Originally Posted by dwelcel
Work done in Dec 2011 includes...
new brakes, new tires, new head gasket, new radiator,
new cooling system, new coolant lines

Still working on getting the complete list from the mechanic.

At least we know the flux capicitor works...honestly dwelcel, the cooling system is probably the most important system in our trucks...and with all that being done recently, you are golden on that front...though time travel can screw up your odometer, be careful

 

Update: Thanks everyone for the pointers. This rig didn't workout. It was more beat up than I want.

However, I have found a 99 D2 with 118k miles. Owner is asking $3k or best offer. Both the interior and exterior look really clean. A major service was done in 2006 including head gaskets (claims they are still good) and new rotors/pads and tires a year and a half ago.

However, the owner says that it's developed an engine knock once it starts up and does not go away.

I'm still trying to search the site for what this might mean so if you got any thoughts or know any posts please let me know.

I mean if I could get him to $2,500 would it be worth it if it's got the knock going on?

Thanks!

 

Knocks are never good. If it really is a knock, you are looking at a bottom end rebuild at the very least. For the cost of this rig plus the money you will end up dumping into it you can find a nice one you don't have to jump right into and get greasy. Just my two cents.

 

Good point. Given that this would be my first Discovery I might want one with fewer 'quirks' starting out.

I got some more info out of the seller:
We have taken it to our mechanic (a Land Rover specialist) and he can't give us a definitive answer for the knock. The oil pump is good, the oil pressure is good, so he told us the knock is internal and he couldn't know what it was unless he tore the engine down. His advice to us was that since it's still running fine, just keep driving it. He basically said he couldn't tell us how long it would keep running without a problem, but that he couldn't tell someone without a knock that either. The car has an intermittent electrical fault that lights up the ABS, traction control and hill descent lights (commonly known as the "Three Amigos" to Discovery owners). Our mechanic shrugged that off and said it wasn't a problem to keep driving it with them on, it's a faulty shuttle valve that can be rebuilt for about $600. The check engine light is not on and it just passed smog on April 12 and is newly registered for 2012. It does have heated seats, but the driver's side recently stopped working (it may be a fuse). The body is in beautiful shape, as is the interior (except the one tear) and it has every option except jump seats, plus an adjustable/removable dog guard and cargo liner.

 

Be patient and find one without any funny noises.

That said...

...there are directions to fix the Shuttle Valve right on this forum for a lot less than $600...maybe as little as $5 if you already have all the tools. Check out the "How to..." thread.

I'd be curious to hear what they're calling a 'knock'...it's not good, but it also might just be a tick caused by something minor. I know guys who have driven their D2's with ticks for over a 80k miles and other's who rebuilt their engines and never been able to eliminate the tick...

 

The owner describes it as a slight engine knock at times. Only comes on once the rig is warmed up and doesn't go out.

Just found a great write up about the shuttle valve seams like I could tackle that on my own or order a used one from a yard.

 

Your mechanic sounds like he is saying the right things about the problems he found.

Definitely look into the shuttle valve fix, but don't bother trying it before getting the codes read (or picking up a code scanner than can read them like an ABS Amigo). It might not be the cause.

The engine tick you describe can very well be worn/deformed piston skirts, which I have had in a Ford 4.6 liter for about 150,000 of the 215,000 miles I've put on it.

 

When the lights are on all three of those systems are disabled. Your mechanic can't possibly know the cause without having read the codes, (maybe he did) it could just as easily be a bad wheel sensor or a bad ground connection or any number of other faults that can cause this.

The knock or tick or whatever it is could also be caused by several things including a slipped liner or a bad rod bearing, could also be as simple as a worn lifter. There are an awful lot of Discos out there for sale without knocks, Personally I'd keep shopping.

 

It is cheaper to pay a little more and get one that is trouble free or needs very minor repairs. Many times the fixer uppers end up costing more once all of the problems have been sorted out.

 

as soon as you here knock and internal that is your sign to put your present ride in gear and leave. It may not be this month or even this year, but knock and internal rarely = good things.