Hesitation problem with 99 disco2

[Wager]

I've been having some problems with my disco the last couple of days and I need some help trying to figure out what may be the problem. I seem to have some sort of hesitation problem that comes and goes. I thought that it might be the fuel filter or pump but I don't seem to lose engine power. I then checked under the car and found that I have fluid on the bottom of the front diff. The hesitation feels almost like I'm rappidly pumping the brake peddle for a second but there is no change in the engine sound and no noise that I can hear. The hesitation only lasts for a second or two and then drives fine for a few minutes before happening again. Could this be a fuel pump/filter issue or could the fluid on the diff be indicating the problem (granted that is definitely a problem that I am going to fix even if it isn't causing the hesitation).

One unrelated question (I think). When looking at the diff I noticed two threaded holes at the rear of the case. Should there be something there?

 

[discomike]

As for the holes in the diff., yes there are 2 holes.
As for the hesitation, how many miles on the truck, what sort of maintanence have you had on it other then oil changes, does it do this all the time or hot or cold???
Mike J.
99 D2

 

[joey]

To add to what "DiscoMike" has put in here, does this issue happen at slow speeds, high speeds, Any pattern at all?

When was the last time you changed your:

Spark Plugs
Spark Plug Wires

 

[Wager]

Maintenance...

So far (other than the scheduled maintenance and oil changes) I've had 2 valve jobs done, one at 35k and the other at 68k and I've had the ABS fixed. I'm assuming the plugs were replaced during one of the 7500 mile checks (could be wrong). I've got 79k on it right now and just had it in for the 75k mile check. This just started happening after getting it back from the dealer.

At this point I really haven't noticed a pattern to when it's happening.

 

[discomike]

2 Valve jobs, WHY?
Someone has got to reading something wrong with your truck to be doing that. Are you sure it hasn't been carboning up, which is normal if you don't stay on top of the additives? By the way, what octane gas are you running?
You need to look at your work orders and see if your plugs were changed as well as your plug wires.
Has your work been done by a dealer or another shop?
Mike J.

 

[tkcomp]

I experienced the same problem with my disco. I really believe it was carbon. Mike told me to go out and open her up. It helped, I have not had that problem since then. Put your foot to the floor and let her run.

Hey it's worth a try and the best thing is it is a no cost test.

Tom

 

[discomike]

Rovers like being pushed a little, they also love and thrive on good additives to keep them running well. Try a number of full throttle exceleration in first or second and let it cough its way to good health.
Mike J.

 

[joey]

To start with, I would Change the plugs and wires (get a good set non-OEM cheaper). Then I would also add seafoam to a tank of fuel as well as into the vacuum line at idle. You might want to add to vacuum line before you change your plugs, but that is just my thoughts.

Where to add in vacuum line. When looking at the engine from the front. On the drivers side valve cover you will have a elbow hose that goes up to the intake. This hose is one of the best places to add seaform slowly at an idle, it will be sucked right in from the vacuum pressure.

Also as stated earlier Disco's need to be run a little hard now and again. If in town and not over 50 mph, run in Third gear, this keeps the RPM's up and the engine will run hotter. This will help burn carbon, also have you ever heard the term drive it like you stole it.... practice this once in a while.

 

[discomike]

To add to that, get some good 8mm. Magnacor wires and a set of Bosh Platium Plus 4 plugs. Install the plugs and wires before the Seafoam, it will clean the chamber alot better on a hotter spark plug.
Most mechanics will tell you that when adding an additive like Seafoam or 44K to do it slowly through a vacuum line over a 5 minute period of time, you will get much better results. Just buy your self a 2 foot piece of vaccum line, hook one end to a fitting on the intake or throttle body and put the other end in the can of additive with the engine running and use a pair of plairs to squeeze the line, restricting the flow to s trickel.
If you are worried about speeding when blowing out the carbon then do it from a stand still, full throttle thru 2nd. gear. the whole ides is not for the speed but high RPM's on the shifting points.My favorite way is to nail it when driving at 25 or 30 MPH and let the engine down shift into 1st. and run it up to 45 or 50. You will feel the engine coughing a couple of times and then it will be fine.
Mike J.

 

[Wager]

2 Valve jobs, WHY?
Someone has got to reading something wrong with your truck to be doing that. Are you sure it hasn't been carboning up, which is normal if you don't stay on top of the additives? By the way, what octane gas are you running?
You need to look at your work orders and see if your plugs were changed as well as your plug wires.
Has your work been done by a dealer or another shop?
Mike J.

I've had all of my work done at the dealer. Not sure if they are reading the codes right or not but both were covered by the warrenty so two free valve jobs wasn't too bad a deal for me.

Question for everyone, what type of additive are you guys using? I'm currently using just the STP fuel cleaner. Anything better out there that you would recomend?

Also, what is Seafoam? I'm assuming I could pick that up at any of the auto supply places?

I'll be changing out the plugs and wires this weekend and trying out your suggestions, will let everyone know how it turns out.