Thread: V8 troubles

Might be a good time for a cam and set of lifters ??

Originally Posted by reszo

Hi all

I have a 96 v8 Disco that poped its head gasket.

Does that mean it's been blessed by a certain gentleman in Rome, or is it a new expletive to get round the forum rules ?

Did my heads in Feb this year.
Whilst the heads are off, get them recoed, cost me $300 for both, make sure they put in new welsh plugs too.
From what I have been told and seen, if your Disco has done over 250K, then the camshaft and lifters should be replaced, mine was knackered at 265K. Easy to do as you already have the water pump off.
If the front crank seal is leaking it will most likely need a "Speedi Sleeve" CBC Bearings have them, $40.

What do you mean "all the gaskets". If you paid extra to buy rubber rocker cover gaskets then No they will be fine. Cork yes replace.
What other gaskets are there. You have to replace the valley gasket and end gaskets as they are one shot use.
I buy a lot of my stuff from Graeme Cooper. maybe not cheapest but generally they only sell what they find is good in their workshop. EG they will not sell the rubberised valley gaskets , as they have found a lot with the rubber peeling off, sort of like a headlining.LOL
Regards Philip A

I would think if you are going to keep the car for a few more years,, the new cam and lifters would be a good idea,, easy 500,000 kays,,,

Hi.

I've just done my 3.5L V8 (will have it going again in a few days - i hope ). I'm a first timer too. There's nothing hard about it.

I did the heads, push rods, tappets, cam, timing chain/gears. Ended up changing the timing cover (bad corrosion in water pump area) and a few hoses in poor condition. Gaskets for me were heads (composite) rocker covers, timing cover, water pump, valley gasket (tin) and thermostat.

The wearing of the cam and timing chain can cause loss of power over time, so i did them.

Things to note:
1. The rocker shafts are side-specific (they have a notch at one end - check the manual).
2. Mark the dizzy rotor position at TDC before removal.
3. The crank pulley is hard to get undone. Some guys say to wedge a socket/bar under the chassis and turn the key . I wasn't game/stupid enough (and remember it has to be done up again too). I made a steel bracket to bolt onto a water pump bolt with a notch in it for the notch in the crank pulley.
4. Photograph everything!!!

Hope this helps.

Oh... I did front & rear valley seals and timing cover/crank pulley seal.
Got most parts cheap off eBay and the rest from Four Wheel Drives (03) 9890 0509 (they post Aust wide)
Whole job: Under $500.