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1. The throttle body heater belongs in the design related issue category. Also can be bypassed safely depending on where you live (maybe don't if you live in Alaska).
I also agree head gasket failure can be prevented. I think two overlooked things that contribute to wear is infrequent coolant changes and infrequent oil changes. Old coolant becomes corrosive to aluminum, and when I replaced my head gaskets last winter, saw first-hand what extended coolant change intervals can do to the block. Similarly, oil can become acidic if left unchanged.
1. The throttle body heater belongs in the design related issue category. Also can be bypassed safely depending on where you live (maybe don't if you live in Alaska).
I also agree head gasket failure can be prevented. I think two overlooked things that contribute to wear is infrequent coolant changes and infrequent oil changes. Old coolant becomes corrosive to aluminum, and when I replaced my head gaskets last winter, saw first-hand what extended coolant change intervals can do to the block. Similarly, oil can become acidic if left unchanged.
The first must is a good coolant temp gauge. The dashboard gauge is literally useless. If it shows above normal, it's often too late to prevent overheating.
You can use and OBD II gauge or a hard gauge, but you need a reliable method to check coolant temps.
I'd add to Extinct's (awesome) one more thing:
1. The throttle body heater belongs in the design related issue category. Also can be bypassed safely depending on where you live (maybe don't if you live in Alaska).
I installed an aftermarket throttle heater body, one from Canada. MUCH thicker than OEM. Only about 1,000 miles on it so far, but will keep people updated on how it performs.
I didn't bypass mine because I'll be driving in winter in altitude in places like Wyoming. I'm actually thinking about adding the ability to warm the coolant and oil before starting even. My cooling system is too much for winter now, I also drive in Death Valley in Summer, and it can take the Disco too long to come to temp in the cold and it throws a code.
I installed an aftermarket throttle heater body, one from Canada. MUCH thicker than OEM. Only about 1,000 miles on it so far, but will keep people updated on how it performs.
I didn't bypass mine because I'll be driving in winter in altitude in places like Wyoming. I'm actually thinking about adding the ability to warm the coolant and oil before starting even. My cooling system is too much for winter now, I also drive in Death Valley in Summer, and it can take the Disco too long to come to temp in the cold and it throws a code.
Originally Posted by Harvlr
I’ve had the thicker TBH from Edmonton in mine for a couple of years now with zero issues.
Would it be possible to get a brand or a link to the TBH you guys are referring to? I normally don't need one, and have removed mine, but we had a cold spell this year here in Colorado, and my throttle got stuck open while driving, thankfully at low speeds and in town driving, but still, It was a bit sketchy to say the least, lol.
Drove a couple 2004’s this weekend. They both looked good and were theoretically “refurbished” but they both threw different codes while driving and service history was not telling a good storey.
Couple questions:
1) is there any normal condition that would cause the window frame to create a gap from the seal?
2) do all sunrooofs have exaggerated sound when opening? I didn’t inspect them but it sounded like there was a mechanism snapping every time they opened.
I do like the looks but this experience convinced me that I’m only interested in heavily documented vehicles or possibly rust free-low dollar options that would support the hobby of fixing it up.
