What am I in store for with this one?

[Madeara]

THis past year I have spent a ton of money on my 97 Disco 97K. It is like everything is breaking all at once

Some is routine maintenence but I am am getting scared.

I have done

Complete brake job
power stering pump
**exhaust manifold** (forgot to add this)
Muffler
front shocks
alternator
tires
Still have a leak


Now when I put on the heat in the morning (still chilly in these parts) I smell antifreeze.

My mechanic has closed up shop and I have to find another. I do not want to go to the stealer.

Any thoughts what could be the problem?

No leaks on the ground, I really can't smell it after I turn the truck off. It only comes through the inside when the heat is turned on with the fan.

Thank you in advance.

[Madeara]

Maybe a heater core? $169.00 with Atlantic British (just checked site) If that is the case is it difficult to do?

[drum655]

97 Disco 2???? no wonder you are having problems!!! that vehicle does not exist!! haha

[Madeara]

OK, pardon me I meant Disco I

I am having enough self esteem issues now, like I made a very bad choice buying a used LR. Going through hell with my husband calling it a piece of crap.

[Bdog]

Originally Posted by From antichrist at DiscoWeb

I did the one in my '95 Disco a little over a year ago. I can't imagine what the dealer charges, but it has to be alot, since the compelete, and I mean complete, dash must come out. Just follow the manual and it works. There are some hidden fasteners behind the ashtray and all that stuff. If all screws are removed, everything comes out ok, I didn't have to force anything.

I'd go ahead and replace both the heater core and the pipes at the same time. I had to do mine becauas the pipes rotted and did the core at the same time, didn't want to have to pull it all apart again anytime soon.

The pipes connect to the core with little o-rings and clamps. I put hightemp silicone seal on them as well, let it set, then pressure tested it before reinstalling. If those joints leak, you have to remove the dash to repair them.

Another thing I did was use the opportunity to drill through the bulkhead (while it was exposed) insert grommets and run auxillary wires though, including the Coax for my CB.

Have fun. You have my sympathy

ps. if you live some place where you don't need the heater, I'd just disconnect it.

Pics of core fix
http://homepage.mac.com/abrahamthen/PhotoAlbum17.html

They say there is an o-ring that can go bad near the heater core, but if you smell antifreeze and don't see it, most likely it's the core leaking into your vent system.

After seeing the pics, I'd pay a grand to have the dealer fix it.

[drum655]

you made a great choice!!!! land rovers are an incredible vehicle! yes they have their problems and are a bit expensive to work on, but they are awesome!!! I would suggest that you find an independent LR shop to work on it for you. The dealer charges WAY WAY WAY too much all the time! Good luck and congrats on your purchase! Are you gonna go off road with it?

[onslow]

Originally Posted by drum655

you made a great choice!!!! land rovers are an incredible vehicle! yes they have their problems and are a bit expensive to work on, but they are awesome!!! I would suggest that you find an independent LR shop to work on it for you. The dealer charges WAY WAY WAY too much all the time! Good luck and congrats on your purchase! Are you gonna go off road with it?

first check your filler cap (does it hiss when removed, it should)really common failure on D1s if not get a new one if its not the cap get some coolant system sealer the stuff you add to the coolant its maybe not the "BIG FIX" but ive run lots of landrovers over the years and its not worth chasing coolant loss bung some rad seal stuff in if it stops leaking then great job done without the massive bill at the end.

I had a very leaky disco last year put some sealer in and it was great I did 15k in it with no leaks since I sold it it now it goes back and forth to eastern europe with no problems whatsoever

[Capt. Ron]

Maybe this will make you feel a little better. In 12 months (this Disco) has cost me $3200+ in REPAIRS! Not maint., but fixing what broke.

[6cuda6]

Please take the time to fix it properly....RAD SEALER although a good temp fix to get you home when something is broken and theres no help in the area is not the proper way to fix the problem. The way the sealer works is it plugs holes...guess what is inside of the rad and the heater core??? SMALL HOLES for the coolant to pass threw....this stuff will eventualy BLOCK the heater core and you will have to change it!!!!

do yourself a favour and have your coolant system pressure tested...yes it will cost some $$$ but it will confirm weither it is the heater cores or perhaps another CHEAPER repair (like a external leak that boils off when you firts start up your truck) If it is the heater core, for sure, then give the sealer trick a shot...not before!!!! later, Dean

[TerryS]

Originally Posted by drum655

97 Disco 2???? no wonder you are having problems!!! that vehicle does not exist!! haha

Where did she say Disco 2 ?

[drum655]

she said it in the first post, but apparently she edited it and fixed it! I moved it here from the D2 forum!

[Madeara]

Yes I changed it. I appreciate any thoughts. I am having the windshield replaced this week (again) with a LR window not a NAG. After that I will have someone someplace take a look at the smelly antifreeze issue. I am getting sick when I drive it and need heat.

I really hope it isn't going to cost me another grand.

So should one buy used LR's when they are about 100k? This way most things have been fixed. I have to keeep it now as I have put so much money in it already. I really do like the vehicle, but I am having to put up with my husbands "I told you so" comments!

[6cuda6]

Tell your husband that you could have bought any other car and had the same issues!! I work for VW and have seen a lot worse just as i´m sure some of the others on the forum have.

Take a look at any other 1997 vehicle on the road today and see what´s left of them.....look at your Rover and i bet it looks almost brand new!!!! Thats why i like Land Rovers!!!

[Madeara]

I does look pretty new. I love the color and the interior is spotless. It fits my 2 greyhounds very nicely. It is a very comfortable ride and quiet. I can get up anything our road (private/dirt) can dish out, snow or washing out.

But please I am having Rover Phobia, what next? Long trips with the dogs I hope I never have a problem. .so far so good or was it just luck?

[roverX]

The thing about rovers is that the stuff that shouldn't break...does. And the stuff that normally breaks on other vehicles...doesn't break on a rovers. I have a 96 D1 that I bought about 3-1/2 years ago with 60K miles. I now have 150K miles and have had only minor maintenance issues such as water pump, brakes, exhaust, etc. The only thing I can foresee in your future is new head gaskets somewhere between 100K and 150K miles. This is not a big deal and should be considered routine maintenance.