This Is A Most Depressing Forum
#1
This Is A Most Depressing Forum
A little personal background: I have owned discovery IIs since 1995 as they fulfill several of my functional requirements that no other vehicle can. First, a new 1995 that had NO engine issues in 75K miles, then in 2000 I traded it for a new 2000, also no engine issues in 150K miles, except for oil leaks (as they say, in the UK the containment of automotive fluids is an inexact science) and an annoying engine tick that I ignored for about 3 years.
Last December I found a pristine 2004 (the last model year that met my functional requirements) with only 64K miles. However, it generated a cylinder 4 misfire code each morning on first startup, to be fixed before I took ownership. They replaced plug(s), coil wires, coil(s) and finally the entire head to correct the problem. It ran flawlessly for approx. 6 months/5K miles, then the cyl. 4 misfire reappeared intermittently for a week or two, then went away for about a month. No overheating/loss of coolant issues. Then it came back consistently, accompanied by very rough running and the MIL lamp flashing under even medium load. Compression and spark on cyl. 2 & 4 OK. Moved plug to cyl. 2 and problem moved to cyl. 2. Replaced plug (looked OK), reset code, engine ran fine for a day, then MIL light came on again, and noticed coolant loss. No evidence of coolant in oil based on cursory inspection of dipstick.
Based on online research, it appears I probably have a slipped liner/cracked block/deteriorating block casting, which probably means a new short block ($$$). The depressing part reading this and other forums is that this is a common problem, due to design, manufacturing and tooling problems, has existed for years and was probably worse in the later years, and a replacement block will probably develop the same problems.
LR has been my primary transportation since 95 (my other cars are a 67 Jaguar E Type and a 55 MG, both of which are quite reliable), but sadly, it appears that I will have to comprise my functional requirements and purchase something more reliable (much more), such as a (shudder) Toyota.
Rod
Quechee, VT
Last December I found a pristine 2004 (the last model year that met my functional requirements) with only 64K miles. However, it generated a cylinder 4 misfire code each morning on first startup, to be fixed before I took ownership. They replaced plug(s), coil wires, coil(s) and finally the entire head to correct the problem. It ran flawlessly for approx. 6 months/5K miles, then the cyl. 4 misfire reappeared intermittently for a week or two, then went away for about a month. No overheating/loss of coolant issues. Then it came back consistently, accompanied by very rough running and the MIL lamp flashing under even medium load. Compression and spark on cyl. 2 & 4 OK. Moved plug to cyl. 2 and problem moved to cyl. 2. Replaced plug (looked OK), reset code, engine ran fine for a day, then MIL light came on again, and noticed coolant loss. No evidence of coolant in oil based on cursory inspection of dipstick.
Based on online research, it appears I probably have a slipped liner/cracked block/deteriorating block casting, which probably means a new short block ($$$). The depressing part reading this and other forums is that this is a common problem, due to design, manufacturing and tooling problems, has existed for years and was probably worse in the later years, and a replacement block will probably develop the same problems.
LR has been my primary transportation since 95 (my other cars are a 67 Jaguar E Type and a 55 MG, both of which are quite reliable), but sadly, it appears that I will have to comprise my functional requirements and purchase something more reliable (much more), such as a (shudder) Toyota.
Rod
Quechee, VT
#3
It was a factory test mule obviously.
Unfortunately it seems the 03/04 4.6 had the worst of the issues. It all depends on how dedicated you are to Rovers. If it's a good clean truck than I would replace the motor with a 4.0 or another 4.6. From what I've seen you won't get much money at all for a 04 with a blown motor.
Unfortunately it seems the 03/04 4.6 had the worst of the issues. It all depends on how dedicated you are to Rovers. If it's a good clean truck than I would replace the motor with a 4.0 or another 4.6. From what I've seen you won't get much money at all for a 04 with a blown motor.
#4
Rod
#5
these maintenance/help forums always seem depressing. It seems to me, that The bulk of people on here, came searching for answers to problems. I do not recall reading any posts from you, about the flawless performance of your discos, or anyone else's. most feel no problems = no need to carry on about it. I don't gripe and complain about my starbucks barista being extraordinarily fast and precise with my morning order, but I will complain if my veggie bfast sandwich is nothing more than a sausage and egg with the sausage now in the trash.............that gets me every time. The talk of the bad will always be the majority in an outlet of such. That makes it a great source for answers. Just the way people are.
just realized that was quite the rant....sorry. hang in there. fix it, it'll be fine.
just realized that was quite the rant....sorry. hang in there. fix it, it'll be fine.
Last edited by dusty1; 12-08-2013 at 08:38 PM. Reason: rant
#7
#8
#9
these maintenance/help forums always seem depressing. It seems to me, that The bulk of people on here, came searching for answers to problems. I do not recall reading any posts from you, about the flawless performance of your discos, or anyone else's. most feel no problems = no need to carry on about it. I don't gripe and complain about my starbucks barista being extraordinarily fast and precise with my morning order, but I will complain if my veggie bfast sandwich is nothing more than a sausage and egg with the sausage now in the trash.............that gets me every time. The talk of the bad will always be the majority in an outlet of such. That makes it a great source for answers. Just the way people are.
just realized that was quite the rant....sorry. hang in there. fix it, it'll be fine.
just realized that was quite the rant....sorry. hang in there. fix it, it'll be fine.
Rod
#10
Obviously Technical Forums may seem depressing as many don't look at them UNLESS they have a problem. If one looks at the other sections of the forum they are upbeat and interesting in where guys go and what they do in their trucks. Many find that the slightest vehicle problem causes their world to collapse rather than just a simple logical answer to their issue. I would say the technical sections are interesting and very helpful and not at all depressing with others views, ideas and perspectives. Of course one can go and get their truck towed to a main 'stealership' and cough up thousands of bucks and the service guy/mechanics will enumerate all the other issues that you need to address 'immediately', following which you will turn suicidal if you're that way inclined. These forums are an educational platform to those who are interested in their vehicles and want them often for leisure as well as transport. Maybe I see things differently from others, but I don't think so, and I'm an eternal pessimist.