So, as many of you know, my wife bought herself a 2004 Disco with 104k on the clock and quite frankly I'm a little confused.

Here's my problem: There are things about this dealer maintained one owner car that have me perplexed. First off the interior looks absolutely new. sure they slathered the while thing with armor all after cleaning it like a crime scene. Don't get me wrong, I'm delighted but let's move forward. The engine compartment is immaculate as well but then we move under the truck.

The engine is leaking some oil and I would like to know if anyone can tell where and how to stop it. It's not terrible but I'd like to fix it if possible. The curious thing is certain components look practically new. I understand they can steam clean the underside of a car but even that leaves some evidence of the previous condition.

Don't get me wrong, I'm delighted this disco is so nice, I just want to make sure something serious was obfuscated.

Here's a few pix:

Where is this coming from:


Or this:


The rear of the front dif looks new:


The front drive shaft looks practically new:


And did Jiffy lube mark the oil pan drain?


I know my 95 Disco didn't look this good inside or out 8 years ago so it has me wondering.

By the way what is this, it's on the bulkhead on the driver side:


Plus see all the calcium there? Why is the rest of the truck so clean but this?

Thanks

Eric

 

We have a saying - if your Disco stops leaking, something is very wrong.

 

The plug in your last pic is for the models with the heated windshield.

As for the oil under it that's pretty normal. I recently tracked mine down to the plug next to the oil filter. When I changed my oil I took out that plug (which happens to be too long to screw all the way in) and wrapped some Teflon tape around it before putting it back in. I washed all the oil off and decided to wait and check it later. Looked this afternoon 2 months later and still clean!

 

You can add the heated windshield option on the 2003-2004 Disco by purchasing a specific switch. It is installed under the switch for the rear window heater. I got a used switch from Paul Grant (dismantler) in this forum. You will then have to program the BCM (Body Control Module) to turn on the windshield heater option.

The programming can be done with a Hawkeye or Nanocom diagnostic unit. Or you can take it to a Land Rover repair shop or dealership to get it done.

The heated windshield is a beauty to have during this cold winter.

 

To me, that looks like Pollen and maybe calcium. We have a LOT of it around here at times. That just settles after a rain, or after washing if they didn't specifically go in there to clean it out. The rest of the parts look really similar to mine. Some Extremely clean, and some sorta clean. You may have had a part replaced here and there over the years too. That would not be uncommon, and surprising if there hadn't been something.

The oil leaks seem to be minimal and normal for these trucks. Mine does not have any yet, but I do have slight seepage at spots. Mine was cared for similar to yours. Immaculate interior, almost immaculate exterior, but there are some signs of age.

Also, even though I don't leak oil, I do loose about 1/2 quart between oil changes. I'm guessing it's just blowing by inside the engine. Doesn't seem to affect the run ability at all, just keep an eye on it and don't allow it to run low. Watch the coolant closely! That's the death of these...

 

Excellent - gotta be the quote of the year!

 

LolisDisco, judging by your photos it all looks fairly normal for a Disco. It looks like someone has fitted a brand new diff in the axle and gone mad with jointing compound. If you are concerned about the oil leaks etc, have the underside steam cleaned and then check it out afterwards for the source of the leaks. You'll need to do the checking pretty soon afterwards as even minor leaks spread everywhere quickly and it's hard to locate the exact source of the leak.

It all looks very good for the year and mileage so no real concerns from the photos.

PS keep an eye on the cardan (Hookes) joint on the driveshaft which looks fairly dry and normally they don't last past 100K miles before needing a rebuild.

 

That Drive Shaft Looks like it might of been rebuilt. I know you were asking about replacing your drive shaft on your first post. In the one photo that shows the two back side of the front drive shaft with the two u joints that goes into the transfer box. If those two U joints have a grease zerk or grease fitting then it has been rebuilt.

 

Is there any chance that came that way originally?

There's no record of that in the carfax while "owner states having problems with window" is as well as every other service the car had.

The car was very obviously babied and while the sealant looks to be excessive might it not be original? Maybe the after lunch shift?

Thanks

Eric

 

Buy a container of Barr's oil leak and add to engine. Takes care of minor leaks. Owner and shop manuals are a free download below.