Thread: New member needs help!

Hi Kenjo
WELCOME NEW MEMBER 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)
Im not a V8 owner,but this comes up regularly.
Im sure you will get plenty of GOOD advice on this one.
Andrew

Hi Kenjo,
Welcome, how many K's has the motor done?

Hi Kenjo,
The lack of power is interesting!
How many Klms has this car done?
Is the air filter clean? Standard or oiled foam type?
Is your exhaust system free from dents or damage which may restrict the flow?
Have you had a compression test done?
Simple stuff I know, but start with the basics before you think about tearing it apart.

Trev.

You definitely have a lack of power problem somewhere. My 3.9 will average about 17l/100lm around town with sensible driving and on the road about 14l/100km (115kph) with a/c on. It has plenty of power and will easily tow a heavy trailer (a large car trailer with car).

I get 450km before the light comes on around down and if I were nursing the car out on the road I would make 550 before the light comes on.

I am surprised that your check engine light hasn't been on - mine comes on at the drop of a hat - all I can suggest is air filter, fuel filter, engine timing, leads/plugs etc and a diagnostic of the computer codes that should show up a faulty sensor (but then the check engine light should be on). Failing tune related issues, I guess it is things like engine compression, injectors etc. (standard petrol injector cleaner seems to work well in mine so give this a go before a full on injector service.

Standard unleaded works OK so 95 ron is really not needed in a good engine - I have tried them all up to 98 oct and haven't noticed any difference.

Hope this helps

Gazzz

I don’t do a lot of kms as I use the wife’s Magna mostly when we’re at home. The Disco just turned over 100,000 km which equates to an average of 10,000 km / year since birth.

That’s brings up another question. When does the timing belt need changing? I don’t have a manual.

The exhaust system does have a few dents but nothing I thought would be a serious restriction – then again it may be worth checking. Air filter (standard after market disposable jobbie) and fuel filters changed regularly. I was toying with trying a K&N air filter.

I had a tune up and diagnostic check done a couple of years ago but no improvement. This was done by one of the big franchise service/tune up companies – not a Land Rover specialist. They came up with no faults. Compression tests fine. To this day I didn’t know the “95 Disco had an engine check light. It has never come on since I’ve had it.

I live on the Gold Coast (when at home) and looked up the recommended repairers on this forum. I’m in Indonesia right now but will probably book in for a check up at Ricks 4x4 in Nerang. I don’t spend much time at home and don’t know any reliable mechanics.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers,
Kenjo

Well I am stumped - have also just covered 100,000 km and my car still performs really well. I have had mine from new from mid 94 and is still bog standard so our cars are of similar age, similar milage and get used about the same - my Freelander is my day to day car. if you haven't been using it try the fuel additive for the fuel injectors - it may not make a difference but then for $10 a bottle it is cheap and has worked for me.

The v8 has a timing chain that is not a service item and generally lasts for ages - when it starts to make noise and rattles etc it is time to change it. On a well maintained engine it should last as long as the rest of the engine - there are always exceptions of course.

The other guys on the forum might be able to shed further light on the subject.

The handbook lists the following as possible causes of lack of engine power
1. Timing chain incorrectly tensioned
2. Fuel filter choked
3. Faulty fuel pump or low fuel pressure
4. Fuel lines leaking or restricted
5. Low compression
6. Spark plugs need replacing
7. Vacuum leak
8. Fuel injection problem
9. Brakes binding

Excessive Fuel Consumption (in addition to some of the above)
1. Air filter dirty
2. Partially blocked fuel injectors
3. Incorrect ignition timing (ignition fault)
4. Tyres under inflated

Gazzz

Originally posted by Kenjo
To this day I didn’t know the “95 Disco had an engine check light. It has never come on since I’ve had it.

Of course, the engine check light could be broke itself :? That's always a possibility 8O

i think if anyone can find the fault it would be Rick. At least they are enthusiasts also and this will be right up their alley. To me it sounds too hard figuring out all the various possibilities in time/effort spent with no guarantee of success. Normally working on your own car is a pleasure, but this sounds "deep". :roll:

Louis