OK - just bought my 200 Disco. The day I test drove it and inspected it, it was fine - best running used vehicle I have ever tested. No engine noise whatsoever, no brake squeal, no wheel noise, heating and air working fine, radio good, interior and body great. That night I drove it home, about 20 miles. Pulling into the driveway, I started hearing a clunking noise when I put it in park or N. Opened up the hood - nothing there. That's no biggie though.

The first day of driving this, I started hearing noises that indicate low octane fuel - so I waited until I got down to just under a 1/4 tank and refueled with premium. Noise, which really is more of a higher pitched, lighter sound than actual engine knock from low octane, is still there. I thought it might be a dirty engine so I bought some seafoam (but haven't used this yet). Then the brake pads start squealing. Then one of the wheels starts squeaking intermittently (may be brake pads...).

Yesterday was day 2 - started noticing that the engine/valve pinging was not happening every time, so I didn't put in the seafoam. Then, the check engine light comes on. Then more off and on pinging noises. And brake squealing.

This morning, day 3, it was a little cooler out, so I turned the heat on after the engine warmed up. I put the temp on Hi and blower motor on the third level, and nothing blew out but cold air for the 1st ten minutes of driving it - until I turned the blower fan speed down to 1. Then it got warm again. Then I turned the speed back up one notch and it started cooling off again.

So right now, I am feeling foolish. I love this car and have been wanting one for quite a while. Obviously there is an ECU problem. It was going to be this or 1990 FJ62 Land Cruiser.... I am not a newbie to Land Rovers either. I have owned a 1995 County Classic RR that I bought new (it spent 20% of its life in the shop...) and a 2001 RR SE, which was actually a good vehicle, other than the PO's neglect of the interior.

Any assistance and advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

I would quit driving it till you know what is going on and you do have some issues.
PM me your tele number and lets talk.

 

It's a 200? Is that 2000? How many miles. You probably need to run through DiscoMike's 60k service. Check the coolant level for your heating issues.

 

I am actually taking it to the seller who will be looking at it - the IM is use is russoaks@gmail.com if you have access to that. And I am actually on my way there now!!

 

OK - of course when I got to the seller - the pinging wouldn't really work. I never thought I'd be saying this but at least it over-heated while we were test driving it. I did open the hood and rev up the engine and the tick sound was evident - driver's side 2nd piston from front of vehicle. Obviously a valve at the least.

 

CHECK YOUR COOLANT LEVEL!
You probally have a blown head gasket and the pinging sound is coolant in the cylinder(s).

 

yup, that sounds like a blew head gasket. i just got it done on my disco, luckily under warranty, it was a $1500 job, and stayed in the shop for over a week (it was over labor day).

 

You guys are right. Thank you all - that is exactly what the issue is and the seller is fixing it. Even taking the heads to the machine shop. I am very happy - I have wanted one of these for a long time, and now I'll get to keep this one - with new head gaskets.

 

Glad to hear that the seller is taking care of the problem for you.