Oil in Main ECU Loom Question

[Blade74]

Hello all,

I have just purchased a Defender 90 TD5 2003 a few weeks ago and have been doing a lot of research on things that can and do go wrong.
After reading about the oil in the wiring loom issue I decided to check under the drivers seat.
There is definite oil in the loom and on the pan.
When I took off the connector there was oil all inside the connector.

The car appears to be running ok at the moment but I want to try and nip this in the bud before it causes problems.

Is the first course of action to change the Injector loom? If so is it best to order OEM or after market? Is there a loom that stops it tracking back into the ECU loom?

What's the best way to get the oil out of the ECU loom?

Any links or help would be appreciated.

Cheers

[nedflanders]

I changed the injector loom about 18 months ago for an OEM one, you will get traces of oil in the red plug for a long time so if you don't want to change the main loom keep a regular eye on it and give it a clean with contact cleaner every now and then (I started once every couple of weeks). It took so long to clear I thought the new loom was leaking as well but having checked the connector at the cylinder head it's not.

Something else to have a look at on that year is the fuel regulator. Have a look at your starter motor, if there's any trace of diesel chances are it's your regulator which sits just above it, mine leaked for awhile but I never noticed as the acoustic cover on the bottom of the engine soaked it up (cover is now in the bin!)

[mools]

I got a replacement loom from MR Automotive, I think it is sealed better at the plug from the head than the OEM is. Worth a try but I think others can provide similar.

RE the contaminated harness, there are ways to flush it through, plenty of posts and threads on here regarding how and what with. First step though, as i think you know, is to prevent further oil flow. then you can either keep mopping it up at the ECU, or if it starts giving you problems flush it through. Don't worry you'll get it sorted eventually, no big drama just a PITA.

Ian.

[Blade74]

Thanks Ned and Mools.
I'll get a new loom and try to keep cleaning the main ecu.

I've been doing a lot of things on my 2 week old TD5 and really getting to know her. At least ill be more likely to fix things that go wrong easier as I get to know her.
Reminds me of when I was younger and used to work on cars.
It's one of those love hate relationships

[PhilipA]

After I replaced the under rocker loom, I removed the gasket from the ECU plug. This was hint from a Pom forum
As the injector plugs are all at the bottom end of the plug, the oil can then drain away.
No misses etc for a month now, and there never was anyway.
Devillishly clever those Poms to place the wires that leak at the bottom of the plug. Of course the Poms are also the only ones who could design a system that causes wires to leak in the first place LOL.
I am still pondering putting blade connectors at the lowest point of the loom and soldering the ends of the wires. This should allow any oil to drain away from the individual wires and prevent "crosstalk" at the plug. Someone in UK did it and was happy with result.
Regards Philip A

[Rok_Dr]

I changed the injector loom about 18 months ago for an OEM one, you will get traces of oil in the red plug for a long time so if you don't want to change the main loom keep a regular eye on it and give it a clean with contact cleaner every now and then (I started once every couple of weeks). It took so long to clear I thought the new loom was leaking as well but having checked the connector at the cylinder head it's not.

x2 keeping an eye on it. I'm still getting a wee amount through after 12 months. Pretty easy job to clean though.

Cheers

Steve

[fonfe]

replace the injector loom and the engine harness. It's not a tough job, just do it once and be done with it.

[nedflanders]

Mine was an OEM, they have been modified now so shouldn't matter where you get it. Don't forget to change the rocker cover gasket as well (mine started leaking at the back of the head as I was being a tight arse trying to save money!!) Oh and keep a real close eye on the rocker cover bolts and washers, they get lost very easily :(

[Blade74]

Does it matter if rocket cover gasket is Landrover or is aftermarket one that comes with ecu ok?
I know getting original for some things is worth it..

[fonfe]

I've only ever used genuine gaskets and never had a leaking problem..... Have seen others have had to use sealant on the D end when using new gaskets. I assume they were using non genuine ones so had to use the sealant.

[nedflanders]

Use OEM for a gasket, not expensive anyway. :)

[Blade74]

I went ahead and ordered oem for both.

Just have to change it when it arrives.