Thread: Opinion on the Defender 130 TD5 - buy or avoid?

Vlad the TD5 is not common rail it has unitary injectors that can be replaced for $300 each that's a total of $1500.
It has a pump in the tank that in my book is a service item at around 150K you can buy genuine in the UK for about $500.
Not sure what it costs to do a pump and injectors on a 300TDI as I have never owned one. They are a simple engine really being not much more difficult to work on than a 300TDI.

I would highly recommend one. But then again I havent worked on, or driven a tdi or Puma.
I think it should come down to what tools you already have first, then what the vehicle will be used for second. You already have tdi gear, or would you rather the extra power from the 5th cyl?

Oil in the loom
coolant would be a big one as above. Look for floaties/oils etc in the tank
Remove the exhaust manifold heat shroud if fitted and look for diesel soot on the head. Particularly around the front and rear of the manifold, indicating broken studs. Easy fix though. Listen for a horrible whistle on boost (although may not always occur even if one is broken)
Remove the turbo intake and gently wobble the spindle with a finger. Shouldnt be nil or not too much play, Look for scratches in the housing.
Look for diesel seepage on the rear drivers side of the block - the fuel reg has 2 or 4 (sorry cant remember) fuel lines going to it. Might need to remove the acoustic cover to see- 3 bolts
Squeeze turbo hoses - should be rubbery and flexi
Blacklash in the transmission

As with any engine you buy:
Coolant seepage from expansion tank lid
water pump leaks
dust/debris after the intake filter
Oil condition, smell
General tidyness

Things that should have been done (mines at 220, this is my list)
Fuel pump as above
idler + tensioner pulleys
belt

Things I will be doing shortly:
water pump, coolant/heater pipes etc
Head gasket (this is the big one )

But the most important thing here - Have fun