Hi all,

First post after my introduction. I am living in Brunei and I have a 1993 Disco V8. I'm a little new to LR's so I'm not too sure of the model....200 I think.

Anyway, its normally around 36 degrees C here but my disco generally runs cool....always less the half way round the temp gauge. When I accelerate up to 120kph or so, the temp drops as I would expect but I seem to get a lot of heat around my feet and legs. The bulkhead doesn't seem to be very hot to the touch so I'm wondering if its coming through the vents.

Any thoughts???

 

On the right side of the firewall, up near the windshield wiper area, you will find a slim fresh air intake that leads directly down to the blower motor. So fresh air has a way in. The heater hoses run across the valve cover on right side. There is a valve inside for the hoses. In some very warm climates owners have used a short piece of hose to simply bypass the heater. Pix attached, from slanginsanjuan.

Many users stuff some plastic filter material in there (the air intake) to keep out leaves, vermin, etc.

It is normal for temp to be about 9:00 on gauge. But dropping when you accelerate may indicate a thermostat that is sticking open. This will cause problems when you really need cooling, because water won't stay inside the radiator long enough. Your previous owner may have removed the stat. In the US we run 192 F, some run 180F, and 160 F is available. These same stats are widely used by Chevy and Fords, etc. Would suggest a stat with a tiny hole drilled in the flange, or one of those "jiggle" devices, these let air bubbles pass by the thermostat.

Also a good time to evaluate your fan clutch, when engine is warm, and switched off, the fan shoud not spin by hand for more than say 1/2 of a revolution. If it freewheels, the fluid inside has been lost and truck will be prone to overheat at idle and in slow traffic. Fix for clutch include new replacement, salvage unit (you may have a lot fewer choices than we do, lots of Chevy/GMC clutch units fit a Rover), have read where people drilled two holes and thru bolted the clutch to keep running while repair parts came in, don't want high rpm or it might come thru the bonnet. Saw a post where someone drilled a hole, installed more silicone fluid, and tapped hole and closed it with an allen screw. Not sure how long your wait would be for spares.

 

I'm honored. Actually Savannah, we did rad rod, viscous, fan, 160 thermostat, hoses, water pump, green coolant, waterwetter, cap replace, heater bypass, (expansion tank and cap again 2 yrs ago) and safari grill to cool my hot girl down. The radiator probably being the area that needed the most attention.

IMHO, If it is starting to get hot, it's only gonna get worse.

 

Wow, thats what I call a response. I will check it out in the morning and post my findings. Thanks so much guys.

 

The honor is all mine. You have been, and continue to be an active member with interesting points of view and unique issues.

The new member in Brunei has an older Disco, so probably won't have the latest plug for a scanner. Might have to use an infrared thermometer to test things. But cooling off while moving at speed, especially if it drops below 8:00 on the gauge could indicate thermostat removed by previous owner. Don't think he was overheating yet, but then why would PO remove or modify things?

Of course some distant lands are quite civilized, and have dealers, etc. But some areas are also like what we would encounter "on the trail" with minimal help. and you may have to work around things.

 

re: Wow, thats what I call a response

You ain't seen nothing, just ask these guys what brand of oil they like, or oil additive or brand and size of tire, and you'll have plenty of info.

How much is gas in that garden spot?

 

Petrol is 51c per litre and diesel is 30c....I will leave the pleasure of currency conversion to you as that's Brunei cents not US. Just compared your picture to my engine and they are very different. I don,t think I have a heater matrix anymore. I should say it's a 3.9 V8. It's had a few "special" re aires but it's pretty well put together.

We do have a Land Rover dealer here in Brunei but we tend to pool the knowledge of a few expats, Brit and Aussie mainly, as well as a few trusted local mechanics who have worked on these beasts for years. Biggest problem is spares, so expensive here.

 

Before anything we need to know what engine you have, you said it was a "200" model which would mean it has the 200TDI, but in your last post you said you have the 3.9V8.
So which is it?
If there is a whole in the bulkhead under the dash hot air will come is as you drive.
The exhaust and transmission are right under the center of the truck so you will also get some heat from the center hump.
Check for a hole in the bulkhead under the dash is where I would start.

 

There are a couple of factory holes with plastic plugs or caps inserted in them to seal them. If they come loose, lots of hor air will come in. They are located in the sheet metal of the tunnel right behind the shifter trim. Under the console.

 

Clearly I am wrong about the model then....its a 1993 Discovery 3.9 V8. Its a really early model though. The dash looks more like a defender with levers for the aircon and heating instead of dials. I can post pictures if it helps. Thanks for your patience.