New member, 1st Discovery

[discotec]

Hi guys and gals.

Thought I would pop in and say hello. I may well be around a lot! I have just (yesterday) bought my 1st Discovery. It is a 1996 Discovery 300TDi Auto in dark green metalic. I bought if blind, having not seen the car at all other than a crummy picture on Ebay and a terrible description. Having bought and sold cars for years, I know when to take a chance or not. Paid £800 for it. Car has done 124k from new, having had just 2 owners.

Took the train up to Warrington to collect it yesterday and found it was better in some ways and not as good in some ways as I thought. Drove it back to Nottingham yesterday afternoon and it drove really well, cruising at 65-70mph hapilly and using next to no fuel along the way. Once back I had a quick scout around to see what is what. This is my initial list of items that need attention and will be dealt with in priority order.

1. Cambelt (not tensioners) was changed at around 80k. This is my number 1 priority and I have already ordered the modified DAYCO kit with tensioner, idler and gasket etc. I have also ordered the two seals.

2. PAS reservoir has been leaking for weeks. Someone removed the supply hose, put it back but left the jubilee clip off!

3. Breather clogged and forcing some oil out around head.

4. Top hose and turbo hose tied together with cable tie. Why?

5. battery is too small and pretty dead, only just cranks over although it does start and run ok.

6. Fuel filter looks like original!

7. Auto box dispstick not seated all the way in, thuis allowing dust ingress possibly.

8. Minor rust bubbling on drivers door below mirror

9. Minor rust on top of both OS doors

10. Rust on OSR door post as you open the rear door (usual place apparently)

11. OSR side moulding missing

12. rear bumper ends greyed due to weathering

13. Boot side moulding adrift/warped slightly

14. Passenger side dicky seat, seatblet housing broken although belt works fine

15. Minor rust inside NSR door post again, this one has been patched with a small plate but not treated, so it is now rusty!

16. PAS fluid swept back under NSF of car and onto swivel joint area.

17. Glovebox pops open due to loose catch stay

18. Instrument panel loose, not screwed in at the bottom

19. Radio does not switch on

20. Auto box selecter leaver, middle plastic sliding bit split

22. Tracking slightly out

Seems a lot, but it really isn't. I am being ultra critical. On the plus side:

1. Engine purrs like a kitten

2. Gearbox changes flawlessly

3. High/Low selecter woks

4. DIFF LOCK WORKS!!!!

5. No nasty knocks, rattles, squeeks, rumbling, whining or anything else sinister

6. Car does not smoke, use any water, obverheat

My intention, is to keep and use this car gfor the next year or so. I will be doing the cambelt and tensioners fully before the engine is next started, I have seen many cars where cambelt only was changed. I don't like buying engines! I will give it a full service of course and will treat the rear door post rust patches immediately to prevent further rot. As for the other bits and bobs, all will get attention one by one. I will do the PAS hose today as that is just ridiculous. Whoever has been working on this car is not a mechanic and also does not know how to do things properly. The engine bacy is very dirty and dusty, so that will get a good hose down so I can see what is what. I doubt if the brake fluid has ever been changed.

Anyway, there you go. That is my Disco. I have had (very briefly) two range rovers before, many many years ago. 1 was a 3 door manual 1979, other was a 5 door auto 1983. This is better than nbopth of them immediately. I would love a V8, but even with LPG, it isn't as good as this TDi on fuel.

Anyone got any ideas of what else I should be doing/looking at. All tips greatly received. You will find I am quiet adept at doing all these jobs, although I am disabled with chronic arthritis. I will still do the work myself. I intend to be a regular contributor to the forum and will offer advise when I can if I actualy know what I am talking about then! LOL.

Here is a pic of my new Disco. Click to enlarge.

[JimAttrill]

Welcome to the LR4x4 forums. You seem to know what to look for

In answer to your question 4 - this is a very common mod as it keeps the top hose away from the pulley which is just waiting to wear a hole in it!

Check all the hoses and clips carefully as more Tdi engines have been lost due to bursting hoses and plastic plugs flying out than for any other reason. You should think of fitting a Coolant Level Detector to give warning if the level in the expansion tank drops for any reason.

If you have plastic plugs on the thermostat housing and the top of the radiator, get rid of them ASAP. If you have a black expansion tank be aware that they split along the horizontal seam. The white replacement ones don't split.

It is important to keep the antifreeze % at 40 or 50 otherwise the welch plugs rust through with sometimes disastrous results.

Best of luck!

[discotec]

Welcome to the LR4x4 forums. You seem to know what to look for

In answer to your question 4 - this is a very common mod as it keeps the top hose away from the pulley which is just waiting to wear a hole in it!

