QuestionIn looking to buy a used 2000 Disco II i was informed that one or more of the hydraulic lifters require replacing and are causing a slight tapping noise at a cold startup. After a couple of minutes though the sound disappears. Is this an expensive repair, and is this indicative of a larger issue? Thanks for the help!
AnswerHi Brad,
for series II Disco's, it's been known to have trouble with the exhaust valves. If this is case, a valve job will remedy the problem. It could cost anywhere from $2500 or more for a valve job. Better to have them all replaced.
Here's some info that may help:
Cylinder heads
The cylinder heads are fitted with replaceable valve guides and valve seat inserts with the combustion chambers formed in the head.
Each cylinder head is sealed to the cylinder block with a gasket. The exhaust manifolds are bolted to the outside of each cylinder head whilst the inlet manifolds are located in the centre of the 'Vee' and are bolted the inside face of each head. Inlet and exhaust manifolds are sealed to the cylinder heads by means of gaskets.
Each cylinder has a single inlet and exhaust valve. The exhaust valves are of the 'carbon break' type, a recess on the valve stem prevents a build-up of carbon in the valve guide by dislodging particles of carbon as the valve stem moves up and down the guide. Inlet and exhaust valve stem oil seals are fitted at the top of each valve guide.
Valve operation is by means of rocker arms, push rods and hydraulic tappets. Each of the rocker arms is located on a rocker shaft which is supported by means of pedestals bolted to the cylinder heads. A spring, positioned on either side of each rocker arm, maintains the correct relative position of the arm to its valve stem. The rocker arms are operated directly by the push rods which pass through drillings in the cylinder heads and cylinder block. The bottom end of each push rod locates in a hydraulic tappet operated by the single, chain driven camshaft.
The rocker covers are bolted to the cylinder heads and are sealed to the heads by a rubber gasket. Stub pipes for crankcase ventilation hose connections are fitted to each rocker cover, the pipe in the right hand cover incorporates an oil separator. The engine oil filler cap is situated in the right hand cover.
I hope this helps you out.
The 2000 Disco is a nice vehicle but there are other problems to consider too...
air suspension leaks causing vehicle to "Sit";
park, neutral switch can get wet and not allow you to get out of park position;
ABS, TC AND HDC lights can activate revealing a common problem with most LR's (the 3 amigos!). Problem is still not quite resolved...could be ABS modulator, wheel sensors, bearing seals leaking grease into the wheel hub. No one knows for sure what the cause is, at least no one is saying what the cause is...but many LR owners dread this problem.
windows and door locks can stop working - rear windows especially;
taildoor latch and hinges have problems. Maybe the door is too heavy for the hinges - not sure. Rear door lock seems to be infiltrated by fine dust and dirt from airflow around vehicle (aerodynamic blasting).
Best of luck,
JohnMc
