I saw a guy on eBay selling his V8 Disco II using the MPGs from a TD5. I would love to get 24MPG and only replace one head gasket at a time!

 

What is the problem with the TD5 in the US, is it an emissions issue?

 

Excellent - you're spot on there.

 

Using a TD5 I can get 29-30 mpg (imperial) on a longish autoroute/highway trip and an average of circa 25 mpg. Never need it in towns here - there aren't any to speak of, traffic jams are a thing of the past reserved for the cities, Paris or London etc. I only see a traffic light every few weeks when I go to Royan or Bordeaux. A traffic jam around here is 3-4 cars at a junction. I don't know where they all come from.

 

It's great offroad and very reliable - generally. In spite of all the electronics on the peripherals the engine management electronics is relatively good. Hopefully, it'll continue like my antiquated 18 year old 1995 Pajero 2.8 TDI and plod on and on. There certainly is no ballistic acceleration on a TD5 but it cruises all day at 80 mph - no worries. Great tow truck as well even with a loaded 3.5 ton box trailer and makes 70-80 mph on the highways.

 

Back to the OP's problem. It sounds like an issue I had years ago. I don't think it's the heater matrix blocked I believe it's an airlock in the coolant system and you need to bleed and top up the coolant ensuring it's totally full otherwise you can get cold spots on tickover etc. Flushing and back flushing the system may also help clean out any crud lodged in the radiator and heater. I used to remove the t/stat years ago and run for a week without it with a flushing agent to clean up the system but it's much more difficult with the Y type inline LR t/stats.

 

Dr. Mordo, I have the same issue of the intermittent heat and I do have the waterfall noise. What does this indicate?

 

The system needs to be bled.

https://landroverforums.com/forum/di...51/#post353088

 

Hi Guys,

It's a 2003 Discovery with the V8 - there is no water noise and I was thinking about the thermostat - that'd be my first guess hopefully. As for a blocked heater core, I don't even wanna think about that! (shudder)

As for bleeding the coolant system - I've never heard of that ..... is there a how to posted someplace? Is it a minor pain or pretty easy? BTW - thanks for all the advice and tips so far !!

Cheers'
Dave

 

I'm re-reading all the posts again - do you guys think I should take it in someplace and get the system back flushed and change the t-stat? I think that's the best plan so far!

Cheers'
Dave