Kieren's LandRover Discovery II

Amigos have left the building....

2011-06-06T22:21:00.000-07:00

Well just over a week ago I attempted to do the "option B" fix on my 3 amigos lights (HDC, ABS and TC staying on for no apparant reason). I got hold of the instructions for the ABS module fix from the Virgin Islands LandRover Club.
It's a rather long explaination, but well worth the read and very well documented with photos and descriptions.
Doing the "option B" fix is very straight forward and relatively simple.....unless you get the same problem as me and the bolts under the unit have already been "played" with and the heads stripped!
So, with a hand from good friend and fellow WA-AULROian (Jurgens, aka BST4X4XFA), we stripped out the ABS unit and did the job properly, replacing the alloy bolts for some new stainless steel replacements.
All wiring done, we needed to bleed the brakes. Not a huge job, but we simply ran out of time and left it half way through. Bugger!

During the week we had a call from another forumite, Andrew (aka LoveMyRangie), who bought along his Nanocom unit and we did a complete brake fluid flush using the "power bleed" function of the Nanocom. Those units are awesome if you have a TD5, and very useful for a V8, even though no where as comprehensive for the latter.

An alternative to using the Nanocom to power bleed was written up for me on the AULRO site, of which I shall copy here for future reference:

The old fashioned manual (two operators, one with the foot and one at the bleed nipple on each caliper) bleed works good enough to get you going again.
Note: this is best performed with some beverage tubing that is long enough to go into a glass jar. Keep the end of the tube covered by brake fluid in the jar so that you don't introduce air into the system when you lift up on the brake pedal. By using this method you don't need to close the nipple on the up stroke. Makes for faster bleeding.

The "power" bleed is when you removed the ABS relay and insert a jumper wire across the "contacts" to cause the ABS pump to run. Do this after you have completed the manual bleed.

The relay (R10) is located in the engine bay fuse box, drivers side. The R10 relay is the big black one closest to the windscreen. You remove the relay and you will see four holes where the relay was plugged in. Two will be for the relay coil and the other two, the ones you want, will be for the relay contacts.

To perform the power bleed the "foot" operator shorts out the two sockets (with any wire that will fit the hole) where the contacts are. This causes the ABS pump motor to run. The other operator opens the bleed nipple on each brake in turn as per the manual bleed procedure.

So the procedure is you would open a bleed nipple then short out the ABS pump contact. Let it run for about 60 seconds. Close the nipple and stop the pump. Repeat for the other three wheels.

You can also make up a 6m length of twin core wire, put a male spade lug on the ends at one end, and a toggle switch at the other end. Then you can switch the ABS pump on/off from under the vehicle at each wheel as you operate the bleed nipple.

The above is a combination of posts put together to give a more detailed explanation and procedure.

So far, the dash lights have not appeared, so (hopefully) my problem is now cured. I'll keep monitorinig though and let you know if/when they come again (not my pic below!).

This site also now contains "live" info on my fuel consumption. See info on the right of this page, it's gives approx ltrs/100km based on fuelling information entered at the Fuelly site, and on the fly using their "dedicated for smartfone page".

And she's back!

2011-02-23T21:23:00.000-08:00

Well, this was the work done "this time"! Add to it all the previous work done and I've pretty well got a fully rebuilt V8 D2 excepting the bodywork!!

I have thought of getting rid of her due to the cost of running the V8, but there's so much work been done on it now, there's no finance on it, and I'd probably end up buying something else that needs as much work doing on it again. At least someone would have a bloody good V8 Disco though, so it might as well be me!
-------------------------
Check on suspect head gasket fault.
TK check on coolant system - found to have failed.
Full engine strip down.
Recommend cylinder heads removed to inspect.
Found RH cylinder head gasket had failed.
Send heads for pressure test and resurface - returned all OK.

