Strange "Ticking" noise.

[Frankie-Boy]

The other day my 300Tdi Discovery developed a strange sort of ticking sound, not dissimilar from what you'd expect from a leaky exhaust manifold gasket, however the sound appeared to be coming from both sides of the engine, so number 4 injector was checked and found to be working fine.
After a bit of jiggling about, the source of the trouble was found at the very back of the engine behind number 4 cylinder, it turned out to be a blown head gasket.
I've never heard of one going like that but apparently it's not uncommon on these engine's with a fairly high mileage, mine has covered over 136000 miles, but hadn't overheated at any time so must have failed with old age.
It has been delivered to a nearby LR specialist for a good sort out, hopefully coming back for the weekend.

[beast5680]

have seen this on quite a few 300,s failing at the back of no4, my mate has just had it as well. My 200 failed on no4 but thru to an oil way so she burned lots of oil

[Disco Inferno]

my 200 went like that, i put it down to the rear head bolts not being tightened down properly following a previous head gasket change

[Budgie]

Yep, my 300 Tdi Disco's head gasket went in the same place, took me ages to find it as it's not easy getting round the back of the head is it!!  

[Frankie-Boy]

Well, all done and dusted, got the motor back on Saturday morning after its little problem, the old head gasket was just as expected, you could see quite clearly where the gases had been forced through, but no oilways or waterways had been compromised.
The cylinder head was skimmed by 6 thousanths of an inch, (not excessive I'm told), and it runs very well, end of story - I hope!

[Budgie]

Good news then Frank, glad all is okay.  :mrgreen:

[BrumLee]

  Mine started chuffing and guess what :?: Yep, same place, so looks like I've got another job to do  :roll:

Frank, how much was your bill ?

[TimM]

The cylinder head was skimmed by 6 thousanths of an inch

Would I be right in thinking that would increase the compression ratio by a little  :?

If so that ought to make it a little bit more powerful and efficient.

Dare I ask how much it cost you?

Should I be sitting down first?

[ChrisW]

  Mine started chuffing and guess what :?: Yep, same place, so looks like I've got another job to do  :roll:

BTDT if you need any help Lee give me a shout  

[BrumLee]

Hi Chris

Thanks for the offer  8) Depending on the weather I may take the head off the weekend ready to take for checking/skimming on Monday. Means I may have to go to work in a bright orange fat-boy with Jackie down the side  :oops:  :oops:

I'll give you a shout if I need a hand, althought I know I need longer legs to reach the engine  :lol:

[Frankie-Boy]

Lee,

I had mine done locally by a very good independent, R.M. Motors, Rushden, Northants. It cost me under £250 including the head skim.

[Leigh]

Had mine done at a place in Corby for £150 and that included the engine flushed through because of water getting in there. But then it didn't need skimming