3.9 Rover v8 How Many KM's

[pottypirate]

Hi all,

New to the Land Rover world and just purchased a 1997 disco 1 v8 3.9 with 172000 kms on the clock. It has full service history but after reading all the horrible stories about slipped liners in the 3.9 v8's i'm interested in knowing how many 3.9's are out there that haven't fallen victim to a slipped liner and how many km's they have racked up without major work. Coming up to 200km's soon what should i expect to do? New Cam etc.
I guess what i'm asking is should i start building another top hatted engine in preparation for the inevitable.

[101RRS]

You will only get slipped liners if you are silly enough to let the engine cook. Don't let it get hot, by keeping the cooling system in top nick and it will not suffer from slipped liners.

Garry

[pottypirate]

Yeah i'm pretty fussy when it comes to my mechanical equipment, cars bikes boat,
I have already started to do all the suspension bushings, shockies, I will drop all the fluids first available chance and fit an aftermarket temp gauge. Well with a bit of luck i can get a few more km's out of this engine. It runs fine , doesnt use any oil or water and runs cool so here's hoping. I got the car cheap so if it hangs in there should be a good weekend investment. Cheers

[Outback 1]

a low water /coolant alert is a good investment to help to avoid problems cheers ken

[justinc]

At those kms unless it has had a neglected early life it will be fine!! The best advice has already been mentioned, cooling system needs to be in good condition and a low coolant alarm fitted. Low Water Alarm Sensor (http://www.enginesaver.com.au/)

JC

[MacMan]

If it's anything to go by, our 1993 Disco was rusting plugs right from when we first got it at 195,000km in 2005. 7 years and 122,000km later it was still running fine but the repeated rusty plugs had finally ruined the threads in the heads and #1 wouldn't come out. Long story short, I stripped and completely rebuilt the motor. There was no clear evidence to say the liners had slipped, but also no proof they had not started to allow something past. Both head gaskets had failed so badly that there was gas erosion on the block. I figured if it's going to get done at all, do it all. Rather than just having the lot skimmed to take new gaskets I had flanged liners done, 9.35:1 pistons, rings, cam, lifters, crank grind, new bearings everywhere and a whole lot of time and money spent. New motor runs beautifully now. If you're also so fortunate, enjoy the next 7 years :p

[pottypirate]

Thanks for that link Justin. That's a heaps better idea than an alarm that just measures block or coolant temp. I'll be ordering on of these for sure. Cheers

[Offender90]

I use an engine temperature sensor that's attached to the engine, and has a settable alarm. After several weeks I've learned what the normal temperature of the block is at the point I've installed the alarm. If engine temerature increases for any reason I'll know about it - stuck thermometer, malfunctioning viscous fan coupling, as well as a low coolant level. See ENGINE WATCHDOG TM2, Engine Overheating Alarm, Gauge & Sensor (http://enginewatchdog.com/)

Slipped liners tend to occur most frequently on cylinders 6 and 8, so installing the temperature sensor between those two makes most sense.

Another thing to do is to swap out the thermostat for a lower opening one. When Rover engines went from 82*C to an 88*C thermostat (in 1994) to meet the more stringent emissions standards, the failure rate increased more than twofold (there were a couple of other contributing factors that were changed at the same time).

Some UK based race engine builders design the cooling system to keep the water temperature below 80*C at all times and experience virtually no slipped liners, even though their engines are pushed to the limit.

[MacMan]

I forgot to add that I installed an Autron 52mm triple function gauge (https://autron.evolveshop.com.au/epages/autron.sf/en_AU/?ObjectPath=/Shops/5353109392756724/Products/AI-052.27.030218/SubProducts/AI-052.27.030218-01) on the Disco just after the rebuild. This looks after oil pressure, oil temp and coolant temp, and alarm thresholds can be set for safety. Very pleased with it.

[ludovic]

My 1994 3.9 disco has 230 000km, and runs well. Quality coolant, good engine oil, and a top notch ignition system, high octane fuel and normal servicing will see your engine last for long. Had a 1969 Rover P5B Coupe, same basic engine although less capacity, 450000ks without any major overhaul except cams and lifters that will inevitably wear out.

[pottypirate]

Thanks for the input guys.
What would everyone recommend i do for a 200k service when it gets there.
Timing chain, cam??

[bee utey]

Thanks for the input guys.
What would everyone recommend i do for a 200k service when it gets there.
Timing chain, cam??

Personally I'd purchase a new inlet manifold gasket (common failure anyway), then remove enough bits to inspect your cam and lifters. If your engine has been run on high zinc oil it may not be all that worn. Timing chain stretch can be measured at the crank pulley, just measure the free play before the cam moves. I've seen a 600,000km old cam and timing chain in good condition because the owner was religious about regular changes of Penrite oil.

Engine wear and liner failure is a lottery, I'd always do a proper diagnosis before doing anything radical on a used RV8. Then eventually budget for a top-hat-linered high comp 4.6, because that's the best drop-in V8 you'll get.