Hey guys,
I've had the disco 95 for 3 years. Two days ago, I attempted to replace the cable going from the pick up base in the distributor to the relocated amplifier module. Didn't happen, the 2 pin connection wasn't a match. I plugged the cap for the distributor and the cables accordingly, followed by the coil.
I start the car and it fires up, however there was a strong knocking sound, it was shaking the engine( kinda like a popcorn noise)
Ended up finding it was a piston gone bad from my LR mechanic. He advised to swap it.He's charging me $1500 (engine & labor) Is it worth swapping ? I know I invested on 3'' lift and new brake discs/pads back in June. (I rarely drive the car to school) but I guess that's a loss.
I am wondering if it's worth it, or if anyone here is willing to take it as is in its entirety for parts, other than the engine, the car is in good shape for 18 years. 124k miles

Thanks everyone.

 

well, if no matter what the money has to be spent. in my area, that's a pretty good deal. ask yourself, what else can I get that's as good or better for 1500 ? I bet it's a pretty short list.

 

Are you 100% sure its a bad engine?
Think about it, it was fine before you did the work, now its bad?
If a cylinder is firing at the wrong time it can sound like a serious problem.
With the engine running remove the plug wire from one cylinder, wait and listen, better or worse?
Put that wire back, try again, do this 8 times.
If it is a spark plug firing at the wrong time the noise will go away once you remove it from the equation.

 

Hi Spike,
I myself am not 100% sure and kinda doubt the mechanic.
I'll be conducting this tomorrow with daylight. I'll keep you posted.

 

I conducted your suggestion. I found that cylinder 1 is the culprit. There was no noise after I unplugged #1 wire out of the distributor. Spark plug firing wrong then ? Should I replace these plugs with Bosch or NGK ?

 

Personally I have never had any luck with Bosch plugs, in anything. My BMW's like NGK, but these old buick inspired motors simply like the cheap Champion copper plugs. Alot. Like a lawn tractor. If it was running fine before you did the work, and not running fine after the work, it may be worthwhile to very carefully retrace your steps

 

I'm going to do that. I did take off the distributor cap and took out the rotor to check on the base plate. Perhaps I need to check the ignition timing?

 

I'd start with the simplest stuff first, are you absolutely sure the wires are in the correct order ?

 

For a second I thought this thread was going to be about swapping to a larger 4.6 motor lol.

I would do whats mentioned above, check the simple things before jumping in on a swap.

 

That was the first thing I checked when I heard the knocking sound and turned it off.
Had the diagram pdf on my phone.