Refit parts as listed:
new cylinder head gasket set
new cylinder head bolts
full engine gasket set
new 2x engine mounts
new thermostat
all new hoses and bypass hoses
replace all hose clips with hose clamps
new water pump
new 8x platinum plugs
new ignition lead set
(all genuine Land Rover parts)

Full service and safety check
Found badly fitted coil packs - refit
Full fluid levels check/replace as necessary (no top-ups)
Lubricate all prop shafts

Let's see how long it lasts this time...!!

Nearly there....

2011-02-09T16:11:00.000-08:00

Not as bad as first thought.
It appears one of the head gaskets had a "kink" in it and allowed water to seep through underneath it and into one of the rear chambers. Looks like we caught it in time for it to not have caused any damage to the engine.
Still required the engine taking apart though and getting heads pressure checked. Good job though really, because the quality of the last engine rebuid was nothing short of @#$%! Put it this way, the garage must have had shares in a well know automotive sealant company!! There was a lot of "tidying up" to do and removal of excessive gasket sealer in areas where it shouldn't have been used. Feckin' cowboys!

My mech has now done a full cooling system overhaul, and a full gasket replacement job.
Heads are shiny silver again(!), and he's replaced all the coolant hoses that he could find, some whether they needed doing or not. So at least I have some spares now!
He's also replaced all the stupid LandRover hose clips with "proper" screw type hose clamps, just for security and ease of maintenance/repair later down the line.

Hoping he has enough time now to do the ABS 3 amigos fix (well known "Option B" fix), and to fit the EngineSaver low coolant alarm kit. Yes, I know it's a bit late, but better safe than sorry....again!

Hopefully back in the next few days.

Fucked again!

2010-12-15T22:43:00.000-08:00

Well the Disco's blown its engine again. Bugger!
Looking at another rebuild just 50,000kms since the last one. So by all accounts it's looking like the original job done was a bit of a bodge. But I'll reserve comment until we get the motor apart and see what the damage is.
I'm keen to know if the parts that were originally replaced or repaired actually were, or if it was just a quick repair job and I had the wool pulled over my eyes. I've had my doubts on that build all along....

We're looking at another estimated $4000 worth of work, but that will depend on extent of damage.

Will let you know how it goes, but right now I'm pretty well getting over owning a V8 LandRover.....well, at least this one!
Just wish I could afford a TD5 (sob)!!

Current spec...

2010-07-15T19:21:00.000-07:00

Following a recent thread on the D2 section of the AULRO site requesting info on other peoples rides, I decided to also post my list of things here too. Here goes:

2000 4.0 V8 Auto - in a dark red colour(!)
with 3 amigos and maybe a few other stray Mexicans too.

Bought with 140,400kms (June 2008), with TJM front bar, el-cheapo sidesteps (removed!), and 245/70r16's.
To initial date of this post just rolled over 180,000kms
Not sure how many owners, but the last one certainly didn't do a good job of looking after it!

Currently:
Lovells heavy duty +2" springs
Hankook RT-03's - 235/85r16's
TJM winch bar and steering guard
In cab CDL (home made)
Rear work light (home made)
RedArc dual battery setup, but only single battery
Roof rack and half cage
SuperCheap 150W spots
Steel rear bar (home made)
Uniden UH400SX-RM with 3dB and 6dB aerials (with remote handset)
Jensen in-dash DVD player with reverse camera
Magnaflow CATS and removed rear box
Lots of AULRO stickers!!
Factory tow frame with rear recovery insert and shackle
Front shackles
Private plates (AULRO forum user name "AUSSIEAUB")
ARB on board compressor
"Melvill & Moon" canvas seat covers
Winch - 9500lbs
Rear cargo draws (removable)

Wish list (non-definitive!):
Shocks to match springs
More petrol (not long range tanks, just more petrol!)
Cargo barrier (or at least strapping restraint)
Rock/tree sliders
Fix rear main seal leak(?)
Shoot and kill 3 amigos!
....and even more petrol!

edit 29/10/10: Winch and rear draws off wish list, and now on Disco!

