David_Cooper

Active Member

• Oct 21, 2012

• #1

Hi all

I currently have a '93 Disco 200TDi that has sat for 8 years after the previous elderly owner died. Bought it as a project because the underside is very good.

However, the engine seems sick.
It runs and drives. Starts instantly and idles well, sounds good and smooth when revving. However, it puffs like Thomas the Tank out of the oil filler cap when removed and the dipstick tube.
It is white smoke.
Nothing noticeable/ out of the ordinary from the exhaust.
Mileage is a genuine 71k.

I fear broken piston rings or a cracked piston! Anything else to try? Breather is clear.

 

DEFENDER90-DAZ

New Member

• Oct 21, 2012

• #2

Stood for 8 years??? Might be burning off some moisture or piston rigns might be gummed in or bores glazed

Daz

 

David_Cooper

Active Member

• Oct 21, 2012

• #3

Yup, 8 long years, totally untouched

Any way to unstick rings without taken the noggin off Daz?

 

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

• Oct 21, 2012

• #4

worth checking all valves are opening fully

 

DEFENDER90-DAZ

New Member

• Oct 21, 2012

• #5

I'd do an oil and filter change - first
Try an engine flush in with the old oil before you drain it to change it

Daz

 

David_Cooper

Active Member

• Oct 21, 2012

• #6

Thanks both, I have a full compliment of filters and fluids to go into it.. just curious to know if I was wasting my time with a no-hoper :5bbeatdeadhorse5:
I will check the valve clearances tomorrow- Along with the smoke I can hear a rhythmic breathing sound from the oil filler.. sounds very like a leaking cylinder.. but idle is good/ smooth

 

DEFENDER90-DAZ

New Member

• Oct 21, 2012

• #7

The engine flush might do the trick mate - follow the instructions on the tin.
Make sure the engine is cold (preferably over night) before doing the clearances to 0.20mm

Daz

 

David_Cooper

Active Member

• Oct 22, 2012

• #8

Didn't get much time on it today but removed the rocker cover and had a shufty. Everything working/ moving as it should but have found out that compression from no.4 (I think) is disappearing through the top of the head whenever the piston is on an upward stroke. It's so bad that slowly turning the engine by hand produces a loud hissssssss from this area :lol:

I think it's coming from the hole where the pushrod sits.

Head removal tomorrow and I'll be able to see if the gasket is breached.

 

DEFENDER90-DAZ

New Member

• Oct 22, 2012

• #9

Probably passing the valve mate by the sounds of it

Daz

 

David_Cooper

Active Member

• Oct 22, 2012

• #10

From what I've read Daz, the pushrod hole/ cylinder failure is quite common so I'm hoping it's that!! Will inspect and lap all the valves when the head is off though

 

DEFENDER90-DAZ

New Member

• Oct 22, 2012

• #11

Don't forget the pics mate!!!!

Daz

 

David_Cooper

Active Member

• Oct 23, 2012

• #12

Head off today and luckily it is just a failed head gasket.

Gone between cyl 4 and the pushrod tube. This causes a quite dramatic effect and does make you think your engine is f'ked :lol:

Gasket is an original Land Rover/ Elring item; may be the original and has lasted 71k/ nearly 20 years..

View of the mess-

I have a new head set and a genuine gasket to go on when everything is shiny again. No work tomorrow as I have MoT jobs to do on the gf's Ford Ka.. :ballchain:

 

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

• Oct 23, 2012

• #13

a head gasket does well to last 10 years so not bad if original

 

David_Cooper

Active Member

• Oct 23, 2012

• #14

Yes I think you're right mate. Car was an 'old boy special' (complete with bent bumpers to prove) so engine has probably had an easy-ish life.