Used Disco plan

[Grizzland]

Hey guys!

I just bought a 2003 Disco HSE7 with 95k miles on it. It's my first and don't know to much about them except for what I've read.

I'm sure if I look hard enough I can find some answers but I'll ask anyway.

What should be my plan of attack right out of the gate to prevent any issues I might have with this rig?

I'd like to get a OBD2 reader so I can self diag. Do I need to spend a lot on one?

Last question: What should I be changing right now? There were no real service papers on the car so I have no idea what could be on the verge of going. Also, I do have a "Check Engine" light on but everything seems to be running fine. A little rich( from the smell) but running fine.

Thanks for the help!

Tim Britz

 

[Disco Mike]

Here is your list that you , not a mechanic should do so you get a chance to learn what makes it tick.
What do you plan to use the truck for
Go down tonight to a local parts store and have them read your fault codes and then get back to us with the code numbers.
Plan on having the front drive shaft rebuilt or replaced if it only has 1 of 3 of the u-joints with a grease fitting.

Do this list of major services,


1 Oil filter, K&N 3001 or Mobil 1- 301
1 Factory air filter
6 Qts. of engine oil
2 feet of 3/16th vacuum tube
2 feet of 5/16th vacuum tube
6 Qts. Of Vavoline’s high mileage Dextron 3 ATF
7 Qts. of 80/90W synthetic gear oil, 85W/140 for HD use
3 Pints of Vavoline’s DOT 4 Brake fluid
4 Qts of synthetic Power steering fluid
2 Gallons of Peak or any green or yellow coolant, don’t use Dexcool
1 Bottle of Lucas Power Steering additive
1 Bottle of Lucas Transmission additive
1 Can of Spray Carb. Spray
1 Can Of Brake cleaner
8 Spark Plugs, I use Bosch Platinum Plus 4's
1 Set of Magnacor or STI 8mm plug wires
1 Serpentine belt
2 Bottles of SeaFoam gas additive
1 T/Stat
1 bottle of WaterWetter or Purple Ice
Hoses and belts, as necessary

60,000 Mile Service or Major Service for High Mileage Used Vehicle just purchased

Bleed the brakes
Flush and change the power steering fluid adding one bottle of additive
Service the tranny adding one bottle of additive
Change the coolant and t/stat
Do an engine flush before changing the oil
Do an induction cleaning
Clean the throttle body
Add fuel additive to full gas tank
Change both of the diffs fluid
Change the t/case oil
Replace the plugs and wires
Replace the air filter
Lube all the drive shaft grease fitting including the 2 slip shafts
Do full inspection of brakes, hoses, bushings etc.

Hopefully I didn't leave anything out.

 

[Grizzland]

WOW! Mike, you are awesome! by the looks of it this is a pretty extensive list! I've worked on a few other rigs in my life ( Broncos and Rams ) so I'm a bit familier with the work although nothing this new.

I'm basically using the rig for a weekend truck, ie: take the dogs to the lake, go over the mountain passes, travel to the other side of the State, etc. nothing off roading or beating it up.

I live in Europe right now and I bought the rig for a car I can use when I go back home on Home Leaves. So, I have a family member storing it for me so when I do come back, i can work on it as I go.

I'll get the codes this week and let you know what I find.

Thanks again for the quick response.

Tim Britz