I have a 2003 Discovery with about 115k and trying to figure out a few issues with it - any help would be greatly appreciated!

Getting a P0171 code but I'm not sure that explains the other issues.

Most of the time (not all) when I sit idle, I hear a clicking sound under the hood somewhere. Once I accelerate the clicking speeds up and then I don't hear it.

The valve cover gaskets seem to be leaking oil.



Also, the picture....what are the two hoses to throttle body and why would they be corroded?

I'm a newbie to this but willing to get my hands dirty if you can give me some direction. Thanks in advance for your help!

-Andrew

the two hoses to throttle body are coolant lines..you can block them off. as for the clicking...get a mechanics stethoscope and start tracking it down..i got one from harbor freight for about $3-4

the two lines below the throttle body is to the heater plate, you can got to LR and get the replacement for $25-30 or order it from Atlantic British or BPUtah.com for about the same price, it's leaking coolant, not corrosion.

i blocked mine off for free..used a bolt up in the hose and a hose clamp

The clicking noise could be an exhaust leak. There fore the acceleration and the relationship to it getting quicker. I would check the exhaust manifold that comes out of the engine and down to the exhaust. there is a place where the exhaust and the manifold connect. The leak could be there. Also if you ever do an induction cleaning with something like seafoam you will see a lot of white smoke coming out of your exhaust leak. To see the smoke you have to suck it in through your engine though, not just pour it into your gas tank

Yes, your valve cover gaskets are leaking oil. Tighten down the outside bolts using an 8mm 12 point socket. The valve cover bolts should be tighten at each oil change interval because they have a tendency to work their way loose. The inside ones don't need to be tighten. I would clean the engine after the repairs and check for leaks periodically to make sure that the repairs have eliminated your leaks.

Yeah, all that corrosion-looking stuff is a dex-cool thing... It crystalises when it is exposed to air. Easy to repair... check the write-ups section. I just did mine while I had the intake manifold off, that made it much easier but don't take it off for this repair alone. The kit is pretty easy to install and comes with the heater plate, gasket and even new bolts. You may want to replace the stock snap together clamps with some regular small hose clamps so you can get a little more pressure on them and reduce the possability of leaks from the hoses themselves in the future. Be sure to take your time on this, get it good and clean and apply a good sealer to the new gasket. Some people end up getting leaks again, get pissed and bypass it. Which is fine unless you live somewhere where it gets really cold in the winter, then your throttle plate could freeze open or shut for that matter. As far as I'm concerned, if the part comes out it goes back together the same way but, I am a RAGING perfectionist!!! Especially when it comes to my Rover. The torque spec. for the valve cover gaskets is I think 6 ftlbs but tighten them to 10 and check them at every oil change, they will loosen up again. I believe they think it's funny.

Thanks all for the help on this folks. I ended up blocking off the throttle body lines and tightening valve cover did the trick with leaks. I'm yet to track down the clicking sound but only because it's all but gone away for now. hard to diagnose what's not there for now. will repost if i find a solution to that if it returns.

I really appreciate the warm welcome and look forward to being apart of this community. Cheers!