Thread: Which engine in Defender 130 for the big trip?

Originally Posted by Tusker

Interesting thread... again.

Having had a 200tdi & a TD5, I'd go TD5 every time.

Memory is a bit hazy now of tdi problems so I happily stand corrected on any of the following..

Timing belts will always be an issue. I had one walk & fray, picked up by Graeme Coopers on service, changed at 20,000 kms Too Tight, the wrong belt or the backing plate was warped or an Idler failed.....My money is on too tight.

I have no problem getting 80,000kms out of mine as do most people on here with Tdi's

I think I'd rather clean loom connections than change a belt in the bush! There really aren't any ECU issues other than the oil in the loom thing. Nonetheless, a Nanocom & a satphone is piece of mind. How much is Nanocom worth?

Not sure about tdis, but the TD5 will run on low cetane African diesel. Its a one-spec world engine. Bad fuel will kill both though. There is no reason you cant run a Tdi on low grade fuel, you lose economy and you lose power but they run fine and will do forever as long as it is deisel related....or something like it

And I know from experience, the Td5 will run for 3 days with the underseat area full of muddy water. Not to be recommended obviuosly, it was the fuel regulator that finally played up & stopped it.

As I understand it the military don't like TD5s, or any other modern EFI diesel, is that the loom interferes with HF radio. That's all. Fair enough, I wondered why they didnt use them and i have never said that I wouldnt buy one because the army didnt use it

Tdis need a mod to warn you of coolant loss. The std sensor is to low, & the damage is done when the dashboard light comes on. You dont need anything if you check your coolant and keep a nose out for burning coolant to let you know there is a leak

Tdis do head gaskets about every 150-160,000 kms. And replacement heads are getting very scarce. Absolute rubbish I am sorry to say, maybe some of the early ones had issues but mine has doen 300,000kms and the head has never been off and the engine hasnt been away from the trans in that whole time.

Tdis have a clutch thats too small, doesn't last long enough with any loads, towing etc. I wouldnt know as mines auto but I don know people who have had to do clutches in both, just ask Hiline about TD5 clutches or for that matter any TD5 manual owner, $2500 in parts to do a clutch due to having to replace the flywheel and all and they dont last long at all if abused as with all clutches

All the non-ECU Td5 issues that come to mind can be sorted before you go. Exhaust manifold, oil pump bolt, & head studs on early vehicles. Preventative maintenance applies to any vehicle.

That's enough from me..

Regards
Max P

Im not bagging the TD5 altogether, it is a good engine and as I have done lots of research in the matter I wouldnt be afraid of owning one myself as long as I could also get the diagnostic equipment.

The thing is, where not talking about me and my trips into the high country, where talking about an international trip in third world countries.

Im not knocking you Max and Im not bagging your choice ok

...and for what it's worth I'll put in another vote for the Tdi. I've owned Td5s and Tdis, and I certainly wouldn't be considering a Td5 for an undertaking like that. There's so much less to worry about with a Tdi. Buy one with a good history, make sure your timing belt's done, fit an engine temp alarm and chances are it's going to get you there.