Check all the hoses and clips carefully as more Tdi engines have been lost due to bursting hoses and plastic plugs flying out than for any other reason. You should think of fitting a Coolant Level Detector to give warning if the level in the expansion tank drops for any reason.

If you have plastic plugs on the thermostat housing and the top of the radiator, get rid of them ASAP. If you have a black expansion tank be aware that they split along the horizontal seam. The white replacement ones don't split.

It is important to keep the antifreeze % at 40 or 50 otherwise the welch plugs rust through with sometimes disastrous results.

Best of luck!

Thanks Jim. makes some sense with the cable ties then. This engine is the BMW unit isn't it? or am I barking up the wrong tree.

Ha! Small world. I used to live in Hillbrow! (many moons ago). Summit club still there?

Any idfea what this colour is called? I have a feeling it is Balmoral Green, but just want to make sure before I get any paint.

[sotal]

on point 7. As far as I know they all do this, push it back in and go for a drive open the bonnet and it will have popped out again. I was told it's probably due to a blocked breather on the gearbox - but not to worry.

I'm guessing at that age that it's an EDC model, which means it's got an ECU and Fly-by-wire throttle. The plus points of this is that it's got an extra 20bhp or so and they really go a lot better than the non EDC models, the downside to this is that it's got more to go wrong.

One other thing to check straight away is the fuel sedimentor towards the rear of the vehicle, these get full of crud quickly and most people find out the porblme when the cold weather comes and the watery sludge freezes and blocks the flow of fuel. Don't bother with the plastic drain plug on the bottom, instead remove the 11m (IIRC) nut from the top which will let you remove the bowl.

I had lots of problems with mine starting in cold weather, they seem to really need good earths and the biggest battery you can get in the hole!

[JimAttrill]

Thanks Jim. makes some sense with the cable ties then. This engine is the BMW unit isn't it? or am I barking up the wrong tree.

Ha! Small world. I used to live in Hillbrow! (many moons ago). Summit club still there?

You have to be Nigerian to go anywhere near Hillbrow nowadays. I used to walk to work from Berea through to the Civic Centre in Braamfontein. Now I would only attempt it in an armoured car

BMW unit? This engine was basically designed in 1956 when the only BMW's you could get were Isetta bubble cars

It started as a 2l diesel, became a 2.25 diesel and petrol, gained 5 bearings in about 1972, became a 2.5 eventually, then got a turbocharger. The big change was direct injection and an alloy cylinder head for the 200Tdi in 1989. The 300Tdi is a refined version of that engine made from 1994-8. Then the TD5 took over, also a LR engine and nothing to do with BMW.

There is a Defender 110 2.8i 6-cyl petrol parked outside. THAT has a BMW engine, the M52. Very nice but it uses almost as much fuel as a V8.

ps. and the only BMW I ever owned was an Isetta 3-wheeler. I remember it had a 'dynastarter' which would dyn, or start, but rarely do both at once. Cost me five quid IIRC.

[Guest DiscoTD4]

Hi and welcome. She certainly looks nice and shiny. I had an a new N reg TDi S auto many years ago and looks very similar in colour.

I would recommend changing the auto box screen filter and ATF fluid, it's a simple operation, albeit bit awkward.

Regarding the bumpers, if you don't intent to paint them black, try putting some linseed oil on, it's cheaper and stays on much longer than the fancy stuff and will bring them up a treat.

Point 5 - I have the standard 72 amp/hour battery on mine, it looks small, but works fine. When I bought my TDi she turned over very sluggish and the previous owner had bought a new battery thinking that was the problem. It turned out to be the starter motor brushes and dry bearings.

Enjoy

[discotec]

You have to be Nigerian to go anywhere near Hillbrow nowadays. I used to walk to work from Berea through to the Civic Centre in Braamfontein. Now I would only attempt it in an armoured car

BMW unit? This engine was basically designed in 1956 when the only BMW's you could get were Isetta bubble cars

It started as a 2l diesel, became a 2.25 diesel and petrol, gained 5 bearings in about 1972, became a 2.5 eventually, then got a turbocharger. The big change was direct injection and an alloy cylinder head for the 200Tdi in 1989. The 300Tdi is a refined version of that engine made from 1994-8. Then the TD5 took over, also a LR engine and nothing to do with BMW.

There is a Defender 110 2.8i 6-cyl petrol parked outside. THAT has a BMW engine, the M52. Very nice but it uses almost as much fuel as a V8.

ps. and the only BMW I ever owned was an Isetta 3-wheeler. I remember it had a 'dynastarter' which would dyn, or start, but rarely do both at once. Cost me five quid IIRC.

my mistake on the engine bit then!

