Well, I just bought my 97 Disco a week ago, and had my buddy (mainly a VW guy) do a top half of the engine rebuild. The head gaskets were warped, so that is why we did that. We go to start it up, and I was planning on heading down to school, but the engine would overheat. Antifreeze everywhere! At first, we thought the thermometer might be bad, so we replaced it (cheap fix), but it was not. In the end, we realized it only overheat when the A/C was turned on. The serpentine belt is new (and very very tight), and my guess is that it is drawing to much on the engine, but it runs just fine and hums along when it is off!

I was able to make it all the way down to school three hours away without the A/C. The thing rides reallllllly smooth down the freeway! I have to say, air conditioner or no, this is a lovely machine! I'm excited to use it more to its full capabilities. As far as I know, the A/C is the only thing under the hood that needs fixing. Any ideas on whether it is the pump or the belt? I have a few maintenance things, and then a few things like fixing the spring kit in the back step, fixing a fog light and minor stuff like that and then it'll be more complete! Gotta say, I am happy to have joined the Rover family!

 

Are the electric fans behind the grille turning on when you turn on the AC? If not the truck will overheat. The water pump may not be moving enough fluid but the first thing I would check would be the electric fans followed by the fan clutch on the main fan. If the clutch isn't engaging properly that will also allow the temperature to keep rising.

Since you just bought the truck you really need to go through the 60k service list that can be found here on the forum. Changing out all the fluids is the only way to know for sure when they were last changed and what fluids were used. Also follow the link in my signature and download the RAVE manual. It will be a life saver as you work on the truck.

 

I completely agree with AK. At this point, you are driving an unknown that you are not familar with. Download the RAVE and get started studying it so you learn your new Discovery.

Realize first, it is not new. Also realize it is unlike anything you have ever driven or worked on before.

Get over the enamored feeling of love and excitement that you are currently basking in. Accept the fact that it is an aged relic that you will find very few reliable sources for parts that they themselves are not going to be cheap.

Take a realistic approach and don't assume you can go anywhere (it does have it's limits) in it and you should enjoy it, especially as a party vehicle while you are enjoying being in college. It will take you to some amazing places, but you can get it stuck worse than any other vehicle you ever had as well.

Don't abuse it with stupidity and it will amaze you. Watch some of the videos on UTube to see what I mean. I love it when somebody flips one over badly and all his friends rush to his aid, yelling "Are You OK?"

Welcome to the club. Enjoy.