Disco II V8 (03) Engine Oil Leak

Hi to everyone, my Disco is currently in the dealers workshop for the 3rd time this year with an engine oil leak. I have been informed it is coming from the inlet exhaust manafold gasket. I have just covered 80,000KM and it has a full service history, but I must say there has been nothing but problems.

As the name suggests I live in Saudi and I need advice to give to the workshop. They have informed me they have contacted Land Rover UK but as yet they have failed to repspond. The car is striped and they won't give it back. My family are frustrated but my wife is making life hell, as of course she wanted to buy a Land Cruiser and I did not listen.

I had a 1998 Dico V8 which covered 261,000 Km before I had the engine overhauled, so as we all know they also get under your skin and I bought this one.

Any advise will be of asstance, please accept my appoligise for taking so long but this is the first time I have used the forum, I would also like to have noted the web site is great and usefull.

Many Thanks

Hi Desert;

I just read your previous e-mail as well - hmmm??? How bad are these oil leaks? Are you losing enough that it shows up on the dip-stick in say a week's time (i.e., is it ****ing out or merely dribbling out)? What grade of oil are you running out there too? If you were over here in Canada (North America) I would tell you to invest in Lucas Oils detergent aditive - their stuff is fantastic but I don't know what are Saudi friend s have available.

It sounds like you have a problem getting good service out there; but I wouldn't part with that Disco just yet - there's lots of new wives out there!

Hi Wolf, thanks for your reply. The oil only drips whilst the engine is running. The garage informs me that the oil does show it is droping, however, I must say I could not really notice when I was checking. They said to check the level with the engine running, I did not do this, they would not let me have the car back. Regarding the oil I think they use Castrol 5 - 30 but again can not confirm. The garage is the only land rover dealership in Saudi and I trust they use approved oils. However, you have raised a valed point and I will check with them.

The garage say they can replace the gasket and put me back on the road however, I suspect unless the root of the problem is identifed I just have no confidance in the repair. If I have it fixed again and it last a few more months the warrenty will have expired and if it reocurs I am back to paying again, and as we all know main dealer prices are not cheep.

Regarding the replacement of the wife I have thought about that on many occasions but I just cant live with out her nor with her, pretty much a perfect marriage and anyway and I have to pay for the kids.

Thanks again I will let you know the outcome if the garage get the car on the road again. Maybe a camel would be a safer bet.