Tackling an engine replacement

Hi all,

I am looking for general information on a project I am about to take on. I have a 2002 Range Rover HSE 4.6. According to my mechanic, I have a dropped cylinder lining and I am in need of a new engine. The SUV overheated on me a few times and he says this is the result.

So my question(s) are:

1. Is there anything specific processes I should keep in mind when replacing this engine? i.e. Do I need any special tools or is there any secific manner to replace the engine?

My mechanic said he put it on the testbook and found numerous compresion faults. This is his main reasoning for determing I need a new engine. The top half of the engine hasn't even been pulled off yet and his diagnostics is soley on the test book results so with that said....

2. How difficult is it to pull the top half of the engine off to get an "eyeball" on the situation and physically tell if there is any internal engine damage enough to warrant a complete replacement? And should I even go down this road or should I take my mechanics word for it? (He is one of the top Land Rover mechanics in our area)

I have never replaced an entire engine before but I do feel I am fairly mechanically inclined and with the right set of diagrams (is there any out there?) tools, and right advice, I feel I could tackle this. I have confirmed my engine is a 4.6 with secondary air.

Thanks for any advice the group can offer.
Zed

hardest bit is removing exhaust manifold cowling after that not too bad ,once heads off it relatively easy to get engine out no special tools needed,generally block cracks behind liner as the aliuminum bore is quite thin ,but this wont be evident with heads removed unless liner has slipped but this is only after crack has develope more catastrophically as liners sit on a step apart from some blocks that had been relinered and step not taken account off ,causes of over heating are stuck thermostat can be checked by feeling for heat either side of housing,radiator by feeling that its hot all over core ,old fashioned leak,head gasket that will be evident with heads off blackish marks across fire ring,or block which without pressurising with hot water inside and seeing the leak between liner and block,wont be evident,top hat linered block will cure it though

Thanks for the advice...so what I am hearing you say is...even if I pull the top half off...I still won't be able to tell if I need a new short block or not....

hmmmm.....well this certainly is a decision I will have to make. Is there any diagrams or manuals that would show how to replace the engine? I know that is a looooooong reach....but it would be nice

Thanks,
Zed

once heads off just keep going till its out

oh I forgot to ask during my first post....

When the truck overheated the last time...I did hear a lot of clanking going on internally....however, after filling the engine with coolant...the clanking went away...and believe it or not...the truck will start and run fine for about 15 to 20 minutes...then it overheats (this was in dead of winter)...so my question is....

with a dropped cylinder lining or a cracked block...the engine wouldn't even run would it?

Thanks,
Zed

yes