I have read a few threads on this topic (2003 oil pump failure & Tech Bulletin), but I am in the market, and the DII that I am interested in is a 2003, it does have 118K miles, so I think I am probably out of the woods with regards to a catastrophic failure...I don't have the VIN yet, but IF it is in the range of those prone to fail, is there any way to verify that replacement or work has been done? The current owner might have service records, if so, all is good...I am going on the notion that he might now.

I know this is an OLD topic...but short of breaking the motor down, if I have good oil pressure AND the motor is well past where folks saw failure...how big is the risk? I know these are older cars, and older cars have issues...I just don't want to step into a $$$ pit.

Thanks for any advice...and if anyone knows a good LR shop that might be able to look the DII over in the Tysons/Falls Church/Vienna area, it would be greatly appreciated.

 

The fact that it runs should be all you need to know.

Zero risk other than oil pumps fail on all years as it is a wear item that needs periodic replacement at about the same rate at the head gaskets.

As far as the money pit goes, realize you are not just buying a 14 year old car, but one that originally cost around $40k and was always expensive to maintain, therefore many owners did not. Try to find the one that did get maintained and you might be ok... otherwise the more tools and skills you have the cheaper it will be.

 

Oil pump is a cheap and easy job, with basic hand tools.
Only thing average guy may not have is a torque wrench capable of 200 ft lbs, for the crank bolt.
You can rent one at a parts store if you don't have one.

 

These are fun vehicles, especially off-road!

 

I should add if the engine of an 03 was replaced under warranty by a dealer they put a small metallic green sticker on the front cowling ahead of the battery area.

Also if you are really curious, you can call any dealer parts or service department, give them the VIN and they can tell you most of the service history that dealers put in the computer including locations of that service.

That's how I found out that my truck was sold and serviced in Pasadena for its first 4 years (lease) and then traded in in Seattle. I also found out my P38 was sold in Houston and serviced in the LA area under warranty...

So there is actually one thing the dealer is good for!!

 

Those green stickers say service campaign on them and were added for recalls,I was told by a friend who works at LR.

if an engine was replaced under warranty it would not receive a green service campaign sticker.

unless you have some information that refutes this?

 

No info to refute.

I guess I had both.