I recently bought a 98 Disco 4.0 150,000+ for the purpose of hauling my side by side. I have never worked on a vehicle in my life until I was introduced to your top-notch forum. My plan was to work my way thru the new owner maintenance posted on this site. While changing my spark plugs and wires I noticed the plugs I pulled from position 3 and 5 had oil near on the exterior base, is this an indication of major engine overhaul in the near future? The plugs were old and rusty, not sure how long it takes for a spark plug to rust. I don't want to dump a ton of money into a toy hauler.

 

IMHO, your valve covers are leaking oil, which is normal. Buy an 8mm 12 point deepwell socket, "necked down" so it is a little skinny on the business end, 3/8 drive will be fine. Snug up valve covers every oil change. New plugs, new 8mm quality wires, and do the SeaFoam induction treatment in the tech sticky area; truck will run great.

Download the RAVE tech manual set. Use the tech area list for things to do to new2U Rovers, and 60K service.

Change oil early and often, 15W40 Shell Rotella is cheap, high cleaning, and good down to 32F. 5000 mile drain interval.

watch temp gauge like a hawk. ABove 9:00 and it is getting too hot. It is not a linear test instrument; it is an idiot light with a pointer.

Oil warning light comes on at 7PSI, meaning you can be driving around on 9PSI. CVheck fluids daily for first week, then weekly without fail. Reputation for leaking is well earned. Consider aftermarket guage, like Glowshift.

If drive shafts don't have zerks, rebuild them, grease each oil change. Write up in tech section, covers D1 and D2.

You'll be needing a water pump soon. 1 hour job. Flush radiator, rod out if older style brass & copper.

 

Spark plugs rust from day one, means nothing.
Like already mentioned, leaking valve covers, no biggy.

 

Thanks everyone for your quick answers, I don't need anymore gray hair or debt, that's why I ask the experts on this forum instead of a mechanic!

 

Dude, your like 30 min from me.

 

Yeah, it is great to have what I consider one of the most knowledgeable posters close by. In fact G.R is where I bought my Disco from a private owner. They left a bunch of registration docs in the vehicle. I am the 5th owner, hope that is not a bad omen!
Oh and by the way, I am a dudette (no offense taken).

 

Thats even better.