Last month I bought an 07 LR3 HSE 4.4L with 104,899 miles from craigslist. It had flat suspension and hot a/c. It started and ran smooth, but had a good cold-start rattle so I knew something was wrong in the front of the motor, but I bought it anyway.I now have 105,092 miles, and it's time to tackle the front of the motor. I'll be replacing the chains, guides, and tensioners and possibly the right side VVT gear that seems to be the source of the rattle. Once I open the valve covers, I'll be able to confirm based upon the attached service message that I found in another thread here:
Engine Noise on startup - Land Rover Forums - Land Rover Enthusiast Forum

My symptoms are well described in the service message, and clearly point to the right side VVT gear by the feel test. I'll be replacing the A/C compressor, condenser coil, water pump, t-stat housing, hoses, belts, and belt tensioners as well.

Please chime in with any advice or experience on this job. I'll post some pictures and progress along the way. Wish me luck!

 

I'm going on end of 1st year with my '08 LR3 HSE, 181450 miles, and have been loving this beast. I upgraded from '96 Disco I (another cool rig) for more stable towing of fishing boat. I'd love to see videos of how you work on your next projects, if possible. If I can keep LR3 running nicely, I don't ever want/need to replace for my trucking needs. As for DIY, I change oil, oil filters, and replaced the thermostat. I'd love to learn how to fix issues that you are working on, but it's pretty intimidating. Do you have a lift or just jacks?

 

First obstacle was removing the fan clutch. I used a fan clutch wrench and an air chisel and it popped right off - reverse thread.




I never imagined the radiator would be so difficult to remove. Not necessary for the timing job, but I needed to get to the condenser coil as part of the A/C repair, plus the access is so much better with a clear front. Everything else so far came off easy. No broken bolts. I did accidentally hit the throttle body electrical connector with the fan clutch and broke off the brittle plastic latch.

I'll open the motor tomorrow, but here's where I am now. Water pump obviously confirmed bad.

 

RH cams first look.

 

LH cams. Looks like this side may have been worked on already. No mention in the CarFax report. Not surprised.

 

RH secondary tensioner is flat. I can’t even pull it up manually. This is the side where my startup rattle is coming from.

 

LH side secondary looks good. I can squeeze it down with not much force, but it springs back up.

 

Spark plugs look ok.

 

Appreciate you posting all this. Looking forward to more. You're right about the radiator being a bear to get out (and back in!) Man that is a tough frustrating job. Maybe there's some secret trick that makes it easier? Speak up if you know the way everybody

 

Runout on RH side is .024 in. I’d say it’s out of spec!