New reg plates!

2010-06-30T21:14:00.001-07:00

Wifey very generously bought me some personalized plates for the Disco, for my 40th birthday!
Thank you Rach!!

The plates are the same as my AULRO LandRover web forum login name, so should be easily recognisable by the local forum members....

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New rear light

2010-06-19T02:17:00.000-07:00

Just finished putting together and fitting a home made rear light to the rear door. Height adjustable pole (from a garage tripod style work light), and a 12v work light from SuperCheap Autos.

Mounted the pole to the rear wheel bracket. Used some coiled wire for the supply, running up the inside of the pole, and plugs into the 12v socket in the cargo area when needed.

Initial idea was to have something that could also be used as a light in the cargo area if need be. Due to the height of the pole being adjustable by some 600-700mm, and the lamp being able to rotate a full 360 degrees, then this is now quite achievable. Very cheap, cost less than $60 for all the parts (new).

Lets just hope it works when I actually need it to...!!

iPhone Apps for Aussie V8's

2010-06-07T22:11:00.000-07:00

Now I have my new iPhone (only a 3Gs, not the new 4), I have been searching around for some decent apps for the iPhone to help my thirst for petrol!

I have found a really good "paid for" app, and a really good "free" app. Well, the second isn't really an app, but a web link which has been optimized for the iPhone.

First up is "WA Fuel Map", which is my fave of the two, and the one I am currently running. Cost $1.19 at time of writing.
The second is "WA Fuel Finder", not quite as useful (my opinion), but equally as good, and free.
The first also caters for fuel vouchers, whilst the second doesn't.
Both "apps" use current information from the FuelWatch website, as does the link to the right of this blog page.

Of course, these are only any use for drivers in Western Australia.
And I reckon not as important to TD5 drivers. But I've already saved a small fortune in my V8!! :o)
Check them out from the links.

Minor fixing up

2010-06-07T21:57:00.000-07:00

Managed to replace the CB aerial with a new one, but his one came with both 3dB and a 6dB antenna. Handy!!

I'm also working on a new home made rear work light for the back end.
Should have tonnes of movement in it for every possible situation.
I'll post up when complete.
Also now using a great piece of GPS software called MapSphere, and is now my favoured choice over OziExplorer.
Go check it out. It's awesome......and FREE!

Til next time.....

Just testing!

2010-06-02T08:41:00.001-07:00

Just got a new iPhone, so testing a new blogging app!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

New rear bar

2010-05-15T22:40:00.000-07:00

Well this week I have had built, picked up, and fitted a new rear bar on the Disco.

The original plastic one got multiple damage on several occasions from being lightly rear ended by a LandCruiser, and then finished off by catching it on a number of rocks on a recent day out.

So one of the WA members of AULRO (Ian - aka "justfishing") kindly offered to weld me up a one off steel bumper to my specs. A full write up with details can be seen on the AULRO site at this link.

Very, VERY pleased! :o)

So, woz 'appening?!

2010-04-02T03:27:00.000-07:00

Well.....not a lot really!
Our new house build has kind of taken over our lives really (and our time!).
Only one really (well, moderate) thing that happened was some !@#$% in a Toyota (spit!) LandCruiser drove into the back of me on March 22nd during the worst storm that WA had seen in years. Not a lot of damage, but enough to be an inconvenience. Its gonna be an insurance job, though he refused to hand his details over. Now in police hands.
The best part was the news bulletins on TV that night - one report said it was the worst storm in 50 years, the the next report (on the same channel) said the worst in 40 years, and the NEXT report (again, same channel!) stated the worst in 14 years!! Welcome to WA over exaggeration!! Bloody muppets!!
But in all fairness, it was pretty bad by WA standards - refer "typical English winter" and you'll get the gist....!! :o)

Did a trip up to Moore River (and when I say up I do mean "up"), with the usual WA-AULROians back in February. Fantastic day:
Moore River AULRO

Also some photos of a trip out during March with work colleague and fellow AULRO member TELF-RRC can be found at the following links:
Out with TELF-RRC pics 1
Out with TELF-RRC pics 2

Enjoy. Catch you out there, somewhere!!

