Land Rover Repair: Ticking noise in engine, imminent failure, fishing expedition

Question
QUESTION: Good day John,

I have a 2000 Disco 2 v8.
Once started and the engine has warmed up a light ticking noise can be heard coming from the vicinity of the left hand cylinder head - sounds like a noisy tappet.
The noise surfaced after a recent oil change.
The noise can only be heard with the bonnet open.
Should I at this stage worry about this?
The local LR dealer says not to worry as it is not serious. I am going on a fishing expedition in Mozambique and would not like to cause damage to the engine.

Thank you for assisting.

Regards,
Buks

ANSWER: Assuming the oil is at the correct level, and the oil pressure earning light is not on, I would agree with the dealer.

The noise may be a lifter, or a piston noise, or wear in the cam, or something else.  All those noises are internal to the engine  and would only be resolved through overhaul.  in most cases noises like that do not portend imminent failure.  Knowing that, I would monitor it and keep driving to see what develops.  

You don't have catalysts and secondary air in Africa, do you?  If so, those external devices may be the noise source.

Good luck with it.  We have customers here in the USA who have run Rovers for years with noises like that; the LR V8 is sort of known for noise

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi John,

You have such a wealth of knowledge I need your advice on one more question.
Whilst cleaning the underside last week end I noticed that their is some "up and down" movement in the double joint on the front propshaft.
I had greasable universals fitted some time back but the local shop could not service the "ball" in the double joint.
I was told to have the double joint replaced with a normal single joint. I am not fond of changing the joint as I believe it is their for a reason.
I South Africa I cannot get the ball kit although I see it is available in USA. P/N Precision 617.
Would you suggest replacing the double joint with a single joint or have the double joint replaced with a new double joint?

Answer
If there is any movement in that front driveshaft joint it is imperative that you replace it immediately.  When the joint goes loose it will shake itself apart at highway speed, and the broken shaft can destroy the transmission housing and even tear up the floor and exhaust.  You can order that shaft from Atlantic British in the states.  I don't know if there is a supplier closer to you.