QuestionYou were correct about both:
sticking exhust valves, and money pit.
A local dealer wants to charge me $1500 and LR will charge $2000 to take the heads off and redo the valves.
Do you know of any additives that I can add that will clean the valves so I don't have to pull the heads?
Thanks!
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Followup To
Question -
I just purchased this is a 1997 Land Rover Discovery SE with 90000 miles on it, automatic transmission, last week.
When the engine is hot, and you are traveling at 55+ mph, the engine cuts in and out. The problem appears to result after taking your foot off the gas pedal briefly, and when you are traveling down hill.
If you keep your foot on the pedal (at same position) for a while, it tends to straigten out.
This problem has caused the check engine light to come on.
Additionally, the cruise control does not work.
With the exception of problems mentioned above, the engine appears to run fine.
What do you suggest?
Answer -
Hi David,
best of luck with the purchase of your Disco. Long standing tradition is to give your Disco a name. "Money pit" has already been taken.
Don't think this is a transmission problem. Could be sticking exhaust valves. How well maintained was this Disco before you purchased it? You can visit your local LR dealer and have them give you a work history. You can also ask for an update on all warranty repairs and the warranty booklet.
The LR dealer can also perform a complete diagnostic test for about $200. This will give you a good idea on what the current condition of your vehicle.
Cruise control problem are usually vacuum related. Sometimes the switch fails but most problems I've seen are vacuum leaks.
How hot does your Disco get? Normal range is in the middle and rarily above this (unless you live in Atlanta!)
You can also take your Disco to the local Advance Auto parts store. Kndly ask the manager or clerk if he'd read the OBDII code that is associated with the check engine error you got. It is possible to narrow down the possible causes with that code.
Contact me if you want help with the code.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
Answer################# Follow up ####################
Hi David,
I'm sorry to read that you need a valve job on your Disco. $1500 is a good price. Usually, its around $2000.
I am not aware of any additives that can remove or reduce the sticking valves. Since the problem is on the exhaust side, most additives are completely burned off with almost no remainder.
Be warned: once you have the valve job done, purchase hi-octane fuels and stay with reputable names. Sunoco has a 94 Octane that really makes a difference in the performance of my Disco. On of the problems is that the sticking exhaust valve could come back to haunt you in about 50K miles! Keeping your engine clean with regular oil changes, filter replacements will go a long way to preventing this problem again.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
NB: some people believe that synthetic oils are best for reducing valve related problems. I've yet to try syn-oil in my Disco but will consider it this summer.
