Engine replacement in Discovery 3

[Storer]

Having been extoling the virtues of my Discovery 3 it has just blotted it's copy book and the cam belt has failed (replacement due in 3k miles) and as I have done the servicing myself for the last couple of years it is at my expense.

It looks like I can get a s/h engine fitted for about £3500 but does anybody on here have experience, good or bad, of any companies offering this service?



Paul

[IroningMan]

It is not possible to buy shells for the 2.7TDV6, so anyone advertising a rebuilt or reconditioned engine is not playing with a straight bat.

A firm called Eurojag seem to be a good source of secondhand motors - there's a limited list of bits that need swapping from the old engine to bring the Jag lump to LR spec, but it's a well-trodden path.

[Storer]

Thanks for the reply. I knew parts were an issue but not which parts.

I suspect this is going to be difficult to sort with any confidence in the supplier.

A new engine is a non-starter as costs run close to the value of the car.

I am not rushing into this and want to make the right choice.


Paul

[A.J.M]

You could do what my Indy did with his own car. He bought it as a cheap car with knackered engine.

He got an engine from a S type Jag, it was still running when removed from the car, it was a rear ended write off.

He swapped the bits over from one engine to the other and built up one good engine.

Could be worth exploring.

[Storer]

Thanks for the replies. I think I now have things in place for the repair.

I have found a Land Rover specialist who makes all the right noises and is able to supply either a fresh engine and fit it but wants to check the heads first as he thinks the damage may be confined to them. He has heads available so the cost of the fix may be considerably less.

I have gathered more info on the topic too. It seems the belts deteriorate with time and not just mileage. 6 years looks like the time to change even if the car is only doing 10K miles a year. Also, if the car is working harder (trailer) then reduce to 80K or 5 years.

If you have a Discovery 3 then be warned.

Paul

[IroningMan]

I think the book says 7 years or at the 105k service.

[Storer]

IroningMan said:

I think the book says 7 years or at the 105k service.

As my case shows the above figures are too long!

5 years and 80K would be the figures I would use from now on.


Paul

[robm3]

Paul,

May be an idea to get the turbo swapped out too when the engine work is underway. These last between 100-160K but need engine out for swapping.

Robin.

PS, do you still have my old Ultima GTR??

[widebody]

I had the cambelts on my D3 changed earlier this year because they were 7 years old. One was starting to shred on one edge even though the car had less than 75,000 on the clock so it looks as if the time interval is important.

[Storer]

robm3 said:

Paul,

May be an idea to get the turbo swapped out too when the engine work is underway. These last between 100-160K but need engine out for swapping.

Robin.

PS, do you still have my old Ultima GTR??

A voice (well post) from the past.

Yes Robin I do still have her though I doubt you would recognise her now.

I added 1500 miles before I rebuilt her. She now has another 8K miles since I completed it.
She has been to the Le Mans 24 Hours twice including this years.

I fitted a new LS7 and G50/52 transaxle, Ultima style wheels, rose jointed front suspension and longer wishbones, new leather interior, different front and rear clip.........
the list is endless.

Oh, and she is now silver.



So, are you in the UK or are you in the southern hemisphere?


Paul

[bakerstreet]

robm3 said:

Paul,

May be an idea to get the turbo swapped out too when the engine work is underway. These last between 100-160K but need engine out for swapping.

Robin.

PS, do you still have my old Ultima GTR??

I believe they can done in situ now. Definitely do the turbo as they are pricey. I think the Turbo is £80 on its own. It would be shame to put new lump in and the Turbo to fail a two weeks later.