My 2003 automatic V8 petrol disco has quite a lot of engine shaking/hesitation, and has recently developed a misfire/splutter which sounds like it’s coming from the engine, when I start it up from cold. The splutter then stops after a minute.

I also have a slight rattling/whining sound when I accelerate up hill or through 3000 rpm. The acceleration also jumps about about up hill and lose power a little bit.

I’ve changed spark plugs, ignition wires and coils, and engine oil, and checked all fluids. I had the mechanics check everything they can see, and no luck.

Any ideas where I should look? It’s been suggested it could be fuel injectors, intake manifold or exhaust manifold, but I have no idea where to start…would it make sense to get the fuel injectors cleaned and then gaskets for the rest all checked at the same time?

 

Are you taking it to a LR specialty shop? We don't recommend every taking a LR to non-LR shop, they usually do more harm than good.

 

I’m in Georgia (the country) and don’t have the luxury of finding a LR specialist.

If I did get them to clean/check my fuel injectors, it might not be much more to change some of the gaskets? Labour is cheap here, and I can buy the parts online so won’t cost a fortune

 

check your fuel pressure

 

Ok, we understand your situation better now. As you did not mention it we will assume right now the check engine light is not on and you do not specific misfire codes. If you do have any misfire codes those would be a big help. The other thing I would do is chart the oxygen sensor voltage with an analog device that can measure voltage via the OBD port. If you don't have one I would recommend a low cost ELM327 bluetooth device combined with the free torque app for Android. You can see a video of what charting the voltage looks like here This will tell us if the engine is functioning normally with respect to fuel mixture.

 

Super helpful, thanks. I’ll measure the oxygen voltage like you said.

additional info - I had the cat converter removed 18 months ago as it was no longer working, so the check engine light is always on. Mechanic said no error codes are showing but can double check when I go back.

how do I check the fuel pressure as suggested?

 

Don't worry about the fuel pressure until after the oxygen sensor voltage is tested. The ELM327/Torque app will check codes also.

 

I think if your CEL is on, you will have a fault code. Assuming it’s your downstream O2 sensor, it’s easy to cancel.

 

I’ve ordered a Veepeak Orb 2 Bluetooth scanner. Should arrived in two weeks from the US and then I’ll run the checks and let you guys know what I find!

thanks

 

You had the cats removed permanently?