LandRover family tree

2010-01-01T04:51:00.000-08:00

Not directly associated to my personal Disco, but thought I'd add it in for anyone wanting to download it....

Fun in the mud....

2009-10-06T21:14:00.000-07:00

Video of me tackling a mud hole at the Powerlines (near Mundaring, WA) on a day out with fellow WA-AULROians on 26 Sept 2009.
I'm on after the Rangie gets recovered, showing him how it "should" have been done!!

Link to the YouTube video here

Now....where's that jet wash gone?!?!

Do a search on YouTube for "090926 Powerlines Track" for more videos from that days trip....

WA-AULROians are the best!!

2009-09-06T20:59:00.000-07:00

Well, more issues! I recently had the dreaded rocker cover leak on the passenger side. This has subsequently leaked oil all down the back and side of the motor, and taken out an 02 sensor in the process.

A couple of guys from the WA "branch" of AULRO (see links on the right) kindly came up and replaced it for me. It's a game getting the whole of the top inlet manifold unit off just to get to a rocker cover - great design Land Rover....not! So big thumbs up and thanks to Beefy, Jezz and HangOver for their help, and also to Mike_90_RR for helpful advice. The gasket was in an unbelievably bad state, and I'm utterly amazed that the garage I used to use had just left it. One of the reasons it doesn't go to them anymore. There was rubber disintegrated all around the rocker springs, and I have no idea how much has gone down the port holes! Oh well, another drama from a garage fixed properly by some very helpful guys for a sheer fraction of the cost! Can't get much better than that!!
So now I need to get the 02 sensor replaced. It's not causing a major issue, the motor is running very sweet right now, just that fuel consumption is way down and I have a strong smell of petrol due to it running too rich.

The Hankook tyres, coupled with the recently activated CDL are proving to be an awesome combination, and the Disco feels quite unstoppable at anything thrown at it, as proven on a mud trip to Harvey, WA, a few weeks back. Need to get some photos up....

AULRO Fun Day Registration

2009-06-08T18:53:00.000-07:00

----- CLOSED -----

Dear visitor.
Unfortunately, registrations for the Family Fun Day are now closed.
Our closing date was Friday 26th August, but was left open a further 4 days for late interested parties. Due to our booking requirements, we are unable to accept any more registrations.

It is also unfortunate that we will be unable to cater for those who, seeing the registration page closed, have the intention to just turn up on the day. At the land owners request, we regret we would be forced to turn you away.

If you have any concerns over your booking, please contact one of us (see below) via PM through the AULRO Forums.

Updates on the event can be found at this thread.

Many thanks for the support, we look forward to seeing those who are coming!

TELF RRC, BST4X4XFA and AussieAub
(aka Neil, Jurgens and Kieren)

.

Success

2009-06-07T06:58:00.000-07:00

THANK YOU!

Your registration has been sent successfully.

Return to event page

.

Some new goodies!

2009-05-04T04:36:00.001-07:00

Right, well its been a while posting.....what HAVE I been doing?!?!

In brief, HUGE thanks to TAFF over at AULRO for his expert help - well he actually did 99% of the job - in installing some nice shiny blue(!) Lovells +2" springs all round. Gave loads of room under the arches, which just HAD to be filled with some new rubber, but couldn't justify the cost!

UNTIL.....my last trip out with a few great WA-AULROians over Easter weekend, when I unexpectedly ripped a sidewall on some limestone capping, resulting in a huge ripped rear tyre.

After a bit (well, a lot actually!) of groveling to SWMBO I managed to get some brand spanking new 235/85R16 Hankook RT-03's (thanks for the advice BEEFY, and the spare tyre - yes, AULRO again!).

