[RobX4]

Ok, guys, I started this relationship with a 99 Disco, and it was love at first off road fling. I was bitten bad, and fell hard. I bought her with 120k on the clock, and for the first few weeks it was all flowers and midnight walks. Since then, I had to get a new set of tires, and on Friday( ready for some good trails now!!) , when the Steering gear started bleeding profusely. Found out that a new steering box is about 500 beans, so that stopped my heart, but ok, if ya want to dance with the hot one, they usually are high maintenance... Then, this morning, I got a dear john light on the dash, telling me the alternator had just left town. I replaced it this afternoon and while test driving my new christmas present (the alternator) I heard a sound that brought goosebumps to my entire body. First one, then another then a fourth and a fifth deep knock from the bottom of the engine. The engine was still cold, ( 35 degreees out today) , but i was not pushing it hard at all.( just accelerating up the hill in front of my house. As soon as it warmed up, it quieted down, but I was shaken up. I am used to livining in the world of 300,000 mile engines, and this young pup, of 120, should have plenty of life in her... Any ideas? I am still new to the land of rover, but have never had a bottom end go at such a low milage?!?!?

So my second question is this: What is the life expectency of a LR engine? I would think that more than 120k, certainly, but what have you found to be an average life span? I know that maintenance is everything, but again, that being said, what should I expect from a well maintained LR engine?

Rob

 

[Disco Mike]

Not knowing the type of maintance your truck had before your romance, it is hard to say what is going on. I would suggest you pull the oil pan and take a loon. One thing our engines are known for is having the oil pick up tube plug up and or complete fall of and into the pan.
Pull the pan, check it out, clean out as much crude as you can then add oil and some good engine oil, flush it and change it one more time.
I also have a 99 and swear by this truck, not at it.
Good luck,
Mike J.

 

[apbtpetey]

I agree wth Disco,

Not knowing the background it could be various things happening. Rovers need attention and regular upkeep is must as with any car, but Rover's seem to be more on the picky side.

My 97 Disco has 126,000 miles on it and (knock on wood) is running stronger than ever. Matience is the key with Rovers.

 

[RobX4]

Good call on the pan cleaning. I will do that next week. I'll grab a gasket and start cleaning. Since I have not done the job on a rover before, is the gasket all I need? Do I replace the screen or just spray it out?

On a rover w/125 on the clock, what grade oil are you using? I am thinking 20/50 for summer, but don't know about winter. I am in Atlanta, and winters here are in the 30's to 40's most of the time.



LRO has been a great help so far. I have learned a great deal from hanging out with you guys these last weeks.

 

[apbtpetey]

I use 10/30 oil in my rover here in NY and have zero problems with it

 

[Badger1]

Good call on the pan cleaning. I will do that next week. I'll grab a gasket and start cleaning. Since I have not done the job on a rover before, is the gasket all I need? Do I replace the screen or just spray it out?

On a rover w/125 on the clock, what grade oil are you using? I am thinking 20/50 for summer, but don't know about winter. I am in Atlanta, and winters here are in the 30's to 40's most of the time.



LRO has been a great help so far. I have learned a great deal from hanging out with you guys these last weeks.

I use a regular Castrol 10/40 in my 97 with a K&N oil filter. As far as the oil pan, I would also use some sort of gasket sealer(like permatex) with it.

 

[Disco Mike]

Good call on the pan cleaning. I will do that next week. I'll grab a gasket and start cleaning. Since I have not done the job on a rover before, is the gasket all I need? Do I replace the screen or just spray it out?

On a rover w/125 on the clock, what grade oil are you using? I am thinking 20/50 for summer, but don't know about winter. I am in Atlanta, and winters here are in the 30's to 40's most of the time.



LRO has been a great help so far. I have learned a great deal from hanging out with you guys these last weeks.

If you are lucky, you should be able to clean the screen, some though do nee to be replaced, never know till you get in there. Clean out the lower end as best you can, use lots od spray cleaner. Check the bottom of the pan, see if there is anything unusual laying in the pan. Small deposits are normal as you probably know.
I run 20/50 Castrol Blend year round with a large K&N filter, no problems for me, if you got a little colder I would suggest a lighter oil.
One good thing to do, as I did today is use a can of engine flush once in awhile to help clean out some of the build up.
Good luck,
Mike J.

 

[Funrover]

First off...great story...I liked it..Second off you have a lot more life left... I have 165,000 miles and running strong.......