range rover engine problems

[danhutton]

do range rover petrol engines go wrong at around 100k

[R6RY D]

As long as its well looked after i dont see why, i am on my 2nd RR v8, this one is now on 92,000, with no proper history to speak of. It has good oil pressure and compression, and goes like stink (considering its a RR!!) Cant say i have heard of this, why are you getting one then?

[crimsonchim]

Cam shafts can wear around that mileage. My first rangie showed signs when I got rid of it around 135k. Some will soldier on to huge milages, my current RR is on 118k and still fine.

Not the end of the world, but if you need a new cam, get new tappets at the same time.

Andy

[judgea]

My 94 RR, LWB, was always treated to the best motor oil, coolant, never ran hot, always ran fantastic--fast.
Then one day, at 115,000 mi., head gasket began leaking into water/coolant jacket, causing water hoses to blow. Unsuccessful attempts to replace head gasket, hot water (6 blown hoses in 6 mos.) melted electr. components under hood, causing addiitonal $300.-$400. damage twice, etc.
Unfortunately, I could take no more, traded both my RR (wife's was a '97 with 95,000 mi.) for 2 new volvos. (Wife's 97 RR had a long history of problems--don't ask). As much as I loved the ride & strength of the RR, I could not take the break downs any more.

[JSG]

I know lots of Range Rovers with well over 100k on the clock, just service them on schedule.

[bruciebabe]

Don't let them overheat, the liners don't like it. Don't rev whist cold, the camshaft doesn't like it. One problem is getting non RR servicing, they tend to ignore the front swivels and the engine breathers, both of which can lead to expensive problems.

[eliot]

depends which one youre talking about. The 4.6 hse dosn't seem much cop. Simply search autotrader for 1996+ 4.6 hse, and spot the number of 100K examples that say "recent new engine fitted". This was the major factor that put my of these cars (Ive always wanted one).
I test-drove a 4.0 hse and frankly it was a slug. (I'm Spoilt driving a 5.7 range rover based kit)

Even the fact that I'm experienced in rebuilding rover V8 engines, I still avoided it after a conversation with a local independant, my thinking was along the lines of getting a cheap one and when it goes bang, rebuild it myself. However he told me all the other little things that break or need replacing that could add loads to the rebuild cost.
Eliot.
Edited to add; The smaller (3.5,3.9) seem better and are cheaper to rebuild. Ive just rebuilt a 80k 3.9 engine, all it needed apart from a thorough clean was rings,camshaft, rocker shafts and shell bearings.

A quick search on autotrader just now:

1995 LAND ROVER RANGE ROVER 4.6 HSE 4dr Auto Station Wagon.New Engine/Gearbox/EAS at 50000 by L/Rover 100000 miles.

1998 R Reg RANGE ROVER 4.6 HSE
5 Doors, Automatic, All Terrain, Petrol, 87,000 miles, Metallic Epsom Green. ONLY 20,000 MILES ON NEW ENGINE,

4.0 hse
5 Doors, Automatic, Station Wagon, Petrol, 64,000 miles....New engine just fitted privately used


>> Edited by eliot on Sunday 12th September 10:00

[thruster]

Remember that the V8 is over 40 year old technology and as such service life does apear to be in line with kit of a similar age - if properly looked after 150K miles should be attainable.

I don't believe there is anything fundamentally wrong with the 4.6 as the only major difference between it and a 4.0 is a long throw crank.

Folklore says that LR mapped the 4.6 very lean in the mid range to improve fuel economy and any resulting overheating may account for the perceived weakness of that unit.

I replaced my a cracked/porous block/slipped liner (didn't bother to find out which) 4.0 at 160K with a new 4.6. Left the mapping set for 4.0 and have not had any problems over 30K miles since. Fuel consumption at 16.5 is probably higher than it should be but I guess that validates the 4.6 'lean map' theory.

>> Edited by thruster on Wednesday 22 September 12:58

[exboxster]

I recently sold mine which had the best part of 100k on the clock and was going strong. It had been serviced properly, but seems that sometimes isn't enough. I've heard people suggest that there was a fault in the manufacturing process at some stage.
Anyway get a good one thats well looked after and it'll do over 200k miles !
(see the link to this puppy- 30 main dealer stamps- that's got to have cost !)
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=29749&item=2489829315&rd=1

[SLiller]

My '95 4.0 went with 78000 miles, cracks in the liners, "happens all the time" was the stock reply I got from all the Rover V8 people I spoke to, design fault say some, manufacturing fault say other, what fault says LR!!!. New engine is the cheapest option!, got a 4.6 in now with LPG, 30,000 so far so good, but who knows how long it will last, its a Land Rover after all!!.
Had a classic before this P38, did 280,000, with one camshaft change, no problem, I think they overbored the block to get the bigger capacity.