Land Rover Repair: discovery 2 2003, general mechanics, discovery 2

Question
Dear John,
I have a 2003 discovery 2 with 86000 on the clock which i bought in may.When i bought it I got the serpentine belt changed , filters oil,brakes etc. whilst on my way home today it became rather sluggish and the engine service light came on. Just before home I heard a tapping noise which sounded like the valves or something similar.I have it parked up and am not sure what to do. Regards Darryn

Answer
Hi Darryn,

you'll have to make sure the fuel you select has the highest octane available.  An octane of 91 is best (Super) and Ultra is better (octane 94).

Make sure the serpentine belt is installed correctly. Many, many general mechanics get this wrong.  If the belt was installed by a non-LandRover mechanic...it might be worth checking out.

There are problems with the exhaust valves on Disco II's that require a valve job to solve.  Apparently, carbon deposits can build up and cause the exhaust valves to stick.  I hope this is not the case for you, being such a new owner.  

The sticking valves removes power, is most noticeable on hills and hot, humid days when the car has reached its normal operating temperature.

So, check the serpentine belt and fuel.  The service engine light is normally reset by the dealership but a webiste I know has some info you might be able to use:

www.discoweb.com

Select the TECH section and look for the topic "Reset Service Engine light"

Best of luck,

JohnMc