Hey everyone im new to the forum and am looking foward to learning everything i need to know about land rovers i just got a 1997 disco with 154000 miles and im hoping it has lots of life left. if theres any members in arizona hit me up would like to be able to tag along on some trips or what ever we also have a 1965 series lla in the family.

 

You will have a lot of bed time reading.

First, find the technical section under our Discovery 1 area, you'll find things to do for "new2U" Discos, and high miles service items.

Second, download the free set of factory manuals, called the RAVE, link below.

Your age D1, you'll want to pay particular attention to the heat guage, it should not go above 9:00 normally. It is designed to stay in that spot, even when temp gets to like 235 degrees. So when it finally starts moving, you are already at the overheat point. The radiator is copper/brass, so it can be flushed with acid and can be rodded out usually for less than $80. Check your viscous clutch on the fan, should not freewheel by hand when it hot (truck off).

Besides heat, oil change is key. Many owners have adopted 5000 mile drain interval, and a diesel rated oil to get rid of built up gunk (extra cleaning). Shell Rotella is good, cheap, and easy to find.

Water pump should be on your radar, about $50, and up, 1 hour.

 

Agreed. There should be plenty of 'life' left, but you will want to get to know the shop manual I have a 96 with 150k+. Would love to see pics of the SIIa!

/mike