Very nice aggressive looking muddies. This size is standard Defender size tyres, and fit a treat under the arches, looking pretty huge, but not so much that it doesn't "look proper", if you know what I mean. Pics on the AULRO site (link)

And just yesterday, finished my homemade CDL actuator install, again, details and some pics can be found at the AULRO site (link)

Now just need to get out and see if all this CDL talk is as good as they all reckon it is.....!!

Oh yeah, and again thanks to TAFF for letting me buy his "half roof cage" and bars.

Fantastic price and looking almost like a real tourer now!

The Disco's in for a service next week so she's gonna be sweet as nut for the next trip out!

Muddies + CDL + V8 + Sand = FUN to the max! Bring it on....

New Picture

2009-01-18T18:46:00.000-08:00

Just thought I'd post up a new more appropriate picture of the Disco.
Its had a slight colour change... :o)

Whats going on with LR parts prices?

2009-01-05T21:08:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR to all!
Hope everyone had a great Xmas.....

Got up to nothing with the Disco over the break, and looking forward to the WA AULROians BBQ on the 10th Jan. The guy organising it has offered a hand to fit the new +2" springs I have in the garage, so hopefully they might be on before the next trip out. Fingers crossed.

Whilst off work, I decided to look more seriously into getting the MAF sensor as mentioned a few posts back.
Gave my local official LR dealership a call to double check prices, and a few weeks ago the MAF sensor was just over $800. I can now get one for $345 inc GST! Looks like LR are selling stuff off cheap for the D2's right now, following the stuff in the news about them being in trouble! What now surprises me is the fact my local garage who does the work on the Disco, are now more expensive than a main dealer for parts!! Ouch!

Still, decided to get the one from eBay.
All in, including delivery from UK to Perth, came in at $83
(yes, thats just eighty-three dollars!)

Now just waiting for it to arrive.....

Oh yeah, and the CDL actuator is STILL not ready..... :o(

Clean and polish, and clean!

2008-12-14T20:44:00.000-08:00

Well after the last trip out the Disco was seriously covered in scratches - not any more!
I spent a few hours cleaning and polishing her this weekend (and got a bit of sunburn too on a 35 degC day!) with my favourite polish, AutoGlym's "Super Resin Polish". I used to use this stuff all the time in the UK when I used to prepare and show British Leyland/Austin Mini's. I was put onto it by an old friend of mine who worked for a BMW bodyshop, and assured me that this was the only polish they were authorised to use.

quote:
Recommended for all royal carriages. Including yours!

By appointment to H. M. Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother, and H. R. H. The Prince of Wales, AutoGlym Super Resin Polish is the official polish/protectant for all royal vehicles. It has also been approved by the manufacturers and/or importers of these marques: Aston Martin, Bentley, BMW, Ferrari, Jaguar, Lotus, McLaren, Mercedes Benz, Porsche, Rolls Royce, Toyota, Volvo, VW. and Team Penske.

It might cost a bit more than other products on the shelf, but I do feel they can justify it a little.
The finish is awesome and removes almost every blemish, without taking off a layer of paint like T-Cut does.
The only other polish I would use would be MER, but I can't find any local shops that sell it.
MER is fantastic for tar spots and deeper scratches, but does act a little like T-Cut, and is very dusty.

I also did a clean of my MAF sensor, following on from the quick clean I did last week.. The difference is unbelievable! It says on the can of cleaner to clean this sensor every time you have a service, or at least when you change the air filter.
The D2 feels alive and sprightly again (at least as much as 4.0 V8 Disco can!).
The lumpy feeling has almost gone and the engine runs much smoother now.
Still think there may be a slight flat spot a bit higher up the rev range, but I'm keeping my eye on that.

Hopefully my mate will have finished fabricating my CDL actuator before Xmas, and I might look at doing the install over the break. Fingers crossed!

Edit - Tues 16th Dec 2008:
While it is definitely running considerably better, it is still slightly lumpy. Maybe the error codes need resetting? Maybe I do need a new MAF sensor! It'll wait till after xmas now!!

