Advice on maintenance

[doconnell]

Hi All,

I've just joined the site after fruitlessly searching for some informartion on Disco maintenance.

At the beginning of December 09, I took my '96 Disco 3.9 petrol for a service and noticed afterwards that its fuel efficiency had decreased markedly from 4.55kms/litre to 2.7kms/litre. Any idea what might be causing it?

On a related topic a few weeks ago I accidently left the petrol cap at the station following a refuel. I'm using a Honda cap whilst awaiting for a replacement. I've noticed that the tank no longer hisses when I remove this Honda substitute. Is this causing any degredation to the car's performance?

Finally, I want to replace the springs and shocks and a mate is offering me the parts from a 2000 Disco for a lot less than the cost of new replacements for my car. Are these parts compatible with my car?

Thanks for your help.

[BigJon]

Check the vacuum advance unit on the distributor, it may have failed causing poor economy.

Petrol cap shouldn't cause an issue, unless it isn't sealing and fuel is leaking out when you go around corners.

I don't think the springs and shocks will fit without modifications.

[350RRC]

Finally, I want to replace the springs and shocks and a mate is offering me the parts from a 2000 Disco for a lot less than the cost of new replacements for my car. Are these parts compatible with my car?

Thanks for your help.

Welcome.

Might help provision of meaningful advice if you explain why you want to replace these bits.

cheers, DL

[doconnell]

Hi Guys,

Many thanks for the replies. With regards to the shocks and springs, the mechanic who services my Disco at the beginning of Dec '09 recommended changing as he thought they were almost shot. I have noticed that she gives me a bumpy ride over especially over speed bumps and speed inhibitors at the bottom of my street...in fact my wife's Getz is a much smoother ride.

The replacement spings and shocks being offered are from a 2000 Disco so if they are the same design specs as a '96 Disco then it would make sense to purchase them.

[p38arover]

That's a significant drop. I'd go back to the mechanics and talk to them.


Check the vacuum advance unit on the distributor, it may have failed causing poor economy.

Is one of the vacuum lines disconnected from the advance? (Does the D1 use a line each side like my old '83 RR did?)

[spudboy]

I only have diesels, so can only pass on (from my readings here) that perhaps the MAF was damaged or disconnected etc when the service was done. That has been raised as a high fuel usage issue in other posts I think.

Big-Jon might have a thought on this, and correct me if I am on the wrong track.

Cheers
David

Edit: Is 2.7Km/L = 7.8MPG !!!

[doconnell]

Hi p38arover,

Thanks for the reply....it is my intention to go back to the mechanics this week.

I've been gathering performance data since the service and for a quarter of a tank I am consistently averaging 64 kms (in all weather). In addition, there is the distinct smell of poorly burnt petrol and possibly oil. I already had to refill the oil tank following the service - and there is no leak!

I will check vacuum advance unit (and the lines) on the distributor tonight.

Cheers,

[doconnell]

Hi Spudboy,

Thanks for the reply and forgive my ignorance but what is an MAF?

[p38arover]

Mass Air Flow sensor. They are susceptible to damage from a backfire.

[BigJon]

I only have diesels, so can only pass on (from my readings here) that perhaps the MAF was damaged or disconnected etc when the service was done. That has been raised as a high fuel usage issue in other posts I think.

Big-Jon might have a thought on this, and correct me if I am on the wrong track.

Cheers
David

Edit: Is 2.7Km/L = 7.8MPG !!!

Yes, also a possibility.

[doconnell]

Any advice on whether the springs and shocks for a 2000 Disco would be compatible with my 96 Disco?

[crump]

Any advice on whether the springs and shocks for a 2000 Disco would be compatible with my 96 Disco?

try posting your question here-

Discovery - Australian Land Rover Owners (http://www.aulro.com/afvb/discovery/)