PaulN

Ok Ok you win - but mine's still in the truck!! Most covers that I've lifted if it's been black its been shiny oil black not the gritty, tarry sludge that this is. A flush out and you're back to metal but as Les says no chance here unless it's taken completely apart. I'd go find another one in better health next time. If you can't confirm its history, until lifting a cover, how would you know? Aragorn: If the oils been changed regularly, it should be fine, they only get like that thru neglect! I am in total agreement! I am inclined also to assume that the rest of the unit is likely to be unworthy of restoration due to that previous owners fibs and that neglect. It was our intention, on the basis that it was recently reconditioned!!, to use this (modest) engine and to complete our truck with a blower and charge cool. Now we have found the state of this unit is not immediately worthy, and I think that the vibes are to not throw good earnings after bad, that we need to find a good, more torqy unit and then work up from there. So where do you start looking for a 'known' say, 3.9 or 4.2 that might come with some guarantee? I have been lucky enough to have a chat with another knowledgeable member about the obvious other option (if we have to get another unit anyway) to follow the LS1 route. Negates the requirement for any forced induction but then with all the ramifications of getting one of those into the 90 and mating it up may out way the rv8 options. That's why I wanted to ask if this 3.5 looks 'us' to you guys and not worthy of working with and / or if I did use this one would it be any good in the end any case - being an old 3.5! Long winded I know but you get the gist.

Thanks for the feedback. Bit of a bummer to find that sort of thing hidden away. Not easy to ask to take a rocker cover off when your trying and buying! Still that's history and need to move on. If you guys all think that it has to be a rebuild or another unit - is this 3.5 worth the effort and cost to bring it back? ...as say compared to a Bigger lump then. Anyone recommend a good reliable source of larger RV8's ?

Just curious to see what was inside before any work is done or a decision is made on what needs to be done to the 3.5 efi lump in my Def. Ooops! What do you guys think of these photos.? Hope you can see ok I've got less treacle in my intercooler pipes on the Disco (still not done ) than I have under here! It's bitty as well as sticky which is a bit worrying.... Is it just a high mileage, running hot or lack of maintenance? do you think? The previous keeper said the engine was refurbished 5000 miles ago Er Hmmm! What's the best action? Engine out strip and clean adding in some spicy bits at that time of start looking for a bigger lump?m Ran lumpy as hell on cold start up but really sweet when warm but gutless if I recall. Compression test I suppose would be a start to decide whether it's worth working with..... What do you reckon?

How much life should I expect from a GKN or similar OEM one? Mine's OEM and its been on for 32,000 miles and I noticed a half inch split just the other day so keeping it in mind - hope that helps!

What an excellent question Richard. I have had the exact same experience and ended up returning parts only to bu**er up the days plans ! If it's proven to be non OEM it's so gut wrenchingly annoying especially as you specified up front what you want! I'm looking forward to the replies that you get on this one especially if there is a supplier that you never have to remember to ask "it's not a B***part one is it?"

Maybe send the circular to a few parts and accessories suppliers too or even events organisers and magazine editors. They've all got Landy connections and maybe someone will recognize it? We do hope it turns up for you. P&D.

***kin 'ell!!

Sorry to hear your news - I hate those B******s - Ought to be injected and put down like mad dogs! Hope it turns up and someone spots it for you - we'll keep an eye and an ear open for you over here too.

I think that one in the photo by 'kk2' looks bril (I mean brilliant!) - very sinister. I'm powder coating a lot of the bolt on bits on mine in black with the main body panels in Atlantic Green but this one really does look mean. I think gloss or star misted black for bumpers grills and vents and then matt or semi matt for panels would be good. I'd keep the galv checker in silver. Not so subtle I know but those areas will 'look' protected then won't they and they would balance out the galv tree sliders and under body armour. Let us know how you get on. Will watch with interest.

All mine are with NFU - as already said they understand LandRovers and also understand that there might be a trailer on the back too!!

Hello Popotla. I changed from original LR oil filled shocks and fitted Monroe gas on my Discovery (standard height) and (imho)they are undoubtedly a much better drive both cornering and the up and down bit!! Very pleased...... if that helps. Easy on the pocket too!!

Hi James and welcome. Are you sure it's not coming from the windows? I had a similarly annoying noise and it turned out to be a damaged window glide guide/seal. Changed the driver's door one and - aaahhh bliss - quiet!! (or as quiet as it can get in mine!!)

" Could you also expect an increase in performance? " Put a decat down pipe on mine (Disco 300tdi) and it's much better. Much free-er flowing and revs higher too. Not changing down so much towing either - pleased! Still have the mid and tail boxes though. Flew through MOT as CRWoody has indicated.

As you say a nice tidy looking truck. Not too far out in price imoh but would be much more nearer the right price (and appealing) if you didn't have to pay the VAT on top! Expect mileage ought to be a bit nearer to the ol' 100k but who knows without the history and so, as you say may well be gen, but would be a good idea to take someone who knows a bit along with you and then you will establish closer what might need doing - also will give ammo for bit of bargaining. Looks a nice one with good long MOT to start with so good luck. Hope you get it...

"The search function is rubbish" Hear Hear!

Spotted these in my mag only yesterday!! Link

Hello Peter, You might give these guys a call Link

Here ya go! Linky

As per White90 and comes in 3 bits linky Yer Canary under the bonnet may well be the aux belt tensioner pulley bearing (Take belt off and listen) - common prob and fix and detailed well on this yer forum

For those of us in the UK (without a Business or Trade Card) - where can one get the 'Decent' stuff and at what price?

May well be the Auxillary/Alternator drive belt tensioner pulley bearing. Mine's on its way out too and does just that. For the time being a squirt of WD shuts it up for the day!! As per K88 take belt off and listen.

May sound silly but check there's no moths, flies or (real) spiders inside that can set off the volumetric sensors. Guess how I know!!

I run MTF94 in mine and that sorted out a notchy 2nd. Whether Difflock Evo is that much better for the extra price can't say but I would be tempted to try it particularly as the problem is only when it's cold. Save the MTF for a Summertime change! Let's know what you do and how you get on.

Sounds exciting! Who did the chip?

MTF94 for R380 Gearbox (1st class and recommended) with EP90 for F&B Diffs and T/Box