Land Rover Repair: 2004 discovery engine noise, power steering pump, new disco

Question
My 2004 Discovery has a engine knock under light to moderate acceleration under light load. It sounds like a wrist pin or a piston. It was present with no miles and now has 13K. The dealer and Rover say it is in the engine and have ordered a short block. This was 4 months ago and now they still can't get the part for the repair. I was informed that there are many other customers with the same problem. Are you aware of this and if so do you have any idea of the depth of the problem?

Answer
Hi Tom,

this is a first for me.  In all my years of helping other LR owners, I've never had to talk to an owner with such a new vehicle.  I was not aware of this problem so I did a search on the web for other cases like yours.  I use www.disco2.com and www.discoweb.org to keep track of problem areas.  In your case, disco2 is the site to visit.  I could not find any NEW Disco problems; specifically engine related exchanges.  It is quite a step to change engines and I wonder if you LR is trying to downplay this problem.  

Like all vehicles, some can arrive with problems that are not found on any other vehicle.  If this problem does exist and that an engine swap was required to fix the problem, I think I'd have heard about it or at least it would be the 'buzz' word on all the LR websites I visit.  It is not.

I am aware of a camshaft tappet problem that can be fixed (sort of) by installing a rubber button on Disco II's but I thought LR had fixed this by 2003.  I think it was camshaft vibration against the front cover.  Some owners complained that the fix only lasted 6 months to a year.

The only problem I found with 2004 Disco's any noise was a power steering pump problem and not an engine related problem.  The pump was replaced and the ticking sound was fixed.

I wish I could be of more help.  Keep you eyes open and don't let this problem go by so easily.  If you feel you are being scammed...to directly to LR HQ and raise the problem with them.  I'm sure they would be reluctant to admit this as a common problem.

Best of luck,

JohnMc