Berea? Braamfonetein? Ha, girlfirend (now wife) used to live in berea, and I used to work for Thom Kite in braamfontein. Smaller worls than we think huh?

Sedimenter. Yep, that is on my to-do list, thanks.

Thanks also about the dipstick. That does make sense.

Anyone towed with these and an A-frame? Any good? Basically what I have bought it for. I will be using the VERY informative how-to regarding the cambelt. I used to do Vauxhall V6 ones all day long, so this is by comparison easier - in theory!

I had a closer look around today and really must say it isn't bad at all. It isn't as nice as that picture makes it look, but it is nice for the year though. the MPG was just incredible on this yesterday. Was aiming for high 20's but ended up wiuth 42mpg! OK, so I was just trundling along, but at 65mph that is pretty impressive for an old 2 tonne disco.

[Froggie]

Thanks Jim. makes some sense with the cable ties then. This engine is the BMW unit isn't it? or am I barking up the wrong tree.

Ha! Small world. I used to live in Hillbrow! (many moons ago). Summit club still there?

Any idfea what this colour is called? I have a feeling it is Balmoral Green, but just want to make sure before I get any paint.

Any idea if Coolant Level Detectors can be purchased or do you need to make one

[sotal]

the MPG was just incredible on this yesterday. Was aiming for high 20's but ended up wiuth 42mpg! OK, so I was just trundling along, but at 65mph that is pretty impressive for an old 2 tonne disco.

Are you sure you worked it out right? 42mpg is pretty unheard of especially with an Auto. Mine averaged about 27mpg all the time, if I drove really carefully on a long journey then I could just hit 28mpg!

[JimAttrill]

Any idea if Coolant Level Detectors can be purchased or do you need to make one

I suppose you could buy one from us in SA, though I don't really want to advertise on this site. If you want to, follow the site in my sig.

[discotec]

Are you sure you worked it out right? 42mpg is pretty unheard of especially with an Auto. Mine averaged about 27mpg all the time, if I drove really carefully on a long journey then I could just hit 28mpg!

Yes, it is correct. But I do drive VERY carefully. I am a driving instructor and tend to read the road way ahead so as to balance gas pedal useage to my best advantage. Bear in mind that 65mph on the speedo is probably just under 60mph in reality, which is only slightly faster than the optimum 56mph. As a former government Chauffeur I am also rather adept at arriving at roundabouts just as the gap appears, thus rolling straight through. In other words, I tend to get good mileage anyway. I was just a bit surprised tos ee how economical this is. In town I am not expecting anything above 25mpg.

I have replaced that broken number plate today, first job done then. I should hopefuilly get the cambelt kit tomorrow so I can crack on with that when I get a dry day and some time off. I will ask the boss. Oh, I am the boss!

Anyone got any info on that auto gear selector part? It was the same on the old Rover SD1. Sliding plastic rubbish basically, where the little square shroud fits in, the hole is split and thus a bit ugly. Moreover, it will let dust in.

[Thys]

Hi Discotec, welcome to the Forum, and congratulations on your purchase. As you have already noted, the answers are on the Forum, and you will(should) have a most enjoyable time here between us Discoheads.

[discotec]

Thanks for the friendly welcome guys and gals! Seems like a great forum with many valued contributors.

I treated it to a new battery yesterday. Well, when I say treated it, I bought a new one. THEN read a bit more of the forum. You see, it was turning over pretty slowly. I assumed (mistake I know) that the battery was shot, but having read a bit it would seem the starter was a more likely culprit. It was starting a little quicker before I parked it up awaiting the cambelt kit. I will keep the battery off for now, then change it over once all done. If it is the same never mind. A new batery is never a bad thing, I would then have a spare in the shed I suppose.

Anyone else had this problem? At the very back, inside, the plastic trim seems to have warped and pulled away and up slighly in a curved crinkled sort of way. I am talking about the trim directly behind the dicky seats, under the window. I suppose they could be changed anyway, but is this a common thing?

No idea how stupid I feel. I really thought (for some reason) that this was the 6 cylinder BMW unit in these. No idea why, just told myself it was so. I had that engine on a few Vauxhall Omegas. Good lump. I do like this, but would have preferred the 6 cylinder. Or of couse the V8 3.9. But as mentioned, nice though they are, even with LPG they are not as economical as the diesel. Or are they? They do sound so much beter, but a chug wagon is what I wanted and got anyway. My first disco and I dare say won't be my last.

