

When you come to do the job be prepared to flat the block back as best you can with a straight edge. You will have to replace the old and filters as well. You will also need new rocker bolts and injector bolts, but those should be included in the top end kit. You should be able to reuse the coolant if it is not contaminated.

Really the important thing is a nice flat surface to spread out on, keep the dust to a minimum if at all possible and a second person to lift the head off and on again with.

Whilst you are there it is a great time to flush the coolant system and clean the intercooler out. Might as well if you are draining the coolant anyway.

The only real unknown is your head. How good is it? You can get away with skimming them a tiny amount. When you take it off check really carefully for hairline cracks in the head. They might be the cause of your problems. Fingers crossed it is just the Britpart gasket.

D90Don wrote:

@4RF RDS, yeah I hear you, but I’m stuck in Central America, and the warranty concept and pride of workmanship philosophy has not quite made it down here yet…that was $1200 flushed down the drain, sadly. I’ll have to do it myself this time around.

D’oh!Boo, that bites Well in that case stop driving it and as above do it again
Good Luck! 2010 Range Rover MkIII Autobiography Super Charged (Idris)
2003 Range Rover Mk III (Desmond FitzWilliam)
2000 Defender 110 CSW TD5 (CTX)
1992 Range Rover Classic (Lizzy)
1972 Series III 300 Tdi (Stanwood)
1967 MGB GT

Every normal man must be tempted at times to spit on his hands, hoist the black flag, and begin to slit throats.
H. L. Mencken (1880 - 1956)

D90Don wrote:

@geobloke, I hear what you are saying, and thank you for all the advice. The local shop did “skim” the old head prior to fitting. But at this point, I think I’m all in on a new AMC Head from Turner. I m not gonna take anymore chances with the possibility of the head being warped a few thousands. I did source the bolts and cam / flywheel locking pins from Turner last time. But since I’m doing everything again, I’ll get all the recommended stretch bolts and hope it turns out right this time.

I’ve had the Defender since 2005. I’d really hate to let her go at this point. I believe it is worth the investment.

Thanks again,
Don

Hi Don. You will not regret going for the AMC head, it is a beautiful (if expensive) part. I fitted one to Miffy last year and she has never gone so well. Like yourself we have had the ol girl for many many years and she is part of the family, albeit only since 2008

This is Miffy getting her new AMC head https://www.defender2.net/forum/topic53859-210.html