The DiscoDavis Discovery 3 Build Thread

[DiscoDavis]

Recent Oil Change Notes

One of these was coming up, had some cans of this BG EPR (formerly called BG109) stuff waiting around. I also happened to have a Fumoto valve finally show up... but turns out they shipped the wrong size. Luckily I had a spare test plug (Dorman) and put that in anyway.

Inside the can there is this funny orange ring, what is it? Liquid inside smells somewhat like rubbing alcohol, maybe mineral spirits kinda smell.

Directions say warm motor to operating temperature, add contents of can through oil fill tube, and run motor @1200rpm for 10 minutes. Did so then drained the oil out and flushed with 1qt with clean. Used oil smelled like rubbing alcohol too, did not notice much blackness in the oil as some report after using this stuff. After the change the motor seemed happy and sounded great. I seriously doubt there was much sludge in there at all, she has had perfect oil changes since purchase.

Maybe its snake oil, maybe it works great! I would try it on an older motor. At least now I'm sure I won't see any sludge issues. :sombrero:

--------------------------

Got the right size (F106N 14mm, 1.5 thread), see below compared to the one I tried, did not even notice the problem until I tried to thread it in and it was clearly too small... (F103N 12mm, 1.25 thread)

The N designation indicates the valve comes with a 3/8" nipple for attaching a hose (useful for directing hot oil!)

See the included blue washer, its harder than rubber, maybe nylon?

Valve open and closed

One concern of mine between using a traditional plug and one of these Fumotos things was the quality of the material and the threads. That and how deep the plug goes.

However, after comparing the Fumoto, OEM (black), and Dorman (silver) plugs, the Fumoto was clearly better quality, OEM and Dorman threads are cast crap.

Thickness between inside passage and exterior threads seems adequate.

Difference between OEM and Dorman is likely just the gasket rubber above the threads, which is OK on each. The concern is the Fumoto gasket, not sure how that will hold up.

Next oil change we will see.

 

[colb45]

I worked at a VW dealer and we used to sell tons of the BG product never had issues with it, however when i chatted with the techs on it seemed to be mixed reviews when it boiled down to it actually doing something or providing benefit. I have used it in all of my cars and havent had any issues, I have also done oil changes where you at ATF and run it for 10min (like the BG product), similar results.... But like you said the Rover has had its maintenance so shouldnt have any issues

 

[DiscoDavis]

I worked at a VW dealer and we used to sell tons of the BG product never had issues with it, however when i chatted with the techs on it seemed to be mixed reviews when it boiled down to it actually doing something or providing benefit. I have used it in all of my cars and havent had any issues, I have also done oil changes where you at ATF and run it for 10min (like the BG product), similar results.... But like you said the Rover has had its maintenance so shouldnt have any issues

Glad to hear! Makes me feel better

As for the quality of the normal oil pan plugs, are they cast with softer, crappier threads so as to not ruin the pan threading? Is this the logic for changing them out?

 

[Victory_Overland]

Connor, can you send the link for the Fumoto valve? I want to put it on the list.

 

[DiscoDavis]

Connor, can you send the link for the Fumoto valve? I want to put it on the list.

PM sent. For anyone concerned, just google Fumoto F106N, their amazon listing is the same as their online store through whatever their website is.

 

[Ian_Barry]

Happy with my Fumoto valve!

I have been running the Fumoto valve on my '3 for the last 10,000 miles very happily. It has significantly improved the experience of changing my oil and I have no reservations about it's quality and function. If I could recommend a $30 purchase to everyone/anyone it would be this.

The gasket is holding up fine - I will likely replace it at the 4th oil change from install, or if a leak appears.

Cheers,

Ian

 

[DiscoDavis]

I have been running the Fumoto valve on my '3 for the last 10,000 miles very happily. It has significantly improved the experience of changing my oil and I have no reservations about it's quality and function. If I could recommend a $30 purchase to everyone/anyone it would be this.

The gasket is holding up fine - I will likely replace it at the 4th oil change from install, or if a leak appears.

Cheers,

Ian

Love the feedback Ian!

 

[ColoDisco]

The chip in the can is what techs use as a spiff from the bg dealer. Their worth .25 cents up to $1 each depending on the color. If your not a tech at a shop I'm not sure you can get anything for them.

 

[DiscoDavis]

The chip in the can is what techs use as a spiff from the bg dealer. Their worth .25 cents up to $1 each depending on the color. If your not a tech at a shop I'm not sure you can get anything for them.

Huh, so you redeem them with the BG people? Interesting. Yeah I recycled it with the can, oh well :sombrero:

 

[DiscoDavis]

Supposed to pick up the front bumper tomorrow, this weekend may be the last with the original

(old pre-snorkel photo)

 

[Victory_Overland]

TR or ARB bumper?????

 

[DiscoDavis]

TR or ARB bumper?????

ARB

 

[Victory_Overland]

May the force be with you my friend!

 

[DiscoDavis]

Quick update: picked up the ARB front at this cool VW van shop in Santa Cruz that happened to be an ARB distributor. Started the install Saturday @ 15:00, finished at 06:00 today...

Total PITA, fitment was horrible, mounted and dismounted several times trying to get the bumper to even line up with shock absorbers that bolt to the factory holes, which didn't seem to be centered... hmm LR factory... Cut flares somewhat roughly and uneven... OK it works.

Wiring diagram as several over the years have said, is a joke. Found correct instructions on forums instead. Parking lamps/turn signals units are neat, OK to install. Wiring loom is dumb and the length is adequate for ROW D3's but not NAS which has battery on right side, ghetto loom now strung across engine bay diagonally until I can dig out the wiring gear to make clean.

While I have a working bumper now, it is 1cm at least off-center so one edge sticks beyond the wheel arch on drivers side, while it is flush on passenger side. It is a working vehicle so, whatever. At some later point I will dismount and attempt to adjust.

No pics yet, Don, if you're reading this, I now understand all your comments about the ARB versus TR.


Nice rain we're getting here

 

[Victory_Overland]

Man, so disappointed in the troubles you had with your front and rear bumpers. I honestly didn't have any problems and my front took a good bump so the alignment of the bumper showed the truck was straight. Even though the body shop already confirmed it, I had suspicion I may have alignment problems for the front bumper.

This might help you, although I do not know anything about the ARB install. On the TR bumper, I left everything loose, to include the winch mount. I used a wood block and jack to align everything with the hardware snug so the winch plate and bumper would move, but stayed in position once I tapped it into place. Then I crawled under the truck and was able to weasel my way into the winch mount bolts and tighten them. I then removed the bumper, torqued everything and then put the bumper back on and torqued it up to spec. My alignment was originally off because of the two piece design of the winch plate and bumper. Not sure if this is the case with ARB or not but mine fits great after I did that.

I didn't run any wiring and do not have any lights in the bumper since one light frame (on the light) was broken I figured I would leave both out and then put them both in at the same time later on. I still have not done that. My airbag sensors, plumbing, etc... all lined up perfectly with no issues. I don't see any reason why my bags wouldn't go off like they would attached to the garbage LR steel frame as it is initiated by G-force at the sensor.

I do have an issue with the washer bottles. I had to order a smaller one TR suggested and just tossed it under the hood for now cuz I have a custom application I plan on using. I think ARB you are able to use the OEM washer bottle correct?