Question1. On cold winter starts, I hear a brief noise from under the hood. It lasts maybe a second, but definitely doesn't sound good.
2. There exists a small fan located just above the fuses in the cabin. I think its pulling in air from the cabin to a what looks like a thermocouple or something. You can see the location from the drivers seat by looking toward the lower left side of the steering wheel. This fan makes an annoying clicking sound.
3. Sometimes when I turn the steering wheel near its limit, generally to the right only, I hear like a grinding noise.
4. I'm slowing losing antifreeze and oil. No leaks to the ground. Oil is dark. Can smell the antifreeze after a drive. Surprising amount of carbon build-up on the exhaust pipe. K&N oil filter.
5. Recent flat requiring the use of the hydraulic jack from under the hood. Could not for the life of me get it to work. When shaken I can hear fluid however the post won't lift.
6. Will you come over to visit and help me with the repairs? Pittsburgh, PA.
AnswerHi Graig,
if we were neighbours, you bet I'd come over to help out. However, its a 15 hour drive for me (one way). I've enjoyed my visits to Pittsburgh and I have two good friends who hail from your fine city.
1. Open the hood and have someone else start your engine. You can listen from above the engine on one start. Then next start, listen from below the engine, near the starter.
If it is the starter, water and corrosion is usually the cause. The tiny gear that engages the engine crank gear can sometimes start to rust as does the main shaft. At one point, this shaft could seize and that's when you just hear the starter 'spinning' at high speed when you attempt to start the engine. Remedy: remove the starter, open it up and inspect for rust. Remove rust by lightly sanding and spraying rust remover, lubricate the area, bench test for other noises and then reinstall. www.car-part.com is a great site to locate salvaged parts for our Disco's. For $40 you could buy a salvaged starter as a backup, if you suspect it will eventually seize up on you.
2. I'm not sure what that is. Could it be a fan to cool down the resistor plug? Can you read a part number off of it? Give a number and I'll look it up for you.
3. Could be CV joint failure ($2000) or steering box fault. Avoid extreme hard turns as it can contribute to CV failure. I was told to have the vehicle in motion before making hard turns in tight situations.
4. Maybe you're burning oil. Have your cylinders pressure tested. Could also have a small leak in your radiator. This can give off that coolant scent you mention. You may not see a leak from behind the rad but its possible that micropore holes exist. Check all the hoses for cracks and that all joints are tight.
5. Make sure the release valve is finger tight (right tight, left loose). Had to say that. Could be that it developed a leak. Hearing fluid slosh around is not a good sign. Might be possible to inject new fluid. I have an older model and there is a small inversed nipple for that purpose. You may be able to do this. Try Advance Auto. These guys are very good and they may have a trick up their sleeve.
6. You buy the airfair and put me up for the weekend, provide tools, Pizza, beer and some good tunes while working. Acually, try a local club. They are always a great source of info and you can always ask for help:
PENNSYLVANIA
Fort Pitt Land Rover Club
7018 Shannon Road
Verona, PA 15147
Contact: Scott Wickham, Jr
Phone: 412-793-1623
Web Address: www.fplrg.org
Rover Saloon Touring Club of America
Wallingford, PA
Contact: Glen Wilson
E-mail: Glenwilson@ixpres.com
R.O.V.E.R.S. Land Rover Club
(Royal Off-road Vehicle Expeditionary & Recreation Society)
PO Box 43
Avondale, PA 19311
Contact: Tom Bache
E-mail: sean@crazyfishdesigns.com
Web Address: www.roversclub.org
Best of luck, Graig. I wish I was closer, I'd be glad to help you. Pass me another slice of that pizza...
JohnMc
