QuestionI own a 96 DISCO that the dealer says has evidence of bad exhaust valves, specifically #8. Vehicle has 33,000 miles and has not been driven in 1 year while I was in Iraq.
How can I validate the dealer's conclusion? The Disco has a minor but noticeable engine flutter at 1500 but above that it's smooth and revs up strongly. I get 15-16 MPH on hiway. I plan on replacing plugs and wires first.
Any other recommended fixes before I proceed to the bank?
TKS
Allen Tennessee
Answer################## Follow up ###################
Glen,
I was chatting with an experienced mechanic and he seconded my opinion that a Disco with only 33k miles should not have serious valve problems. Since the vehicle has been sitting for long periods, its quite possible that the valve seals (?) could have dried out. There are oil additives that can help clean and lubricate those seals.
He also strongly suggested that you flush ALL fluids. Perform rad and engine flushes using appropriate products. Drain all brake lines and empty and refil all three diffs.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
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Hi Glen,
33K on a '96 Disco is amazingly low mileage. Lucky you. Glad you're back from Iraq. Was it your mother who wrote to me a couple of months ago? I'll do my best to help you out!
If the dealer had the engine on a scope/diagnostic machine and suggested the #8 exhaust valve is sticking, I would'nt question it too much.
Your 15 to 16 mph is reasonable for even a mechanically sound Disco! Most Disco's are rated between 15 and 20mph.
You could perform an engine flush/oil change. Try one of the national chain lube shops and see what lubricants they can offer. Since its been sitting for a year, I'd flush all the fluids as soon as possible. Coolant, front/central/rear diff's, tranny, brake, clutch(?). You never know what may be lurking in there, especially the hydraulic fluids. They can absorb moisture from the surrounding air and cause all sorts of damage if left sitting too long.
Believe me, I know. My 5 speed manual '95 Disco sat for 4 months while I was on contract work. When I returned, about 2 weeks later I lost the master cylinder. Mechanic said a master Cyl. spring rusted out. $600 ka-ching, thankyou!
If you can flush all the fluids yourself, you'll save big $$$. Plugs, wires should be ok since they were never or rarely used. You can check if your distributor cap pts are ok, unless you have the coilpack, then don't worry.
If you're a DIY owner, remove the wheels and check all your calipers. Make sure they are not ceased. IF left for too long, again, the brake fluid can absorb moisture and the caliper pistons can rust over. You could remove your brake pads and have someone push on the brake pedal.
Be careful here...insert the piston spreader and set the gap so that the pistons don't pop out when you press on the brake! You are looking for signs of rust on the pistons. Using a brake piston spreader, you push back the caliper pistons and see if they retract easily or not. If it takes some effort to push them back, you may have a problem.
If you've never had your swivel joints lubricated, go to your LR dealer parts counter and tell them what you want to do. The parts guy should be smart enough to sell you the new swivel grease that LR started using from '98 onwards. It replaced the gear oil and is suppose to last for 'a lifetime'. No leakage too!
That's about all I can think of. The flutter you mention could very well be a sticking valve. Hard to believe that a low mileage Disco could actually have damaged valves. I'd lean towards trying to clean up the valves and see what happens first. Its not very expensive and it could save you a bundle. You could always look for a second opinion with a euro-mechanic who may have the OBD-I diagnostic system. Some can do valve jobs and you'll save a bundle there too!
I wish you the best of luck and send my appreciation for you service in Iraq.
JohnMc
