hi ive got a p38 rr diesel and im having overheating problems ,just taken head off to find 3 cracks one between valves and 2 more from around pre combustion chambers.I need to source a new head does any one know a good supplier.Best price ive had yet is £950 for head ,head set and stretch bolts.Someone told me to try vauxhall dealer as omegas have bmw lump in them and are sometimes cheaper for parts.
My rr has been chipped by jeremy fern and has upgraded intercooler and is pumping out 197 bhp this has been fitted for about 7 years and this is the first time ive had a problem with overheating.
I aslo own a bmw 325 tds 1996 which has same engine this has done a wopping 275000 miles on same engine never uses any oil or water and still goes like a train and has never had a problem with overheating ,strange eh
The cracks you have in your head might not be as bad as you think, it might be worth you taking it to a good engineering firm and getting them to pressure test it first, should only cost you about £50 - £60 for the pressure test.
You can get the bolts and top end gasket set (minus head gasket) from here SAP car / motor spare parts. Online orders & worldwide delivery they are quick and the quality doesn't seem to bad, the genuine head gasket cost me £75 from a LR main agent.
IIRC I was offered a re-manufactured complete cyl head including valves, springs, and camshaft for £650, this included a 12 months parts and labour garentee, let me know if you are interested and I'll dig out the email.
Have a read of this complete thread as you might have suffered from the water pump or radiator problem as some of us have!
Please let us know how you get on!