Head gasket??? You wish....POUROUS!!!!

HI, just been to local mechanic who used to work for land rover to get my rangie checked out as last week she was making this blowing noise from the engine which sounded simple like a manifold gasket had gone. After the 1st garage could find no fault they said head gasket and its too big a job for them. Took it to this guy and he saying could be Pourous??? New F*cking engine? What the hell is this all about? He said it might not be but he has seen it happen a few times.
Can anyone help.

it refers to the well documented "problem" of "porous block" - do a search on here and you will find some answers.

I've always wondered why the 4.6 Rangie is particularly prone to this and yet the even more bored 5 litre version in the TVR Griffith and Chimeara doesn't seem to suffer with it?.

RRFan said:

I've always wondered why the 4.6 Rangie is particularly prone to this and yet the even more bored 5 litre version in the TVR Griffith and Chimeara doesn't seem to suffer with it?.

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int it got something to do with the raised position of the rad in the RR, exposes the block to excessive temps at some points

Have no idea? The garage have called me back and have said that it looks like just the head gasket so i guess thats good but still gonna be 500 large. Think i may just get rid of her.

Top gasket set for around £70 plus oil & filters and a weekends work, why not have a go yourself?? Doubt very much if a new lump is porous.

Irishrover said:

Top gasket set for around £70 plus oil & filters and a weekends work, why not have a go yourself?? Doubt very much if a new lump is porous.

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who said it was a new one ?

I misread the opening query-it's me age!!!
If it's an old lump then the best option in my opinion is a new short engine. Could have the block machined and top hat liners fitted but then what if the camshaft is worn?? I would personally go for the new block set up.

have a look on ebay as some of the land rover dealers are off loading p38 spares i picked up a complete engine sump up to rocker covers for 1500 quid

Personally, I would go for the new unit as you know it's good from the start and it ain't no joke pulling the lump out and you only want to do it once. No doubt there is some good used stuff out there but it's a gamble. My 4.6 had full main dealer history when I bought it with 52K on the clock but the engine went belly up at 90K despite having oil changes every 5000 and 50/50 Bluecol anti freeze changes every two years. Didn't use a drop of water or oil then just went on me suddenly. If you try to sell the motor with a shot engine you will get next to nothing for it. Well worth the expense, cussin, blood sweat & tears at the end of the day though if you can afford it.