Mark d - its more of a knocking sound i should say. I spoke to my engine guy and he said it sounded like a lifter problem, which would be a bit of a core replacing ( new lifters and a new cam) but it could also be something worse, this was just his educated guess, qnd obviously until we actually got in there we wouldnt know. Its in LA.

Offroadfrance - quite true, thats why i always avoid salvages just as a rule, but i decided to check this one out anyway but it turned out just as i expected, chalked full of problems

 

Offroad france - the oddity is the noise didnt start when the car was first turned on, only after we had driven it a while

 

Test drive the truck for a while and then check the oil for signs of coolant. If you can check the plugs for signs of coolant in any of the cylinders. Does the truck use ANY coolant. Take it to a mechanic and get them to run a compression test on the engine.

I have seen a few of these ticking noises from Discos buyers recently bought. The sellers will regularly change the oil after test drives to mask the dropped sleeve problems. Many times the replacement head job failed or there was more wrong with the engine than a gasket and the problem will be passed onto someone else. Be VERY careful buying a used Disco 2. Only get one that is in verifiable 100% mechanical condition if you are going to pay market value for it. I think every Discovery 2 will have problems at some time in its life and i have seen too many people burned by them.