2004 Disco II owned since new. 185K. Dealer maintained up until 2.5 years ago when they quoted $4K for head gaskets - that's when I started doing all the work to the truck. It developed the intermittent ticking when warm sound about a year ago - it has worsened with time. It was the wife's DD up until about 2 months ago, now I drive it, so I set out to resolve the ticking issue.

Good oil pressure cold (50/50 PSI) and hot (20/50 PSI) at idle and 2K RPM - Rotella 15/40.
Did the MMO, 180 degree thermostat, new radiator, and fixed all coolant leaks. Tick, tick, tick...
Decided to go a little deeper... 150 PSI compression (+/-2 PSI) on all cyl, no exhaust gas in coolant.
Did the oil pump (front cover), timing chain/gears, cam, lifters and pushrods (rocker shafts looked good). Internals looked nice and clean. Just got done tonight. Fired right up and ran nice and quiet - until it warmed up. Still ticks - runs great.

Next up, new block, bearings and pistons...

Thoughts?

 

Before you go any further spend a couple hundred bucks on a new Power Steering pump (with everything you've done a couple Hundy on the new pump should be a breeze!). I had the SAME exact problem. Thought it was lower engine knock. My pump was actually leaking...was dropping a quart of fluid every couple of days which prompted me to change it. Low and behold after changing the pump and a couple thousand miles NO ENGINE KNOCK. Yes, I know it sounds crazy but it's worth the shot with everything else you've already done!

 

I agree with the suggestion about the pump, it seems everyone has been having that issue.

 

Before you swap out the pump. Try using a mechanics stethoscope to locate the source of the noise.

It could also be a slipping liner. They make noise when hot not cold.

 

Thanks for the prompt replies.

PS pump? Well, a stethoscope (which I probably should have started with) should make it clear if its the pump. The ticking doesn't seem to be coming from that area, but its worth a try.

Also, I've read that some have cured the dreaded tick by replacing a cracked flexplate. Mine looked to be in surprisingly good shape when I had the pan down. No cracks, and it wasn't coated in oil - guess the rear main seal is doing well.

Drove it to work this morning and it runs way better than it used to. Started right up, 50 PSI oil, ran smooth and quiet - until it warmed up... Somehow, I was hoping the tick would just magically disappear...

Unfortunately, I now have either slipped liners or piston skirt slap stuck in my head...

Thanks!

 

Another 03-04 4.6L nightmare....

Runner till she blows!!

The bill will be about the same

Good luck

 

Unfortunately, I now have either slipped liners or piston skirt slap stuck in my head...
both good choices

 

Maybe you should try pinning the liners first.
See Post #2

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...eves-v8-68246/

seems pretty legit.

 

I could do that, but, not the best strategy for a Zombie Apocalypse bug out rig...

 

I did see this and it seems like a viable option at 190K. Parts alone to re-sleeve my block with top hat liners (liners, rings, bearings, gaskets, etc...) from AB is about $1,400. Not sure what the machine shop bill would be for a pressure check and re-sleeve - all in I'm guessing $2,200 - $2,500??? Could not fathom paying labor for all this.

Anyone know how to definitely determine if the noise is from slipped liners or warped piston skirts?