I had a mechanic look at my Disco. He mentioned that I may need a new harmonic balancer. Pointing out a shiny bit of the shaft, and says he can see it moving? I could not, but I lost a belt last summer, and the new one has some wear on it? I am leaking oil there, as the seal must be shot?
I cannot find a new one? Rovers North says they quit making them. I have not been able to locate one.
Thoughts on this matter will be really appreciated!

 

...or maybe just a cam seal? Do harmonic balancers go bad often?

 

I don't often hear a one going bad... The most common source of belt issues I have found to be the belt tensioner... Remove the belt and check the tensioner for looseness...
Possibly the harmonic balancer was taken off by a previous owner and they failed to tighten the bolt correctly... Easy enough to check that too...

 

Not to say it cant go bad but I have yet to hear of it, you would have to buy a used one.
Or cross reference a new one from a different engine.
It is common for the front seal to go bad and leak, not a big deal, $2 part.

 

Thanks guys, I will put a new seal, and check the bolts on tension-er.

 

They do go bad, they crack and it's common. Will Tillery has them for @$30 bucks or so. They roll the crankshaft key and take out the oil seal on the front cover. Your oil pump is right behind that seal by the way so get on it fast before your motors a lump.

 

I should replace the oil pump? They roll the crankshaft key?

 

? Uh, no. Replace the seal that keeps oil in the pump. The seal your referring to......

Don't know what a key is?

 

See diagram here:

Discovery I V8 Engine Lower End Parts Available from RoversNorth.com

Key is woodruff key, #28 in diagram. It sits in a slot on the crank shaft and slots in the crank timing gear, oil pump gear, and harmonic balancer, forcing them to turn with the crank.

 

Ok, I replaced the harmonic balancer, and seal. I keep getting a bit of oil seepage. (not as much, by a long shot.) I am still getting a bit of movement. When i start it up it still makes a "roar" then the "roar" goes away, and it sounds fine?
I am thinking that it is either the bearings, or the crank shaft is worn out? The shaft is $2000, and the bearings are $99, so its a crap shoot...not knowing which. ANy thoughts on this guys? Should I get another used motor, or try to fix, or just find another Disco? Any help will be appreciated, as my "spare car is on its last leg as well.
Thats my life. Im still smiling though, maybe that will do me some good when I am hitch hiking.