QuestionHi
I have an Automatic 1995 Land Rover Discovery. For a while it had problems stalling when starting at low speed (like getting out of a tight parking spot), but otherwise was OK (also tends to blow smoke from exhaust when accelerating quickly, but was driving OK otherwise). Then one day it stalled quite a few times as I was getting out of a tight parking spot, then I was stuck in traffic (I live in a VERY hot climate) and suddenly it started to overheat and when I accelerated, NOTHING happened - engine was still idling but just no acceleration when I pressed the accelerator. Pulled over, stopped, and then it would not start again (engine was kicking over but would not start). Mechanic replaced spark plugs, distributor and bits and pieces and reckoned it was fine - drove it for 10 minutes in traffic and it overheated and acceleration gone again and it just stopped. Back to mechanic who replaced more bits and pieces and said it was fine and that I would find it idled high on start up but not to worry about that. Well, it does idle very high on starting - but the initial problem remains of overheating in traffic and just stopping (and is still blowing smoke from exhaust if I accelerate). It is back to the mechanic again and I want to get a second opinion on what the problem might be because the mechanic obviously doesn't know and I am being charged lots of money to replace parts and labour whilst not actually fixing the problem at all. When I got it back the second time from the mechanic I found that I could do short trips, but even then, once I had stopped it was very hard to get the car going again - had to floor the accelerator to get the engine kicking over. The one trip I did that was a bit longer and in traffic led to the latest breakdown of overhearing and just stopping completely.
I live in a very hot, dusty clinate. Some friends have suggested it could be a fuel filter/dirty fuel tank problem. Is this likely? Any other suggestions would be most appreciated!
AnswerHi Kerrie,
I think you should be addressing the overheating problem. Something is causing and is affecting the engine performance. Have your coolant system tested: pressure test the radiator and then the engine. It may reveal that you have a blown headgasket. This could be your problem.
Once this is done and you still have the problem, have your cylinders pressure tested. I suspect it's a blown headgasket...but I could be wrong.
I don't think its a throttle position sensor, which would give you difficult starts but irrational engine rev's, which you did not mention.
Perhaps you could have your thermostat replaced. It's not difficult and it is good preventative step anyway.
The mass air flow sensor could give difficult starts if it was not working properly. Perhaps it's choking off the air and thus difficult to restart. Don't think it would cause your engine to overheat.
If your rad had troubles, especially in cooling down the transmission oil, you could get overheating and drivetrain difficulty, even engine stalls. If this is happening, you had better address the problem quickly before you damage both your engine and tranny.
Sounds like the work that has been done so far is 'skirting around' the problem. I hope this service guy is not 'pulling your chain' and swapping parts to increase his profits. IF you have access to another LR service garage...go for it. Report what was done and perhaps they'll find the real cause.
Best of luck,
JohnMc
