Thread: Leak free Disco

Originally Posted by Jason F

Hello,

I have tried to seal up the gearbox, the transfer case, sump etc etc.
I have noticed the same thing. My lines are a main source of leaks. But I assumed its the old weeping rubber scenario but sounds like its the rubber to solid joints?

I wonder if newer after market lines have solved the problem.

Not much point in buying new lines if they are going to do the same thing.

Has anyone who tried new lines noticed if they fix the problem ?

I asked this same question a while ago in another thread. The answer I received was 2 fold:

1. Yes, after market lines have most likely fixed this issue.
2. Even if they haven't and they last the same as the original ones - would you be disappointed if new $120 lines lasted 15-20 years before leaking? (I.E. 1995 Disco to now).

I've been on a bit of a campaign and my D1 is now leak-free (not sure for how long!), but it was a mission. I started from the bottom up, where oil was dripping off the sump.
First leak found was the tappet cover gasket, so it was replaced.
Second leak found, while the garage was fiddling around underneath, was the power steering pipes. Both metal pipes had leaks after rubbing together. I decided to get the hoses replaced as well, since I figured they wouldn't be in good shape after 17 years.
Third leak found was the engine oil cap right on top, whose rubber seal had gone hard, letting it weep slightly when under pressure. $25 for a new cap, which looks VERY shiny bright yellow!
BUT, after all that, there was still oil dripping off the sump plug!
Now, the obvious question is, had I stupidly not done up the sump plug tight enough when refilling the engine? And the answer is - I had done it up to the normal tightness, but it wasn't enough.
Long story short, the mechanic I sheepishly got to look at it when I couldn't figure it out eventually twigged that the washer on the sump plug had become a bit concave. I must have dropped the plug and the washer had come off, and I must have put it back on upside down, so when I did it up to the normal tightness, there was still just a tiny gap where the concave washer wasn't letting the sump plug fully screw in. Result, a small leak. So, how odd is that!
Anyway, the solution was simple, just screw it up a bit tighter.
And - hey presto - currently no leaks (all digits are crossed for it to stay that way).