LR Newbie with a V8 & lotsa questions

Hi everyone, I have just bought a 1999 Disco II 4.0 V8 Auto - on an impulse. Now that I have handed over the cash I have a few questions.

I have read in various places that the V8 liners are prone to shifting an wrecking the engine. The previous owner paid over £3500 to diagnose a coolant issue and ended up replacing the short engine approx 10K miles ago. Is this a common problem, and what can I do to help prevent premature failure. I also read that the engine tends to run fairly hot anyway and that chipping the ECU may also help to improve the weak air/fuel mixture (as well as a bit more torque & power).

When the short motor is changed, does this typically / always include a timing chain replacement ??

Mark

Hi Mark

I've just bought a 2000 V8 ES running LPG - mine also had a short engine fitted at about 89k following an 'investigation of overheating'. This investigation included new head gaskets and recutting valve seats and new radiator. This was all done 2 years ago and about 25k miles ago. Like you I've read about the V8 and it does seem prone to cooling problems. I'm planning to keep a close eye on coolant level - change coolant with correct 50:50 mix regularly and keep my fingers crossed! Guess I'd better look at a new thermostat as well. May even look at fitting a level sensor in the expansion tank - something those sensible Swedes do in the 9000 onwards. I assume there isnt one in the Disco.

One advert in LRO mag says a short engine comes with new cam so I'd assume new timing chain, Rimmer brothers short engine doesnt include cam (IIRC) so I guess the only way to find out if yours had a new timing chain is to ask the people who did the work (they probably will not remember).

Cheers for that Aero.

Like you, my plan is to change coolant regularly and possibly even the thermostat aswell. On the rpiv8.com website, it says that rechipping the ECU will make the engine run cooler. Although it only specificallt mentions the GEMS system (my Disco V8 is Thor), it should be the same principle. But until I know someone who has chipped one of these V8's without problems, I am reluctant to do it.

Mark