Land Rover Repair: Loss of power,Down shifting Vibration, wastegate actuator, o2 sensors

Question
Hi, I own a 96 Discovery 4.0 litre NAS with 196,000 km.It is in great condition and drives well. I have just recently acquired this truck and on my regular drive home from work I have to climb a very steep hill approx. 1km or so. At first the truck seems to do well until it shifts into third gear and seems to have no torque to keep climbing and experiences a vibration throughout the drivetrain which ceases upon reaching somewhat level terrain. Downshifting to 2ND clears it up, but who wants or needs to climb a hill @ 4000+ rpm. The service history of this vehicle seems to have been quite stellar with no major repairs needed thus far. Additionally, I have replaced the o2 sensors, catalysts, & engine oil. Ignition leads are new as are the plugs. I have also added Lucas oil and fuel treatments. The next service on the list is an ATF transmission flush. Also, I seem to have a leak from my steeering box which I can't seem to pinpoint exactly. The hoses have been replaced and i'm wondering if they are leak prone in any particuler spot.

Your input would be appreciated!

Thanks


Answer
Hi Rick,

Here are some areas of power loss you can examine for your '96 NAS Disco:

Check cylinder compression, it will tell you about things such as valves not closing correctly or cylinder liner glazing or broken piston rings

How is your oil and coolant consumption, anomalies?

Is your engine smoking from cold start to normal temp?  Is the smoke white, blue, or black?

Have your turbo pressure checked. Leaks are a drain on power.

Have your timing checked as this can happen on high km engines.

Have your pump diaphragm checked.

Check your lift pump for corroded lines that might induce air in fuel system.

I've heard that it is possible to adjust the turbo wastegate actuator to get more power.  Not sure how.

Sometimes, this engine has an intercooler hose collapse internally.   Other owners have complained of such problems. Is it possible that yours could be partially collapased?

As for the steering fluid leak, check the bleed nipple and make sure its tight.  Might as well bleed the system while you are at it...just in case. Air can cause all sorts of nasty problems with the hoses and box.

This happened to me recently:  I have seen the seal on the power steering pump fail and fluid slowly leak back and down the lines.  Over time, a slow leak develops that is difficult to trace.  It looks like the box but could it be the pump or attached hoses?  Unfortunately, I had to replace the entire pump.  Dealer said that pump is not serviceable, "$1250 please!".  I bought a used pump from a wrecker in upstate NY.  $45.  2 hours later...problem solved.  No leaks (knock on wood) for the past month.

Best of luck,

JohnMc