Constructive opinions needed by the experts here as many of you have been usually right!

I own a 2004 LR Disco 2.5 HSE7 in excellent to mint condition, Leather is great condition, factory Harmon Kardon sound, rear step, tow package, loaded and very well maintained with all suggested service proactively completed, and no rust, no electrical or trans issues. No oil leaks and great oil and coolant pressure. Has seen highway miles only. Full service records (LR Dealer and a LR Mechanic). In addition, added has been new tires, brakes, Bilstein shocks F+B, Rear Coilover springs, running boards (installed by dealer), tuneup, etc, etc.

I have 126K miles. In the last couple weeks the Disco has been making ticking noises and is running rough. Bot the local LR dealer and my local LR Mechanic state the motor will need replacement sometime down the road, and both cite different issues (bearings vs loose or cracked cylinder sleeve)

My options are to keep it and replace the engine for $6k to $9K (dealer) or sell it outright. So my question is this: This is a Disco which is in excellent condition with the exception of the engine block. What are the cost and headache options to keep and fix or sell it and who would you consider for either?

Thank you in advance!

 

The NAS Disco's have a reputation for ticking noises, which can be (in no particular order)

A.) oil pump (cracked, $110 kit of parts, one DIY day), makes oil pressure too low for proper lubrication and will kill other engine parts. Also try https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...estions-46975/ for a different filter and oil type that may help out.

B. Cracked flex plate for engine to tarnsmission coupling

C. Secondary Air Injection parts (if fitted)

D. The slipped liner, where a liner(s) has broken loose and taps against the fire ring of the head gasket. Many suffer this and some continue to drive vehicle for 10's of thousands of miles. And they post about it. Options include do nothing, rebuild engine with top hat style cylinder liners, used engine, or purchased used or rebuilt engine with some sort of warranty. Others will jump in I am sure.

 

"The motor will need replacement sometime down the road" raises a rather large red flag to me...is this dealer and indy LR mechanic located close to one another by chance?!?!

First off, you need to really find out what is going on, obviously neither are sure of what is wrong...only what they will do with the money they make off you. What do you mean by running rough? Check engine light on? Any codes? Losing coolant? etc, etc

Secondly, *worst case scenario* you could get a brand new Turner engine with top hat sleeves shipped for like $4k-ish (maybe $5k?) and installed for another grand easily, so forget the $7k-$9k estimate.

Thirdly, if the sleeves are a problem you can it re-sleeved for much cheaper through LA Sleeve or someone else.

Lastly, forget everything I've said, they are correct and you should sell me your truck for $1k no questions asked.

Good luck.

 

I'd never get rid of it, especially with it being in the shape you say it is. At the worst IF you did have to replace the engine, like previously said it can be done MUCH cheaper than the dealer quote.

With that said, find out what is really wrong with it. The 04' engines aren't known to have the issues that the 03's did with the oil pumps and such, but there is still a chance and it's been known to happen.

Most people on this forum (myself included) have been quoted huge repair bills on our rovers only to do a bit of digging online and figure out that we can fix them ourselves for a fraction of the cost.

I bought my 04 with 99k on the clock and 3 months later I couldn't drive it due to a severely leaking headgasket. Dealership quoted over $3k for the repair, and I ended up doing it right for just under $500 including all machine shop work and parts.

Take your time, research and you will have a beautiful disco on the road for years to come.

 

The water pump and oil pump are good as is the cooling system. The SES light is on as I told I am getting oil into a cylinder (cracked sleeve or loose sleeve) on the drivers side which is then setting off an oxy sensor on the exhaust system. The passenger side is fine and the plugs are clean. Does this make sense?

So it sounds like I do need a new block. Who are your best recommendations for either a new long or short block? Also there are a number of "used" engines on the market with between 78K and 130K miles. Any thoughts?

 

if you added where you are from in your signture maybe we could send you in the right direction.

 

I am located in Western Michigan, a couple hours north of Chicago.

 

You'll never get the money out that you put in on a Discovery. It's just a matter if you consider it worth keeping. Like your truck just about everything about mine is great shape aesthetically. The leather is almost like new except for the driver's seat, the headliner has not sagged(a little in 2 spots), and my paint is in really good condition. Those are really underrated qualities to the truck. I'd rather restore an engine and replace crappy gaskets then repaint or upholster the interior.

A lot of this stuff you can do yourself and if the truck isn't your daily driver then I'd say you have the perfect scenario of Disco ownership because you won't be nearly as pressed for time when it comes to repairs.

 

I thought I was the only West Michigan resident on this forum!!

The previous post are correct. Some digging/dismantling needs to be done before cost and parts needed are considered.

I just finished tearing mine to pieces and reassembling with great results.

No matter which direction you choose it needs to be the best for you.


Rover on.

Shane