04 Disco II 72,000 miles. Weekend mechanic.

Experiencing several leaks (oil and coolant). I tightened up the valve cover, oil pan, etc. The coolant leak was solved by replacing the throttle body water flange, and the two hoses that connect to it. Afterwards, I cleaned the engine with a degreaser to better find the source of leaks in the future. It ran fine immediately after applying the degreaser (I moved the truck to a better spot to rinse it). After rinsing it off with water (and waiting about 30 minutes for it to dry) I went to start it, the check engine light flashed several times before staying on completely. The engine ran rough for a few minutes before smoothing out and a new tick noise developed that sounds as if it's coming from the a/c compressor or directly behind it. I drove it for a few minutes and the ticking increases in frequency with an increase in rpm. Any ideas? Check engine light is still on but the engine seems to be running normally now.

 

If sound appears from top area of engine could be related to SAI components. You can use a mechanic's stethoscope (parts store) to listen for the noise at various components and narrow it down. Could be lots of things. Will need to get codes read.

Tick sources include: wrench left inside engine, oil pump cracked, SAI items, cracked flex plate engine to tranny, slipping cyclinder sleeve can be related to overheating episodes), various valve train noises. Oil pump can be evaluated with manual oil PSI gauge test.

 

I also got the check engine light after power washing the engine. My codes were mostly related to misfire and oxygen sensors and went away after every thing was dry. (As predicted by Buzz)

As far as ticking is concerned, it might be coincidental and not related to the wash. If you have read the forum, you probably noted that there are alot of discos that are ticking. I checked my oil pressure manually, which was ok and the car is otherwise running fine and I am just ignoring the ticking. I did get an Ultra Gauge and am keeping an eye on engine temps.

My 04 has almost 130k on the clock and yours is kind of low mileage for leaking and ticking.

 

LOL... LOL.....
Thats my favorite source....and for all the *** clowns charging $4,200.00 for head gaskets and do this.....You are the reason we all assume most mechanics are F$cking *** clowns.....

 

I don't share that opinion of most mechanics. If most were, they could not stay employed. Shops charge what the traffic will bear, but the price is seldom set by the mechanic. Always a good idea to get multiple quotes if practical. Of course, a serious DIY can do most things a mechanic does, if you have the correct tools, parts, and shop equipment.

 

First of all, you never degrease anything that is electrical, especially connections, this will cause you grief. Only degrease bad build ups of grease/oil, while at a do it yourself care wash, let it sit for a couple of minutes then power scrub the entire bottom then top of the engine with cold water, no soap. D2's love water compared to D1's, with one exception, if you are still running the factory grey plug wires, they will bleed and short out against the engine causing mis-fires and a flashing CEL. If you have the grey plug wires you now have a good reason to get rid on them in exchange for some good 8 mm silicone wires.
As for the tick, without a lot more information that will be hard to help you with.
If you want some help, send me your number and I'll be glad to call and help you.

 

After driving it for some time today, check engine light went off and the ticking noise disappeared. I'm assuming that the engine is now thoroughly dried out. The ticking noise I was hearing was probably the spark plug wires bleeding as suggested by Mike.

I will replace the wires. Thanks to all your help, again.

 

You can also eyeball those cables in the dark of night and see the little blue sparks from them sometimes, even help with a little water mist from a squirt bottle.