Land Rover Repair: 95 LR Discovery fuel pump and other, power steering pumps, land rover discovery

Question
Hi John,

I have '95 LR Disco and have recently had the fuel pump replaced after local
mechanic indicated lo pressure was the reason for vehicle's problem starting
up.  It would crank but not start until several tries.  Now it seems to run fine.  
Sorry in advance for long intro here, just trying to give some background.
Beyond that, I've had the alternator system and starter replaced in the last
2-3 years, as well as brakes and catalytic converter(s) replaced.  I live in SF
bay area so mechanic labor rates run pretty high.
I'd like to start handling most repairs on my own.  I love the vehicle and it has
served me well for over 10 years now, but I'm wondering how many other
major components are going to give out on me and what I can do to
circumvent that.  I get regular oil changes and more or less regular tune-ups,
but the costs at local shops are killing me.
I understand from reading earlier messages you have a '95 Disco as well and
any long-term (or short-term) advice for care and extension of vehicle life
would be greatly appreciated.  I've also started dealing with ~70 mi/day
commute so mileage on the vehicle will be increasing dramtically (currently at
~127,000 mi)

I think the '95 model has had less problems than some later year models (in
the 90's) and I'd love to get another 10 years or more out of mine!!

Thanks very much in advance
Jim

Answer
Hi Jim,

so nice to chat with a fellow '95 Disco owner.  You mention you had the fuel pump changed, did you have the fuel tank replaced from LR recall?  Most '95 Disco's fall under a fuel tank recall here in N.America - check with your local LR dealership to confirm.

Yes, all the work that you have mentioned is common for our vehicles.  I've had several alternators replaced, two power steering pumps and a tensioner pulley too!

Go to an auto parts store (Advance auto is usually a good shop) and look for the Haynes repair manual for '89 to '96 Land Rover Discovery (#3016).  If they carry Haynes repair manuals then they can order it.  Its a hardcopy version and usually sells for about $35 - well worth the price.
It had excellent pictures and good discriptions on repairs and maintenance.

Then there is the door hinges - rear door is far to heavy and the hinges eventually rust off!  How are the door locks on your vehicle.  Being in SF, I doubt that rust is major factor for you.*

Make sure to change your diff and transfer gear oil every year. Don't touch the transfer gearbox panel (it has 12 bolts) if you dont' have to ---it's a real b---h to reseal.  Just remove the drain and fill plugs!

Maintain your brakes and change the brake fluid every two years.  

I have well over 400,000 kms on my '95 Disco (that's about 250,000 miles) and its still runs.

NB: *  I been to SF a few times on business - I think the bay area is beautiful.

Send me an email anytime you need advice,

Regards,

JohnMc
jmcinnis64@hotmail.com

NB: I'll send you a few techsheets that you should have regarding brakes, key fob reprogramming, water ingress and repair...