QuestionI had been losing power at odd times, usually at low speeds and with aircon on. Re-starting solved the problem and without aircon, there was no problem.
Drove the car about 520km from Mbabane Swaziland to Durban S Africa - no aircon: no problem - and water temp gauge stayed where it always does, at the mid-way mark. Drove around town over the next couple of days. Aircon on - loss of power suddenly, remedied by switching on & off or just waiting and the revs would power up. Temp gauge -normal.
Next day, I drove about 4 kms to a friend's house, parked and drove another 2km and noticed temp guage easing upwards and then the warning light came on. Stopped within 100 metres and switched off. Coolant level empty but on taking off the cap, immediately filled up.
Discovery now at LR dealers. This is what I was told has happened: Day 1: water pump failure, new fan required (which had been whirring away nicely when the temp warning light had come on and we were under the bonnet); Day 2: need to replace cylinder head and gasket + 5 injectors, ?damage to cylinders. Therefore they suggested recon LR engine cost SA Rand 38,000 + labour, fluids etc say R45,000 or about £4,000. BUT also warned that other parts of the vehicle may have been damaged ? gear & transfer box etc from the heat.
I was shown that there was a blue leak mark down the RHS of the engine from the head gasket line dwonwards.
It was suggested by the service manager that it may be better to trade her in and get a new vehicle.
On asking why the warning light hadn't come on sooner, I was given a long but knowledgeable explanation re the thermostat and the fact that the overheating actually happens very quickly and that this was probably due to the failure of the water pump which we were told had developed a leak.
My questions are:
1/If you buy a vehicle like a landrover, one does not expect mechanical failure of the water pump in such a young vehicle and if that is a fault, why isn't it on the service schedule for replacement. I should point out that I had checked my coolant level before the 520km trip and it was fine.
2/ Why doesn't the warning light come on in good time? No record of this or the power failures above on the computer.
3/ With the speed with which I reacted, how can such huge damage happen, resulting in such an enormous cost to rectify? This is a vehicle that is supposed to off-road (which there has been very little of), rugged and built for africa! One does certainly does not expect it to be so feeble and we are lucky that it did not happen in a remote area! Service intervals have been meticulously maintained and there have been no major repairs/replacements.
4/ Is the recon engine the way forward? Is their likely to have been peripheral damage elsewhere?
5/ Or should I cut my losses and buy something else? I have a Toyota Camry 1997 224,000 kms (from new) that has never caused a moment's anxiety!
5/ Trouble is that after 3 years of the Discovery (after a 1994 Defender - transfer box rebuild R14,000 and 1998 Freelander - new gear box required) we love it!
6/ The dealers are offering to part exchange etc and will repair the Disco and sell it on to the trade etc. We would probably revert back to a freelander which I am told is now trouble-free??? But would prefer to keep the Discovery IF SAR45,000 is to be well-spent.
I should say that my experience with the dealers on routine servicing has been fine and helfpul. The advice today was borne of long-term knowledge & experience but why should this happen with such huge consequences on a Land Rover?
I should be most grateful for your advice and with Christmas holidays looming I need to take urgent decisions.
With kind regards
Nigel Payne
PS This is a great website!
AnswerHi Nigel,
You have some very valid points in this message. Have you written to LR headquarters?
These LR engines run very, very hot. Routine maintenance of the cooling system, especially in countries close to the equator, is a primary concern and should be done almost yearly.
Cylinder sleeves can fall if the engine temps reach too high. This results in a complete engine failure and replacement.
If a new engine is required, consider the cost of a salvaged one versus a 'new' used Disco.
As for the Freelander...I prefer larger vehicles with greater ground clearance.
Best of luck with this and Merry Christmas to you too!
Regards,
JohnMc
