Just curious, for my own info. I am breaking down that 4.6 liter out of a Discovery II, I pulled the right side pistons today.
Every one had the connecting rod side bearing worn to copper, the rear and front most being the worst. The other "oil pan side" side was not that worn although they all showed wear. Is this "normal" or unusual ?

 

This would be considered normal. During the combustion stroke (power) the piston is being forced downward, to turn crank, and this sudden and aggressive downward force causes wear on the upper portion of the bearing shell. The amount of force on the compression stroke is similar, but not nearly as harsh or forceful. If that makes sense?

l've rebuilt more motors than l care to think about and this is common.

 

@The Deputy Ah that make sense

 

Usually only see that north of 150k, but nothing to be concerned about.

 

A lot depends on the heaviness of the operators foot, too...lol. Few other variables can lead to earlier than normal wear; oil type, time between changes, off roading (stuck often) and you'll see this type of wear more often here in the northern cold-climate states...since a lot of folks "start and go" in the winter months...and don't let the oil reach areas beforehand. It's 2°F this morning...ever pour oil when it's 2°F...oil's like molasses down there. Yesterday, 8°F, let the defender, diesel, run for twenty minutes before leaving for work.

Hate sounding like a sexist, but we have a fleet of 80 vehicles...with 50 female drivers...(so, this next comment is based solely on several years of actual observations)...but they are the worst. Majority of them, the starter has barely stopped turning and they're in gear and pulling out of the lot. The men, usually start the vehicle, go back inside for a cup of coffee...and leave 15 minutes later. Face it, most women (but not all) do not have any idea about the moving mechanical objects inside that engine and the need for lubracation. Took several conversations with my wife about this, letting the engine warm up some...and her first response was..."Why?" Said, "Because, your poor husband is the one that has to rebuild/replace that engine when the bearings fall out (okay, was a little over dramatic there...but face it...women love drama...okay, now that was sexist...lol)." And, "Same reason l'd like you to avoid potholes on our gravel road, your poor husband is the one that will be changing the ball-joints, tie rods, shocks, tires with broken belts, struts, etc, etc. I swear to God, we're driving home one day, l'm passenger, and she is hitting every pothole in the road. I'm like...does she not see them?...is she doing this to drive me crazy?...can't she simply maneuver the steering wheel some to avoid them? Finally, l break silence and ask..."Why aren't you avoiding the potholes?" Her reply..."Why?" And this folks...is "why" husbands die several years before their spouse...and embrace the thought of it.

 

Next dumb question I have a buyer for these but I want to confirm they are 4.6 liter any way to do it by piston or rod markings

 

Never mind found the answer crank is marked 4.0 my bet is the disco had an engine change from 4.6 to 4.0 or was mis-marked.