He used Chevron gas so there must me something else going on. I mean I used Indian Reservation gas (93 octane) for a whole year before doing my heads (plus a running rich condition due so a bad O2 sensor) and they were clean underneath. I'm still saying that is not normal.

Modern day gas does suck though and everyone should be using a top end lubricant in their gas tank.

 

I am not disagreeing with you.

 

So what could it be? Maybe he is burning a little oil? He has his heads off so it may be a good idea to remove the valves and inspect them?

 

If this is abnormal for a Rover than yea, check the valve guides for spec. A lot of carbon buildup happens when a vehicle is sitting and oil leaks through the valves, and is then burned on start up. Of course smokey start ups normally go in hand with that.

Also excessive rich conditions I suppose.....

 

Try BP gas with Invigorate. I use it in all my cars (jeez, I work for the bastards) and it seems to do me pretty good.

According to the independent company that delivers our gas, it's one of the better additive packages out there.

And the best part about it is that if something happens to your engine, and the mechanic says it was because of BP gas, BP will pay for the repair! I've never personally seen an instance where it happened, but I'm sure it has.

 

I just signed up for this, so now I will save $.08 per gallon of gas when I buy.

http://www.shell.us/home/content/usa...aver_card.html

 

We have the luxury of having ethanol in our gas here in Texas and it is terrible. It burns poorly and leads to heavy carbon build up. Boat engines and small engines get trashed for the stuff. But it keeps the corn farmers happy up in the mid west.

 

We need to sell our corn to somebody.

 

I have my Disco apart right now as well, What is the best way to clean the cylinder block & head? Sorry to ask a repetitive question but I do a internet search and everything under the moon pops up and I just want to make sure I do the right thing. Thanks in advance.

 

I feel your pain, they did the same thing where I live. The engine on my 2004 hyundai has been making more ticks ever since they started this . I can't imagine what the rover is going through... I recently changed the plugs and I can't say it looks pretty. I have always used high quality chevron fuels, can't say what was burned in the land rover by the previous owners though.