Restoration tips Defender tdi300

[lrdef]

Hi, I am looking for some advice on rebuilding a defender 130 single cab. My dad bought it new and I am sick of buying throw away cars and want to restore it.

I am leaning towards restoring it to stock but am open to suggestions mainly drive train. She has the 4cyl 2.5 that is worn out. I am thinking of brand new motor and rebuilding everything else.I am open to all suggestions to make it a reliable workhorse like she was for the first 250,000km.
Thanks for your time

[weeds]

What's your definition of worn out motor........??

[lrdef]

Rod thru side of block.

[weeds]

Oh that would do it.

[rick130]

What's your definition of worn out motor........??


Rod thru side of block.


:Rolling: Yep, works for me. :D

[PAT303]

Oh that would do it.

That's funny right their. Pat

[lrdef]

Yep, that did it!!

[rick130]

How bad is the leg out of bed ?

Bores can be sleeved and blocks patched, but it probably isn't cost effective these days so you'd probably be better off getting at least a reasonable short engine to rebuild.

Parts prices aren't too onerous, all things considered they aren't an expensive engine to rebuild compared to some.

BTW it isn't the first Tdi I've heard of to throw a rod.
Curious what the build date is ?
There was a batch of dodgy rod bearings in the second half of '98, I've heard of quite a few doing cranks from that half of that year.

[lrdef]

Its a 96 model but I'm not sure build date I will have to have a look tomorrow. I'm thinking of spending the money and buying a new motor. I think I have seen them for sale online. But I am wondering if I am not better off putting a different motor in her.

I'm doing a bit of searching on this site to see what people have done. I own a rodeo with the 4jb1-t and its a pretty reliable Ute but not what I would call a 4wd! But I have also owned a range rover with 5lt v8 and although it was a beast the drive train was not built for the power.I got to know that a lot!

So it leaves me to think maybe I should restore to stock standard.it handled the first 400000 Km with not to many dramas! Just looking for some advice to what others may have changed. This will be a full strip down to chassis rebuild.
Thanks

[BadCo.]

4BD1-T!!!

Also interested in following your rebuild.

Sent from my Nexus 4 using AULRO mobile app

[lrdef]

4bd1-t would be great but I'm wondering, with the extra torque I am going to be in the same place with the 308 in the rangie, ie. Broken transfer,gearbox,axles! I actually liked everything about the defender I have for my use, but I also like the 4jb1-t engine in my rodeo!

[lrdef]

Has anyone done this conversion?

[stealth]

If you were happy with the original engine why change it? Stick a rebuilt one back in it.

[loanrangie]

If you were happy with the original engine why change it? Stick a rebuilt one back in it.

Agreed , a rebuilt tdi will go 250k without issue and is easy on the drivetrain and not break the bank.

Sent from my GT-I9300 using AULRO mobile app

[lrdef]

That has been my preference aswell. Thanks just Good to hear from someone else, I only have people around here with Toyota's and other throw away cars.although if someone said there is a kit to put the motor out of my rodeo in it with minimal fuss then I would be interested! But I can't find anything in Australia.

I noticed that roverparts sell new motors, has anyone had one or know the details on them?

Thanks

[jboot51]

To give you and Idea on rebuild costs, I'm in the process of building a spare short motor. Machine work has been done. Bottom end is ready to be assembled.




rebuildable short motor $100


+20 pistons, ring and bearings from TURNERS $704


Machine work and crank grind $530


Timing belt and gaskets $400


New head $800-1400

[PAT303]

Its a 96 model but I'm not sure build date I will have to have a look tomorrow. I'm thinking of spending the money and buying a new motor. I think I have seen them for sale online. But I am wondering if I am not better off putting a different motor in her.

I'm doing a bit of searching on this site to see what people have done. I own a rodeo with the 4jb1-t and its a pretty reliable Ute but not what I would call a 4wd! But I have also owned a range rover with 5lt v8 and although it was a beast the drive train was not built for the power.I got to know that a lot!

So it leaves me to think maybe I should restore to stock standard.it handled the first 400000 Km with not to many dramas! Just looking for some advice to what others may have changed. This will be a full strip down to chassis rebuild.
Thanks

Spend the money building a good Tdi instead of mods,keep it as is so parts are straight off the shelf. Pat