QuestionHi John
I have a 1997 300 Series TDi Discovery, which has covered 135,000 miles. Its now developed a few problems, these are:
1. Water Ingress. After heavy rain water pours into the front passenger/drivers seat down the inside of the windscreen. Particularly down the roof pillars at the front.
2. Its recently developed a high pitched "squeking" noise that is coming from the front (radiator) end of the engine. The noise goes up and down in volume and pitch as the engine is revved.
3. The RPM (Tacho) used to bounce around (never steady) and now has stopped working altogether.
I suspect 2 and 3 maybe related to the Alternator.
Also, for your records, I recently had smoke coming out of the air vents, to find that the Fan had seized / ran very slowly because the bearings (if you can call them that) had started to cease and the Fan motor overhetaed. (You would have thought LR would have fitted a Thermal Cut out to the motor!)
Anyway, comments on the above, 1,2+3 would be welcome.
By the way its a RH Drive (UK) Landrover Discovery.
Thanks
Adrian Rees
AnswerHello Adrian,
The first problem is very common with ALL Land Rovers. I have seen a LR technical report that instructs LR mechanics to reseal the front windscreen starting from the centre using standard silicone sealants for windscreens.
This past summer, my windscreen was hit by a large rock causing the windscreen to crack and almost shatter. While the local auto glass shop was replacing the glass, I had them reseal around the windscreen using the best sealant they had. They found lots of rust(?) and cleaned the area thoroughly.
The water ingress is much less BUT it still leaked in around the passenger footwell area. There has to be other areas to look for but I am puzzled as to where to search. I've noticed after heavy rains that water would pool on the top of the engine firewall just below the wiper blade area. When I opened the 'bonnet' (we say hood over here) and looked in and around the the area, there was too much water lying about. I drilled three holes into this metal ensuring that the water would run out into the engine area only.
The result was that less water is leaking into the passenger footwell area and NO water (so far) has entered the driver's side footwell. I'm still looking for the other areas and am getting close. Sure wish LR was more forthcoming on solving this problem.
As for the high pitched whinning you hear, this is a bearing and it is probably the alternator. The fact that your tachometer is no longer moving demonstrates this to me. The tach monitors the rpm of the alt, when the alt is no longer functioning, so goes the tach. One bearing case costs about $20 to replace and it's to do if you take your time and are familiar with tools and a soldering gun.
Otherwise, you'll have to replace the alt and that can run upwards of $700US for new or $50US if you buy one from a reputable salvage yard. I would go to a salvage yard (we sometimes call them auto wreckers) and buy a used one.
I've replaced more than my share of alts. Make sure your battery has no problems with it. Sometimes the 'plates' can be damaged and thus the battery does not function at 100%. If this is the case, it can cause damage to the alt and you'll have to replace the 'new' alt in a matter of weeks or months.
So, have you battery tested BEFORE you install the new alt. If the deep cycle charge is needed, your battery may be failing and you should change this too! Buy the best battery you can find. I use and suggest Interstate batteries but you may have others you prefer. Buy a used alt BUT buy a NEW battery! I can't stress this enough!
Best of luck with this and all the best for 2005!
Regards,
JohnMc
