Hey guys, I just bought an 04 Disco, drove it from Indiana to Nebraska, and 2 weeks later... overheating and cylinder 3 misfire. Took it to a Euro car specialist, changed water pump and thermostat and took engine apart. Heads checked good, head gasket looks good, and still coolant shows in cylinder. So, am I looking at a cracked block, and if so, where can I buy a "new" engine? The truck has 69k and is already being a POS. I'll lose too much money in a trade, so I guess I have to get it back on the road. Any help would be great!

 

Wow that is sad man. Escpecially on a 2004! I fear this. If you find out that you have a cracked block PM me. I have a 2004 block with 37k on it. I live in Indianapolis. Its a small world after all. I have to have it pressure tested to make sure its fit to sell but looks visually great.

 

Im about in the same boat with the same year POS....I will be pulling the block this weekend....havent pressure tested though but dont have a hope in the world....

 

I'm not surprised the 4.6 engine is an even bigger turd than the 4.0. At least with the 4.0 in general you fix the head gaskets and front cover and you are set. You don't hear as many people complaining of bad blocks as with the 4.6 unless it has really been abused. Not sure if that is actual reality but that is what it appears like from the anecdotal evidence.

 

So the 4.0 is a better motor? Can a 4.0 replace a 4.6 without major mods, or is this asking for more trouble?

 

They are the same block on the outside. Now whether you would need a 4.0 harness and a 4.0 ECU I'm not sure, I would assume yes. That the 4.0 is a better engine is my opinion (and many others too) but I don't think you would find a consensus. With the 4.0 I assume there are more available. With the 4.6 you are pretty much stuck with finding a 2004 disco engine or a 4.6 RR block.

 

Bosshogt, how much would you sell the block for? I am in the same boat and need one. Thanks

 

The 4.0 and 4.6 block is the same, the 4.0 blocks are said to be of better quality than the 4.6 blocks. As long as you stick to a Bosch or Gems block whichever is relevant you can replace your 4.6 with a 4.0 block, or use a 4.6 block from a P38.
Another option is to resleeve your 4.6 block, it's about $1600 at www.lasleeve.com to do all 8 cylinders. If you plan on keeping the car long term then this may be well worth it.

 

You cant use a GEMS block in place of a Bosch block, different sensors and they wont match.
But you can use any other Bosch (DII) block and put your 4.6 guts and heads on/in it.

All I can say is that I would never buy a Disco with a 4.6.
It is my opinion (which means very little) that this was during Fords ownership and they let quality slide to try and make money.
This has got to be the 6th or 8th 4.6 that I have heard of on the forum going bad this year.

 

I just got word with my truck that it is a cracked cylinder (#4); and there is no two ways about it apparently. I am in the market for a new engine-- any help would be appreciated! ASAP!

And another story behind it: I was getting a 304 code over and over and over again (this after changing the sparks/wires); and I had about 93k on the truck with 7k more to go before the warranty ran out-- but the dealer kept jerking me around (which I am going to address that they still didn't fix the dang issue)! And I am guessing they knew of the crack in my cylinder-- but now that I am 4k over the warranty (AND going to the dealer 6-times, no joking, they STILL hadn't fixed it and now they won't bother about it since I am out of the warranty zone).

So the 304 (cylinder misfire) is a heck of an issue and I would advise anyone who is under warranty with this POS 4.6L-V8 on the Disco II to use the warranty, (if you still have it), to its fullest extent!

Cheers;

AK