Thread: Defender Puma 2.2 - voice your issues

Hi all,
we have just returned from the Centre and the Kimberly area incl some of the tough tracks with an MY14 110s/w and a late MY 13 130 CC with a Beyond slide on camper and we experienced absolutely no problems apart from a dust leak in the rear door area of the wagon. The two cars preformed really well considering the weight being carried incl long range tanks etc, also no punctures--wagon on Goodyear MT as supplied and 130 on BFG MT. The wagon even towed a bogged Prado hitched to a Nissan ie both at once out of a creek crossing to Mitchell Falls so no concerns re ability. The cars cruise easily at max highway speeds with their 2.2 motors--in our opinion way ahead of the 2.4's we have also both had previously--they are just nice to drive. Mots irritating road was the Tanami Track --just endless corrugations and for no real benefit re scenery apart from endless wrecks and roll overs--would not use again but go up via the bitumen.

Both cars have now been serviced --their first service at their local dealer.
So far so good!

Originally Posted by Defecon 110

A great truck when she works. Sadly bought as new in 2012 and she has needed flat bed recovery on 3/4 long distance trips. Apparently the transfer case has failed again which is the 2nd time is less than 12 months. Which left me stranded alone on the Birdsville track for a day. As much as I love her when she works I am wishing I had spent the extra and bought a Land Cruiser!! Sacrilege I know but the constant reliability issues and the constant hassles with dealers and land rover assist is becoming an increasing frustration. Sadly I have spent too much fitting her out for touring to throw in the towel but I'm now resigning myself that I need a 2nd "off roader" to take me to places like the Cape, Kimberlies, Simpson etc which is what I spent all that money buying the Puma new from the show room!! Yes it's an iconic vehicle but one that will sadly forever be known as unreliable due of quality issues that simply shouldn't exist on a vehicle that Land rover has had 70 years to perfect!! A shame as she outclasses Patrols all day long when she's working!! But no matter how gently she is treated she just rolls over and dies almost every time...

Are you driving with the diff lock on?,I can't understand how you can have two failed T/C's in 12 months. Pat

I bought my MY13 110 in December, picked it up from the dealer and it was straight on to the highway, drove it like I stole it....no running in or taking it gentle.
It has now 36000km on the clock, and never been back to a dealer for any repairs, I do all my own servicing.
So what has gone wrong in 36000km, the rear door needs to be unlocked using the key.....and the RHF swivel housing is starting to leak oil....
I had to seal the body to stop the dust from getting into the cabin.
The inter cooler hose was rubbing on the steering box, and steering arm when I got it home from the dealer, so I wrapped a protective plastic sleeve around the hose and cable tied it up out of the way.
Should i worry about the inter cooler hose recall?, perhaps not as people are still having issues.
I find that it drives OK for a truck, the Defender is not a Japanese 4x4 that is refined, drive line backlash...it is there, and is also in the entire fleet of Army 110"s...I have good air conditioning and don't need to wear a rain coat in side the cabin when it rains....
Remember folks...it is a Defender and not a Subaru, Suzuki Grand Vitara, or a Prado....the new Defender is a work vehicle....even the wife likes driving it.

"With 90 percent of peak power constantly on tap from as low as 2,200rpm to over 4,350rpm"

Excerpt from the Land Rover website, who here runs their 2.2L upto 4350rpm?
In everyday driving, I operate anywhere between 1800rpm to 2500rpm. Anything above 2500rpm it sounds like the engine is gonna explode...What you guys think?

Yep, I tend to drive with what I regard as a fair bit of mechanical sympathy.

Most of my upshifting occurs at revs of about 2,000 to 2,250 or thereabouts (I go by sound, but a glance down usually has it somewhere thereabouts).

Originally Posted by specwarop

"With 90 percent of peak power constantly on tap from as low as 2,200rpm to over 4,350rpm"

Excerpt from the Land Rover website, who here runs their 2.2L upto 4350rpm?
In everyday driving, I operate anywhere between 1800rpm to 2500rpm. Anything above 2500rpm it sounds like the engine is gonna explode...What you guys think?

4350?...Never even tried it,...why would I?
Yes, 1800-2500 is where I'm at, & it suits us fine.
Pickles.

I think this is more of a result of the bare panels resonating from the vibration of the motor. Once I Dynamatted my 110 and run a fair bit of insulation throught the floor and door, and double door seals, the motor sounds fairly tame now.

Just my opinion anyway.

oops double post deleted