Vehicle is new to me. Been getting leaking from the breather tube on my front diff. Massive amount of fluid drained when pulling the FILL plug. In total, took over 2.5L out. Performed drain and refill to spec. Fast forward, the front diff breather tube continues to spit oil. I assume a clog in the line and pull the breather. Planning to shoot in some air, I open the fill plug on the front diff. I get nearly a liter of fluid from the FILL plug once again before closing it up. Where is this excess fluid coming from?? Transfer case perhaps?

Transfer case is nowhere near the front diff, nearest oil is the engine oil, how's the level...?? Pete

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engine oil is showing low as well after being topped up after my first check!

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Last edited by Phoenix on 23rd Dec 2023 9:48pm. Edited 2 times in total

Not what I was hoping to hear. The prior owner had a new engine put in as the original gave up nearly as soon as he bought it. How bad might this be? Brandon
2008 4.2L SC L322
Prior Steward of a 2000 Disco 2 and 2006 LR3

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Last edited by Phoenix on 23rd Dec 2023 9:48pm. Edited 1 time in total

Huge thanks for the information. I’ll do some digging to see what that fix might entail. Feel free to pass along any more wisdom you might have! Brandon
2008 4.2L SC L322
Prior Steward of a 2000 Disco 2 and 2006 LR3

Phoenix wrote:

Well that's going to be expensive to sort, I've seen a driveshaft wear through the sump tube before - I can't remember if it was a loose differential or support bearing failed, it needed a new oil pan extension though.

Phoenix wrote:

In that case it sounds like there has been a misalignment of the front differential or support when the engine was replaced - or the oil pan extension was damaged when removed from the donor vehicle.
Not particularly expensive on parts but quite a bit of labour involved.

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Last edited by Phoenix on 23rd Dec 2023 9:49pm. Edited 1 time in total

Would it be likely that I would see an oil leak near the rear of the diff if the sump tube has been worn through? My only evidence of a leak seems to come from the diff breather hose up by the airbox. Brandon
2008 4.2L SC L322
Prior Steward of a 2000 Disco 2 and 2006 LR3

Phoenix wrote:

BLRover wrote:

If the driveshaft has worn through the sump tube, how would oil leak into the sealed diff? I think I’m missing how engine oil could get in there.

If there is enough movement in the driveshaft to wear through the sump tube, then the seal will be compromised, not enough for the sump to empty itself into the differential (clearly!) but enough for the lower viscosity oil to weep past a damaged / worn seal.
Take the long driveshaft out, and assess from there.

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Last edited by Phoenix on 23rd Dec 2023 9:41pm. Edited 1 time in total

BLRover wrote:

Phoenix wrote:

BLRover wrote:

If the driveshaft has worn through the sump tube, how would oil leak into the sealed diff? I think I’m missing how engine oil could get in there.

If there is enough movement in the driveshaft to wear through the sump tube, then the seal will be compromised, not enough for the sump to empty itself into the differential (clearly!) but enough for the lower viscosity oil to weep past a damaged / worn seal.
Take the long driveshaft out, and assess from there.

Would it be likely that I would see an oil leak near the rear of the diff if the sump tube has been worn through? My only evidence of a leak seems to come from the diff breather hose up by the airbox.

Upon further inspection, (thanks to my friend with a lift) there is no visible wear or touch point above the drive shaft. Is there an internal seal between the oil pan and the diff that could be allowing the transfer of engine oil into the front diff? I'm assuming I'll have to drop the diff to find out, but I would be keen to know what I'm getting into beforehand. Brandon
2008 4.2L SC L322
Prior Steward of a 2000 Disco 2 and 2006 LR3