[discotec]

Thanks for the great welcome and support already guys and gals. This is clearly a great forum. I have been busy ready thorugh and I think I may be hooked already. Always wanted a disco, so now I have it I am delighted. You will note that I call it 'it' and not she. I may be opening a can of worms now, but this is very much a machine and not soime nice totty, so 'it' it is.

Anyway, some progress today. I located the missing grey load cover, not the original one just one that someone locally had. £25 seemed fair to me fgor the right colour in perfect order. I have also located the two drivers side doors in the right colour. Not sure whether to chgange them or not to be honest. Mine are bubbligh slightly on the tops, and the drivers one is bubbling below the mirror. If these twoi doors are in rust free condition, I may as wel have them and then sell mine on to anyone who has perhaps a crashed one that wants a pair of half decent doors in the right colour.

Cambelt kit not arrived yet, but should do tomorrow. Getting there......

[siskodisko]

Hi and welcome , solution to item 12, bumper ends 'greying' I use Halfords satin black on all my Discovery plastic bumpers and they come up like new,

I also used it 18 months ago on my old Clio and they still look well,

Enjoy your Disco

Ian.

+++

[drkwack]

Hi welcome to the best disco manual available, everybody knows something we all forgot and is only to happy to help, as for the door post get some warm waxoyl down asap, do all of the rear as well up under the wheel arches as they rot here and you dont know until water is every where in the rear load space, just to check if you have the 2 rear fold up seats out remove the panel behind and check the body for rust other wise enjoy your self in the meantime.

[discotec]

Hi welcome to the best disco manual available, everybody knows something we all forgot and is only to happy to help, as for the door post get some warm waxoyl down asap, do all of the rear as well up under the wheel arches as they rot here and you dont know until water is every where in the rear load space, just to check if you have the 2 rear fold up seats out remove the panel behind and check the body for rust other wise enjoy your self in the meantime.

Thanks again.

I will try the halfrauds stuff. I have colour magic bumper black stuff, which makes the bumper loveley and black.... then dries to the same old faded gery again. I may well just spray them with black plastic spray in the end.

More checking and sorting today in my lunch break. The autobox gear selector middle plastic strip is split, so a replacement selector as been located and bought. Radio doesn't work! I have popped it out and will look at the connections when I get time. There is a small spring like connector that mates with a small square metal plate on the back of the removable panel (Kenwood 356L) That little spring connector looks damaged and may be the earth I suspect. The red blinking led works when you remove the panel and the fuse is fine. Just no power in the front panel when popped back on. It has the CD changer under the seat, so maybe a problem with that, but if I unplug the umbilical it is the same.

Speedo pod housing is loose, looks like screws are wrong size. Easy fix later.

It does have the dicky seats. One seat belt is damaged and the normal rear seatbelts have the same problem, one plastic housing missing although again the belt works so is legal. I will change both in due course.

On the good news front, both sunroofs works and do NOT leak at all. I gather this is a small miracle in itself. All 4 electric windows work. The central locking works perfectly too. Usual problems are not here it semms.

However, I did have to move the car today in a tight space and when I put it onto full left lock there was a definite 'clunk' is the best way to describe it. Vague I appreciate, but what is the usual place to suspect first?

I will be doing the cambelt at the weekend. I am a bit of a 'photo everything' bloke so will take extensive photos of the job as it goes in case they may be of use to any others in due course. The engine compartment has never seen a duster to put it mildly, so pressure washer going in there when I finish. Any known problems with this?

[freeagent]

If you are having starting problems i'd check your earth leads... I had problems with this last winter, then changed the nasty earth braid that runs from the starter motor to the chassis, and the earth lead between the battery and the chassis with new items made from welding cable, I also added an additional earth lead between the transfer box and the chassis... since then, no more starting problems...

[discotec]

If you are having starting problems i'd check your earth leads... I had problems with this last winter, then changed the nasty earth braid that runs from the starter motor to the chassis, and the earth lead between the battery and the chassis with new items made from welding cable, I also added an additional earth lead between the transfer box and the chassis... since then, no more starting problems...

No, no starting problems at all. It starts just fine. Thanks anyway.

[discotec]

Now. This will give you an idea of the kind of guy I am. It is 1:18am and I have just put the radio back in, working. most normal people would be asleep, but no - not me. Makes me a bit of a nutter I suppose, so do I qualify as a disco owner now? LOL.

[discotec]

Just realised why you thought I was having starting problems. LOL

Bo, the 'clunk' is a physical clunk when moving the car forwards and onto full left lock. i am guessing steering/swivel joint/ suepnsion clunk type noise. The car starts and runs fine. This was actually moving it off the driveway to tuen it around for nthe cambelt kit this weekend.