Yesterday I made a spontaneous decision to buy a 2002 Discovery II 4.0 with 182k. It sounded bad when I first got it (video #1). I thought maybe it was the lifters, since that sounds like a common theme. I poured a quart of transmission fluid in with the oil and the sound has changed (video #2). The tick or knock has slowed down a lot, and it sounds a lot more like a diesel as a lot of folks have described. What should I do next? I've read it could be the lifters, a slipped sleeve, timing chain, or oil pump. Does anyone have an idea to nail down exactly what this specific issue is? I can also smell coolant when its running. Is it safe to drive to a shop or should I tow it? It runs and drives, but because I don't know exactly what the issue is, I hesitate.

 

Sorry- to add: Both videos are of the engine right after starting (cold) and idling. The noise is present right away and doesn't really seem to go away after its been running. The odometer is blinking constantly, and the check engine light is on too.

 

The videos aren't showing up yet (maybe make 4 posts to activate?).

If you've got rod knock you'll hear a loud slap or knock if you rev when cold and then completely lift off the throttle. You can fix rod knock by dropping the oil pan and replacing the rod bearings (less than $100 if you do this yourself).

If you smell coolant then you want to buy a $10 test kit at AutoZone or some such to see if you have exhaust gasses in your coolant. You also want to examine your old/current oil to see if it looks milky (a hint that coolant is getting into your oil). Either of those would typically suggest needing a new headgasket which doesn't have to be a big expense depending on your level of wrenching skill/comfort.

Are you getting exhaust smoke puffs or fluid dripping out of your exhaust?

If you pull each spark plug do you see any coolant or oil covering them?






Now, the flashing odometer suggests a non-original dash that has not been "synched" by a tool such as Nanocom. Not a huge deal except the displayed mileage is unlikely to accurately represent the true mileage of your Disco.




Check Engine lights on Discos are meant only to encourage owners to buy a new Land Rover sooner. Your sanity is best served with that light hidden/removed save for those times you need it for inspections.

 

Thanks! I pulled the top off the oil cap today and the inside is lined with some white milky fluid. I'm guessing coolant is getting in. I will pull the spark plugs next week and see whats going on with them and get back on here to update.

 

milky oil under the cap doesn't necessarily indicate coolant in the oil. it can just be condensation from the engine not being run enough recently to drive moisture out of the various cavities.