Don't trust that every thing is as claimed, TDI 300

[Fabio4wd]

Hi, New to this site,so bare with me. I've got a Disco1 1996 TDI 300.
Put the motor back in. Was out when I got it. Supposedly completely refurbished. Just not complete with all ancillaries. Got a spare Disco for parts. Had the motor running for about 5 minutes. Wouldn't start after that. A diesel mechanic mate of mine come around to look at it. Timing, he says. Pull the rocker cover off. Well, one of the rocker arms is broken(no. 3) and 5 push rods are bent big time. He also reckons the new timing belt has a couple of teeth stripped from it. This assumption comes from turning the motor by hand and the rockers not moving for no. 4 exhaust and a sound like a cog jumping the belt. Now I have to pull the front timing plate off, no mean feat. Hoses, radiator etc. I took quite a while to get the timing right even to getting the tools for flywheel and injection pump timing.
I should have pulled the motor right down. One thing was telling me this. The big end caps were on the wrong rods. Fixed that? but more hidden problems await me. The saga continues. Will follow up with details as I go. Any suggestions(helpful ones) are gratefully accepted.

[isuzurover]

Yes, sadly in this day and age with 2nd hand parts you never can believe anything anyone tells you.

I have even been burnt by high post count users on here...

However it is illegal for someone to knowingly misrepresent what they are selling.

[MacMan]

Big bugger. When faced with the prospect of a new engine, I chose the path of DIY to avoid all that bother. Best of luck with it and do take advantage of the knowledge here on AULRO.

[SLOWBOAT]

I have the same year and model as you.
There is a large portion of sellers of these vehicles that turn the odometer back for a better sale and it is only a keen eye that can pick it up.
As for the motor, strip it, check and replace what is required with the mechanics guidance or help, and then you know it is all good and will serve you for the next 350,000km trouble free (if you service it).
They are a great car if you look after them.

[Petetheprinta]

Bummer.

[Discomark]

I leave the Rad in place when I do my belt etc and just have a thin sheet of ply cut to protect the rad while i remove the timing cover. The cowling is a bit fiddly to get out past the top hose but its possible.
Also it seems its not uncommon for folks to get the cam timing out by 180 degrees but this normally results in running rough rather than bent valves.

Cheers
Mark