we plan to buy a 2003 Disco, 80000km, on the service report, there is a note for 'oil leak around engine'.

of course the sales guy saidoil leakis very normal for luxury car, but service dealer said no oil leak is normal.

we are not sure how serious the condition is, if we need to buy this one or skip it.

please provide some advise, thanks!

 

Well, it's not a Land Rover if it isn't leaking oil. The question is the severity. Take a look at it or have someone look at it.

 

thanks! 98roverguy

we are just kind of afraid if we need to replace the whole engine

 

Valve cover gasket and intake manifold gaskets are prone to leaking, but can be fixed.
I would suggest you take it to another shop and have it inspected before you buy the truck so you know what is going on.
Mike

 

thanks, Disco Mike, we are contacting a mechanic right now

 

Oil leaks are not normal,but they are pretty common on Land Rovers.I like to think of it as perpetual underbody lubrication!

 

Lol @ perpetual underbody lubrication..

We just purchased a 2003 Land Rover Disco and it was leaking oil around both valve cover gaskets. I was alarmed at first, and then found out thanks to this forum that it is actually quite normal. The truck is driving fine and I look forward to pushing it to many miles of usage.

[update]

I tightened the valve cover bolts just a hair. It was about a 1/3 turn until I felt it tighten good. I didn't put any extra force beyond a simple push with my hand. It put a stop to the steady drip that was coming out of my right. I'm not worried about it now until I really get some hard leakage out of there. Right now I'm more worried about the coolant leak on the left side of the radiator at the junction between the plastic and the metal. She's responding well to the love I'm putting in to it. She's been rode hard, I can tell because the tires were inflated to their max press instead of the book recommendation, and the owner had no idea there was a steady leak in either oil or antifreeze, and it was running below min on both. Typical of alot of American owners, ride it until it falls apart. She's a beaut anda pleasure to drive tho.

 

I have a Discovery diesel 2003, I am having the same problem with mine also, so far I cant find whereis the oil comming from, all the driver side is linking, we checked the valve cover and many other parts, I am taking it tomorow to a new shop, and I will tell you if we found it.