Playing devils advocate here....he might be saying engine has gone so he can buy it off you cheap, replace the cooler and then have a decent motor for pennies....  Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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He has looked after my various Range Rovers for the last 10 years and always looks after me. He isn't doing that.

MC

Defo worth changing oil cooler unit, gaskets AND the 2 O rings behind that feed into it (use Viton).
Flush coolant system, fit new coolant tank.
Hopefully that will be the fix  Gone to a good home: 2011 4.4 TDV8 Vogue SE Buckingham Blue with Ivory and clear glass = "Rory"
2025MY Defender D350 90 in Silicon Silver on coils
1974 Series 3 Lightweight = "Millie"
Many, many other Landies over the years
My preferred specialist: www.glenrands.co.uk
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Not worth doing the oil cooler if the cause is something else and it now sounds like the garage know what's what with LR's. 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Can you take or drive it to the workshop where it was recently for a second opinion? Providing there's adequate oil in the sump and no water in the oil then the engine shouldn't be any worse off for the drive.

Apparently the oil pressure was so low that the shells have been damaged and timing gear slipped a tooth causing valve damage. So it isn't looking good. If I can't find a very sensibly priced replacement I'll advertise as it and buy a newer one. I need one in 6 weeks for a trip around Spain so not going to hang about too long.

MC

There are some nice ones advertised in the for sale section here at the moment which may fit your requirements 2012 TDV8 Vogue (L322)

Secondhand engine for the 4.4 tdv8, is about £5k, plus fitting. Worth throwing some money at what you’ve got, if it’s still running, and driving.