Symptoms
None until it fails: the bolt holding the oil-pump sprocket can loosen and fall out, and the engine is destroyed. Early engines are most at risk, but owners have found loose bolts on 2003–04 trucks too.
The fix, step by step
- Support the truck high on the chassis so the front axle drops, and remove the front crossmember (eight bolts) to get the sump out.
- Drain the oil, unclip the gearbox cooler pipe, remove the four bellhousing bolts, the rotor-filter drain pipe and the sump bolts (note the three lengths near the bellhousing).
- Swap the sprocket bolt for the superseded pre-thread-locked bolt at 25 Nm (18 lb-ft), fit a new sump gasket dry with RTV at the marked joints, and refit within 20 minutes.
- Check the power-steering pipe that chafes against the sump while you're there.
Tools & part numbers
- Axle stands, 3/8-in torque wrench, RTV sealant
- M6 oil-pump bolt, sump gasket; power-steering pipe ANR6974 if chafed (per discovery2.co.uk)
Where to buy the parts
FT106257M M6 x 25 mm oil pump bolt, Td5LR Direct ↗Amazon ↗
LVF500040 engine oil sump gasket, Td5LR Direct ↗Amazon ↗
Hunting a used or discontinued part? Search eBay Motors for Land Rover Discovery Series II parts →
Rated for a competent home mechanic with a decent tool kit. Confirm torque figures, fluids and procedures against the factory service manual for your VIN, support the truck on stands rather than a jack, and work at your own risk (disclaimer). Some parts links are affiliate links, which pay us a small commission at no cost to you.