Thread: new member needs help on defender 130...please

Hi and welcome


Where abouts is the Defender located?

I ask because there might be a local LR specialist who can give it a look over for you.

hi there, many thanks for your promt response and welcome. i have checked with the owner and there is no dealer anywhere close...i guess that is why it hasn't been serviced by land rover since he moved to the area. i am trying to get a few pointers as the distance involved means it's not viable to be running back and forth. i need to look and buy or leave alone. i appreciate your help.

Your best bet is to find someone from AULRO who is nearby and is prepared to look at it with you (for example I have done this a couple of times). Tell us where it is and it is likely that there is someone nearby who will volunteer.

Failing that read everything you can find here on the 90 110 130 Defender County forum, and also relevant bits in "The good oil".

Apart from the usual concerns with any second hand vehicle, some of the major concerns would be:-

Very carefully check for any signs that the engine has been overheated. While I do not think that the Td5 is particularly likely to overheat, repairs are likely to be very expensive, and may not have been done properly if needed. There is a concern with an oil pump bolt on this engine, which should be checked regardless if you buy it, unless you have proof it has been checked.

Check for excessive play in the hub drive flanges - this may indicate excessive wear unless it has been converted to oil lubrication hubs. Similarly, grease lubricated hubs have more bearing failures. Check for signs of chassis cracking near the tray mounts - unlikely unless it has been abused.

But if I were looking at one, my only real concern would be the engine - with any second hand vehicle there are sure to be problems, but it is only the engine that is likely to be very expensive. This is not to say it is not a good engine, it is. It is just that it is expensive to repair in the relatively rare cases that it is needed.

John

Thanks JDNSW I will bear all those things in mind, and also read all I can in the forums you mention. The vehicle is curently owned by an elderly couple that bought it new when they retired and had it fitted out for outback touring, (second fuel tank, snorkel, dual batteries, ect). Caravan on the back, boat on the roof. So I am not expecting it has had any real abuse. Thanks again for your prompt response.

towing in 5th would be a concern however I am not aware of a way to check for damage without pulling the gbox down.