Dreaded MAF Sensor

2008-12-09T20:14:00.000-08:00

Since the trip last Sunday to Cervantes and Lancelin, the Disco has been running quite a bit rough, and had a serious lack of power from 3100rpm when putting it under load.

A quick trip up to the local LandRover specialist shop and hooking it up to a diagnostic thingy, showed the MAF sensor has probably capput. They wanted $497 for a new one. LR main dealer wants over $800!! If I order from a popular parts centre over East I can get one for $289.30 inc GST. Found a new one on eBay for less than $90 delivered from the UK.
Hmmm.....which one should I go for?!? Its even a Bosch one (and did I mention it's new?!), which I'm 99.9% sure is genuine OE on the Disco.

Another case of being ripped off in Western Australia because (and I quote) "we live so far away from anywhere that we expect to pay higher shipping costs". How do the garages selling them get hold of them, and how come I can get a new one from the UK for a fifth of the price INCLUDING delivery!

No-one will guarantee the MAF sensors as they are prone to malfunction at any time, so I'm not really going to loose anything by going for the eBay one. Especially as its a Bosch one.

While searching through some forums (those on the right of this post, coincidentally!), I read about a product by CRC called, surprisingly enough, "Mass Air Flow Cleaner"! This stuff is a spray can aerosol cleaner designed especially for this part. It cost me $22.95 and has made a huge improvement, after just a very quick blast of the stuff. A "proper" clean will take place this weekend when I have more time.

ref: How to clean a MAF sensor.
In the majority of fuel injected cars there's a small wire in at piece of pipe between the air box and engine, that gets covered, over time, with dirt and dust, and this usually just needs cleaning with this CRC stuff to ensure the correct info on air flow is sent back to the engine management system. In reality, this ideally need cleaning at every service, or at least when the air filter is changed. But it rarely gets done by garages.

It might just have fixed the problem for now, or at least helped it a bit, and will most definitely do until I can arrange for the purchase off eBay.

So what have I done to her

2008-12-09T19:36:00.000-08:00

Well, not much really from when I bought her.
It came fitted with four 245x70R16 Goodyear Wrangler ATR's, with the spare being a standard size road tyre. Actually quite an aggressive looking tread for an ATR. These may get replaced next year though with something a little more standard sized, for those "stuck in the bush" moments. have found she runs very nice at around 16psi on soft sand (tested around Lancelin, Cervantes and Willbinga), around 24psi on tracks (Powerlines track), and at 29psi front & 38psi rear for normal road driving.

A dual battery setup was also installed, complete with second battery, but it's not connected. Makes my wonder why.....but there is what looks like an Engel(?) fridge socket fitted to the rear cargo area, so maybe it does work after all. Need to check.

On the front is a full size TJM bull bar, but it had no recovery points or spotties on, so that has been rectified. It now boasts a pair of rated points back to the chassis under the bar, and a set of "SuperCheap" lamps on the front. Not the best quality I admit, but they light up the road in front and do what the description on the box says they should!

The rear has a genuine LandRover towing bracket and wiring, together with a reverse camera wired up to the in-car DVD player that pops out of the dash. Very flash! But sadly the camera is faulty and the image is distorted somewhat. Need to check the earthing.

Along with the spot lights and recovery points, I have also since installed a UHF radio. Its a Uniden UH400SX-RM. I chose this unit as it has all the controls and display on the handset as well as the main box, which I find very useful when using, and I've heard many good things about Uniden. Not overly priced and much cheaper than some.

I've also bought some cheaper recovery gear including snatch strap, distribution strap (trunk protector), long handled shovel, various sized rated shackles, and compressor. Only the basics, but should suffice providing someone else is around!

In the shed I have a brand new set of Lovells +2" springs waiting to go in, but I can't decide whether to wait till I get new shockers to go in with them, or fit with my standard shocks.....decisions, decisions!

