Discovery 1997 tdi, 4 cylinder, Auto, Diesel

Welcome to the forum,

I've a '97 300tdi auto, almost 300K kms on the clock. They are a good vehicle if looked after and one that you can do a lot of the maintenance/repairs yourself. Cooling system is #1 to get right. I've installed an Engine Saver Low Coolant alarm as suggested earlier - a good investment and replaced the radiator when I first got the vehicle. Check your transmission for burnt fluid smell. Check your timing belt.

Incidentals have been: door mechanism springs on tailgate door and rear passenger door (buy 5 new springs in one go and replace over time as the old ones fail), rear electric windows circuit repair, brake calliper repair, replaced bonnet cable, replaced drive belt, replaced rear prop shaft donut. As well as oil and filter changes.

The other thing I did was buy the Rave CD as this has a wealth of info about the Discovery and 300tdi.

Towing is good but don't expect to go fast.

Finally make yourself familiar with the P gasket. Mine failed about 20 months ago and failed again recently.

Mike

I have a 97 TDI Auto and have owned since new. Main issues have been with the gearbox and heat related after towing and sand driving. Fitted a bigger cooler from a P38 and no more Auto issues. Have also had to replace the timing belt 3 times in 135k due to alignment issues. Other issue was drive plate on the TC cracked so had to pull the Auto out again to replace that.

Lots of info on upgraded Transmission coolers on here. Search 'P38 Cooler'

Cheers
Mark

Great trucks - easy to work on and ecomomical. I have a 97 auto with 336k on the clock. I just replaced the alternator pulley system on mine and then had to replace the alternator as well. The alternator pulley system can be notoriously not up to the task and can result in all sorts of annoying groans and squeaks. Watch the rust around the alpine windows. I just noticed some surface rust around mine so i sanded it all back and painted some anti-rust around the sills to slow the process down. Ensure you service regularly and make sure you know when the timing belt was last changed.

'97 300TDi Auto with 336000 on it & the only money spent on it other than normal servicing & expected wear & tear was for a transmission cooler, King Springs & Bilstien shockies.
I hope all goes well with it!
Steve

I have been looking at sensors and cooling in general ... does anyone know the difference between a Ems1 ($648) and Ems2 ($586).

Alarms & Monitoring Systems

besides the unit face dimension ;)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mike123

make yourself familiar with the P gasket.

Mike

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[ame]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OKIpJYEe2Ms&index=5&list=PLLBZWyYKFvYK_pia g9r7gVsWBOmpcJGSq[/ame]

making myself familiar with P gasket ...

I watched this video about half a dozen times before replacing my P gasket. I found it good to visualise what needed to happen.

On the alarm/monitoring systems I only run an Engine Saver for low coolant and I'm thinking of getting a monitor for the engine temp. The EMS ones look good but just a bit outside my budget for the time being. They both look identical in function except just packaged in a different case.

Mike

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hair_of_the_dog

I have recently got a disco and id like to hear about the likely strengths and weaknesses. Its my first Landrover and 4x4 for that matter.

It will be my primary mode of transport, however i hope to tour and build up some experience off road (beginner tracks to see how we go).

Im interested in things such as:
* Towing
* How they go in the sand
* Trips - where they went, how they went ... any surprises? etc.
* Things to look out for.
* Things i might want to do.
&
* Peoples experience with the 97 model in general.

Im also most interested in peoples thoughts on the following. Over christmas we hit up some beaches in S.A in a 1995 jeep cherokee to launch and retrieve a 14 ft boat & trailer (600kg). It might sound silly, but does this sound like a bad plan with a disco (capability).

I know its a bit of a open ended one but any advice, tips, experience or insight is greatly appreciated.


Cheers.

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I have been towing a 2t van around full time for a couple of years, the only hiccup was when I ignored my own advice and didn't top up the expansion tank. Ended up costing over $1500 in delayed repairs, coolant, and finally a new head. But I have no regrets, the disco keeps on going in whatever direction I point it in, slowly but faithfully, whilst pulling the van. Have not tried any heavy duty offroad yet, and probably wont, had my fill when I was younger.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Redbuck40

I have been towing a 2t van around full time for a couple of years,

I have no regrets, the disco keeps on going in whatever direction I point it in, slowly but faithfully, whilst pulling the van.

I Have not tried any heavy duty offroad yet.

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Thats good news to hear (and to all the other responses). thanks for that insight. No plans to go heavily off road yet (although id like to). I do intend to find my feet and give some fairly tame stuff a go.

Redbuck , out of curiosity, What kind of things have you done to your disco? and the "oil leaks" every one seems to mention regarding landrovers, is this just something we accept, is it a bit of exaggeration from outsiders ... do have any knowledge/ advice on this matter from your experiences?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by hair_of_the_dog

Thats good news to hear (and to all the other responses). thanks for that insight. No plans to go heavily off road yet (although id like to). I do intend to find my feet and give some fairly tame stuff a go.

Redbuck , out of curiosity, What kind of things have you done to your disco? and the "oil leaks" every one seems to mention regarding landrovers, is this just something we accept, is it a bit of exaggeration from outsiders ... do have any knowledge/ advice on this matter from your experiences?

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My unit is almost at stock, the only unit mechanically speaking is a low coolant alarm and I did, out of necessity make and install a bleed screw to the heater pipe (primarily because I split a pipe in the middle of nowhere and I needed to rejoin it. It seemed like a good idea. It was. Now it allows me to bleed the air from the heater core).

I have no snorkel, or have updated anything.

But the updates will surely come...