Outer Limits 4x4 Board

Hi all,

I have been recommended to try this forum after posting on the Land Rover enthusiast forum, as there are apparantly a number of V8 people here. I would love to hear from you!
I have a problem with my 95 Disco. It overheated quite badly last year (traced to a hole in the coolant reservoir), and I had the heads planed and everything fixed (by a reputable mechanic). Ever since I got it back, it has been making a ticking noise, steadily getting worse. I finally stripped the engine down (doing the work myself), and found that I couldn't get the camshaft out. I took it to a engine rebuilders, who bashed it out with a 10 pound sledgehammer! What he found is that No 1 camshaft bearing had melted and had trapped the camshaft. I assume that it was done when the car overheated. however, it doesn't stop there. On removal of the crank, the base of the block is not straight - hence warped block. No wonder it was making strange noises. The big end bearings are also worn fairly badly, as are the rockers (shafts seem ok though).

So, I am now on the hunt for a new block. I have tried a couple of places here in Brisbane, but they only have short motors. I was just wondering if anyone here could point me in the direction of a wrecker or someone who can provide a bare block (if it is in fact going to be cheaper). If anyone has any other advise, I'm all ears too!

Thanks in advance,
Rodney

Rodney,

dont love it when people dont do thier job properly.

At present you can or was able to aquire new short motors for around 2.5 to 3K.

Used motors:
AMV. melbbourne.
Gragham Cooper. Syd.
Triumph rover spares. Adel.

Michael.

Rodney,
it is quite common for the Rover block to warp even if not overheated.That is why BMW and Rover only used 'seasoned " blocks for racing. A line bore of the bearing area can fix that cheaply. Similarly a failed camshaft bearing should only need a new bearing to be fitted. (assuming the "rebilders" didn't crack the block with their sledge)

My major concern is that the tapping noise is a slipped sleeve. have the mechanics do a pressure test and closely look at the sleeves where they sit in the block. If one is a liitle proud, even 20 thou , it is a sign of a slipped sleeve. Is that why the engine place said you need a new block???

It is really a question of whether it is cheaper to grind your crank, line bore and replace camshaft and all crankshaft bearings than buy a new short engine. If you buy a block only you still have to grind the crank, fit new bearings, and buy a cam..
You have to do the sums,IF you are certain that no sleeves have slipped.
Regards Philip A

Also try Range Rove in Melb, or Rangie Spares
Good luck! My Series 1 Disco was overheating a week or so ago (not to the red mark tho!!) and the rad was 40% blocked. Also replaced thermo coupling and fan as wasn't driving hard enough, and blade was nearly cracked through. Shouldn't have heating probs for a while! (also thermostat)