I was also extremely lucky to be given (free of charge) a set of OE cross bars for the roof bars, by a very kind member of the AULRO forums. They were missing from the Disco when bought, together with the wheel brace and extension bar for the jack! At least the jack was there.....!!

Next big job is the install of a home made CDL (Centre Diff Lock) actuator as, though the gearing is in the housing, LandRover in their wisdom didn't think the lever was worth putting in on this years model. Thanks for that LR! I'll keep you posted on how the install goes, more on this in a future post, together with my attempt at a cheap sand flag for playing in the dunes.

So thats about it, pretty stock really which helps keep its reliabilty to some extent I suppose.

Lets bring you up to date

2008-12-09T05:57:00.000-08:00

Let me take you back to June 2008......for nearly two years I had a 1991 Toyota Surf 2.4TD Japanese Import. The interior was SO red it was like a blood bath! Red everything, the same colour as the outside!

Yeah, I know its sad, but don't hold it against me! I saw the light, got rid of it, and bought myself a REAL 4x4! The Surf was in the garage more times than it was on the road. But that's a story all of its own.....and one worth forgetting!!

So I decided to chop the Toyota in for my Discovery. A little bit less than I wanted to let it go for, and little more money than I wanted to spend on the new one. But isn't that the way it generally goes?!

Thought we had a reasonable bargain (I'm not going into prices coz that's my business!), a little cosmetic work, but nothing much more than a good polish and clean round sorted that out, and far less money than the additional required to buy something not much better.....or so I thought! That's where the real probs started.

Just three weeks after getting it home I noticed I was loosing coolant - BIG TIME. Back to the dealer I bought it from. NOT a main dealer I hasten to add. They got it booked into a specialist LandRover service shop, who replaced a bottom hose on the radiator free of charge. Nice chaps!

Turns out it was leaking a little. Told to keep an eye on the fluid levels. Two weeks later, more coolant loss, about the same as before. Back to the garage to have a complete new radiator fitted.

All looked good for little while. After a few weeks of to-ing and fro-ing checking this and that, the head was stripped down only to find that the coolant chambers around the block had rusted so badly, the block was irrepairable! The previous owner had obviously been using the wrong coolant, a mix of different coolant types, and a periodic top-up with tap water. MUPPET!!

Bloody typical of second hand cars here in Oz though. Stuff up the engine, trade it in, dealer cleans and polishes it, puts it straight back on the forecourt, you buy it, no servicing done, and they hope you don't come back within the statutory three month warranty period!

Hmmmm.....

Anyway, I was two days over the mandatory three month warranty when we found the engine was stuffed. I won't go into ll the details, but all I can say is the owner of the dealership I bought it from was extremely helpful and willing to listen, and paid for a new block to be shipped and installed with him footing the entire bill. Something I was quoted as being in the region of $10,000!

So after a few delays in engine delivery etc, and fitting time, I finally got the Disco back. It came back with new block, internals, fuel pump, water pump, and front prop shaft (as this was just about to go bang too!). So I now have a nice new block, and at today's date have only clocked up some 3500km's. So plenty of life in her yet, and I'll make damn sure it gets serviced properly from now on.

So this is what she looks like now after a bit of TLC.

Here we go...

2008-12-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

I've set up this page as a bit of a homage to my LandRover.
It's a 2000 Discovery II Automatic 4.0ltr V8.

And before you say anything - yes, it is thirsty!

I'll be listing all the things that have happened to it since its purchase back in June of 2008 - and there's been some stuff I can tell you! It'll all be back-dated so you'll miss nothing!!
I'll also be posting details and photos of any trips I go on, and also any mods that get done to the Disco as and when they happen.

Feel free to add this page to your bookmarks or favourites, there'll be some graphical updates and changes too as I get to grips with how this Blogger thing works, so keep checking back regularly to see the next installments!

There is also an RSS feed button on the site, so if you've got an RSS reader you can get automatic notifications of when new items are added.

Enjoy!