Thread: 300tdi defender towing woes...

maybe I'm a little cynical, but I do have a little chuckle when I read these threads and the references to the performance of the 300tdi in defenders and towing. Phrases like "never felt it at all" and "tow 2.5t with ease" always make me wonder how valium is available over the counter

regarding the R380, no one is more surprised than me that mine has survived 320k and at least 250k of that towing a true 1.8t. It has only been getting syntrans for about 40k, but was always serviced prior to that. I was unaware of the 5th gear issue and can only put it down to the fact that when on the HWY any incline would require a drop back to 4th to maintain any reasonable egt and speed (certainly not 100km/h or above). This would help with oiling and load on 5th.

check the throttle cable...

SWMBOS has broken the clip again and has lost about 1/4 of its range of motion and pulls like a series with a lead off.

Originally Posted by Blknight.aus

check the throttle cable...

SWMBOS has broken the clip again and has lost about 1/4 of its range of motion and pulls like a series with a lead off.

I had forgotten about that little trick Blknight , Or it backs itself off with vibration from a prolonged drive and you get slower at the hills Really got me head scratching the first trip to Emerald . Not a problem after some nice black silastic!

I've attached a pic of the leak/ evidence. It looked to be emanating from the pulley. Is this we're the P gasket is?

And I'm probably not painting a good picture of how it drives. It pulls okay but I feel like she's revving too hard to pull at the speed. The turbo is whistling and whining when maintaining 80 indicated. It sounds like music to my ears, but its prolly gonna wear or break stuff, like idlers, tensioners bolts, belts and water pumps... (It had a 7pk 1595 fitted when it I'm sure it needed a 1580 serp belt, which is fitted now - I'm thinking this stuff up may have exacerbated all these 'issues')

I would say it is your pump, with the possi of the P gasket also.Although your pic does not show the P. It generally manifests as a leak down the left side of the block in front of and beneath the exhaust manifold. If when you remove the belt and rotate the pump it is rough or as you said leaks more that is a problem.

Cheers Scott

Thanks all for the replies. I'm not sure the p gasket is on the job sheet, nor been ordered from Rockhampton, so hopefully it's not too bad.

The accelerator cable clip looks okay, I think. I'll have too look into it some more.

I'll re-read all the posts, but I'm gathering towing in fifth with an r380 is doable, at your ow risk... Towing in fourth is fine, but there are mixed thoughts about revving high for sustained periods. That sorta leaves me where I started, but I'll try 5th some more, judiciously. I suppose if I hear noises, back to 4th.

As for the tappet drift, I'll have the caps/valves/pushrods inspected in maroochy, and the pump tweaked too! Now it's just waiting for 8 hours.

Joshua.

Well after a wrong part order, it now fixed - the water pump that is. No more leaks!

The damage? Well, lets just say I could have bought 11 cartons of beer, good beer...

Sorta takes the gloss of things when travelling. Onwards we go.

Joshua.

Ouch!! You should have grabbed it ,drove down to my place( a few hours away) had a coffee and I would have changed the pump over for you!. Ah well should all be good now And the coffee offer is still available Lol.
All the good sailing should be yours now!

Cheers Scott