I've started stripping the top end of my 1991 V8 3.5 Disco. It had been
starting and running fine (albeit a tad rich) but losing coolant and
overheating. I reckon I've got a head gasket (or two) failure and to be
honest, I'd been looking for an excuse to take it to bits anyway. I've not
worked on a v8 before. Always 4 cylinder stuff.
I've put some photos at...
http://picasaweb.google.com/goonersman/V8HeadGasket1

It took me a while to realise that the fuel rail and injectors just pull out
fairly easily, although the o-rings are pretty solid. I was initially trying
to get the inlet manifold bolts out with the rail and injectors still in
place. Ok for most bolts but not the back left 2.

I notice the left side rocker breather is quite gummed up and also that the
plenum chamber and air ram housing are pretty filthy. Is this normal or is
it an indication of a problem? Crank case pressure perhaps?

I realise I should have done this much earlier but would a compression test
be valid with the inlet manifold off? Kind of academic now I'm this far in
but would be useful to gauge improvement.

As I say, this is my first work on a v8 so any tips or observations of where
I might be falling on my ar5e gratefully received.

Cheers
Peter

Will post more photos as the strip-down continues.