I have a 2003 Discovery SE. Lately, when I start up cold I get engine noise (like tappets). Also, the oil light stays lit for a few minutes, then goes out. The noise goes away after the engine warms up. What is happening? What should I do?

Thanks,
Jeff

 

Oil PSI is below 7 psi for light to be on. Should go out in just a couple of seconds. Could be oil pump, depending on miles. Could be sludge. Could be lack of frequent oil change. Engine is being killed. You can have a mechanical pressure gauge attached and get readings of idle and 2000 rpm, both cold and warmed up, that will determine oil pump function. Could also be bad oil filter. Change oil and filter, go with WIX or Mobil1 filter, not FRAM, no "who knows generic". 15W40 Shell Rotella is a good oil.

 

First change your oil.
Use a 10w-40.
If it goes away fine, if not you have problems, most likely a failing oil pump.

 

DII's have notorious oil pump problems, dont drive your rover till you get that fixed. Same thing happened to my old roommates DII

 

sorry for the double post, but check this out Jeff
Oil gauge - LAND ROVER CLUB V.I.

 

*sigh* I've used Fram for many years with no problem.

x2 on the failing oil pump. '03's were bad for them.

 

It is unlikely that the oil pump is not moveing enough oil, even if warn and old. Instead you should check out the oil sump suction tube for a clogged screen. Even a super clean oil suction tube does not transfer very well. A clogged or partially restricted tube creen will cause less oil to reach the upper portion of the engine, resulting in excess wear.

 

I did a oil pump on my Discovery 1. Here is my post:
https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...-instal-43603/

 

See this recent post for pix of what your oil pump may look like - same year. With a cracked oil pump, nothing else makes much difference.

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...highlight=pump

If you drive truck you could easily do more major damage.

 

Problem solved - changed the oil and filter. Oil light is out. Put over 300 miles on it on the weekend - running much better. Much thanks!