New to Disco Ownership

[Disco_Kate]

Hi All! I’m in Victoria and I recently purchased a 1999 Disco. I knew it needed some work done, and I know these vehicles are a constant work in progress. Initially I brought it to the mechanic, but I figure I need to start learning how to do things myself if I don’t want to have an empty bank account. Is this the best approach? Do you guys have a mechanic you recommend for Land Rover work in Victoria? The current work that needs to be done is new spark plugs, coils, and O2 sensors. I was going to order the parts online and see about getting a friend to help me with it.

Eventually I would like to get a roof rack/tent etc. It had the typical sagging headliner so I took it out, stripped the fabric and glue and painted it. Turned out pretty nice. I am also re-painting the wheel arches this weekend. Other than that it’s in good aesthetic condition, just need to get it up to snuff mechanically and turn it into an adventure vehicle. Any advice for a Land Rover Newbie is appreciated :)
https://i.ibb.co/522qs65/6-E7-FEE8-A-41-E4-49-C3-98-EB-36156-DBC6-AA5.jpg

https://i.ibb.co/DfcwGwc/51-BB7171-50-CA-4-C5-A-A0-C6-E3516-DF8-BB0-E.jpg

[DiscoSlice]

Good lookin Disco. You have the right approach, although most would probably agree the Land Rover ownership drains the bank one way or another. Discos are at the point where paying someone else to maintain them simply isn’t worth while.
I’m sure someone here can direct you to a trusted rover mechanic though.

Spark plugs are fairly simple, I would recommend changing plug wires if you do coil packs... might as well upgrade the whole ignition system and not worry about it for at least 60000kms.

The coils are a huge pain on these trucks, tucked back where few people can get their hands. Upper intake should come off for that, makes an easy job slightly more complicated. And another great reason to change the wires while your back there.

02 sensors are as easy as spark plugs but they hurt the wallet a little more

Good luck! All the help you need is here.

[Amadreas]

Your Disco does look good. I recommend also changing all the fluids. And by doing it yourself you then realize the savings over having a shop do it and it not-to-difficult to do, as well.


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[rgallant]

Hi and welcome, a couple of things :

Cooling system is absolutely critical and the dash gauge is just an idiot light, buy a bluetooth OBD reader and get Torque.

Torque is free for android and 5.00 for Iphones and you will know exactly what your engine temp is.
Do a Aluminum cooling system safe flush -prestone makes a decent one
Replace the Thermostat with a gray 180 soft open - you will run about 15 F or so degrees cooler make sure it is gray
Check your fan and fan clutch make sure they are good

Finally do regular oil changes,and use at least the recommended 10-30 conventional.


OBD Bluetooth something like this Bluetooth OBD

[Amadreas]

Agreed on a Bluetooth OBD reader. Just make sure that any Bluetooth OBD version works with IOS. I’ve also used a wifi version which seems faster, but phone data conflicts with wifi OBD reader versions.


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