Hey guys, I took the jump and bought my first Disco 2. I have been doing research trying to get this thing to last longer then a few trips. I have been told to use 15w40 and a new thermostat that is rated for 180 deg. What have you guys done to yours?
Longevity Tips
- Thread starter Combat Sloth
- Start date
My D2 has over 200k on it. Had it since 06 i believe and its an 03
I run Rotella in and some lucas.
I've replaced all hoses the radiator. The thermostat is from a TDI motor I think. Its gotten hot but never overheated. Tom Woods front shaft is really the only major upgrade I grease it semi regularly.
Other than the items that wear out I haven't had any major issues. It leaks oil and a little coolant but I check it every couple of days. Heads where done last year.
Everything I've done has been over time. If its plastic it will break or crack. One day I'll pull the motor and rebuild it.
They are just like a woman. Just needs a little love.
I run Rotella in and some lucas.
I've replaced all hoses the radiator. The thermostat is from a TDI motor I think. Its gotten hot but never overheated. Tom Woods front shaft is really the only major upgrade I grease it semi regularly.
Other than the items that wear out I haven't had any major issues. It leaks oil and a little coolant but I check it every couple of days. Heads where done last year.
Everything I've done has been over time. If its plastic it will break or crack. One day I'll pull the motor and rebuild it.
They are just like a woman. Just needs a little love.
The cool kids are running this oil in these old pushrod engines. The parts guy is going to tell you its a diesel engine oil. I run it in mine.
If you aren't mechanically inclined or have money to burn you made a mistake. Rule #1, don't ever let it overheat.
Exercise for at least one hour per day, eat lots of vegetables, get about 8 hours of sleep every night, don't drink too much alcohol, laugh a lot, and keep your mind sharp. My grandma made it to 102 this way.
I am of the mindset if it has an original radiator you should replace it or find a radiator shop than can properly clean it out. Old school radiator shops are kind of hard to find these days, though. It seems odd to me the radiator is usually the last thing considered when they start running hot. It is also surprisimg to me 20 year old vehicles still have original hoses. It’s kind of impressive, actually.
Make sure the cooling system is fully serviced (I use the Pink new type anti-freeze for Land Rovers, skip the Dexcool crap). Use high zinc oil and a Ford V-8 filter (like an HP-1 or PH-8A type - this type but skip actually using the cheap FRAM) they're a bit bigger and cost the same. De-rust and rust treat the frame inside and out, especially the rear quarter of it. Check, clean, and tighten all the grounds you can find (I use metallic anti-seize on all grounds to prevent corrosionn and aid conductivity) If unsure about past maintenence change all the fluids. I just picked up an '03 HSE a couple months ago, this is where I started. A Hawkeye Pro took me to some other places, so a Scan Tool is pretty handy also. Say three hail Mary's and you're on your way...
Don’t overheat it. I like VR racing oil myself for the extra zinc. Got a 4.0 gems D1 with 208k, another with 158, my old 3.9 RRC went over 300 and was still running good when I sold her. Smaller thermostats are a good idea. Gordo