'03 Disco with 50k.

It had an oil pump failure <1,000 miles ago. It was replaced and the engine (bottom end, anyway) was inspected with no damage noted. Oil changed as well.

Recently, I've started to notice some tapping from the engine compartment. I can't hear it with the hood raised, only from the passenger compartment is it noticeable.

It starts out like a mild diesel sound (for lack of a better description) but dampens when the engine is up to temp. And I suspect the fresh oil masked the sound for a while.

Having worked in Antarctica for a number of years and starting vehicles up in the cold, I'm inclined to say it's a valve train noise.

Is this a safe bet? Is it a sound one can expect from a Rover?

If I look into the oil fill plug, it does look mighty dirty.

I'm probably going to do an ATF flush and do another oil change to see if it helps.

Thanks.

 

Hold on the flush. Did a dealer do the last repairs, if so, take it back, leave it over night and have them cold start it.

 

That's a negative on the dealer, Mike.

Long story made short, the previous owner got POed by the LR dealer, bought the part, and had a local shop swap out the pump and pull the oil pan. It was also supposedly flatbedded the 100 mlies to and from the dealership.

I've spoken with the mechanic (and not the shop owner) to find out what was done. I've no reason to doubt him.

Where to from here?