Thoughts on 200tdi

[MJA]

Hi everyone. I've been on the lookout to buy a defender. Im after a 200 or 300tdi. There is a 92 200tdi for sale that looks to be in fairly good condition but it does have 400,000kms so i guess its quite possible it could be up for a rebuild in the time that i own it. My question is how difficult is it getting parts for the 200tdi now? And how much would i be looking at to have it rebuilt? Should i be worried about parts availability and look for a 300tdi instead?

[rangieman]

Hi everyone. I've been on the lookout to buy a defender. Im after a 200 or 300tdi. There is a 92 200tdi for sale that looks to be in fairly good condition but it does have 400,000kms so i guess its quite possible it could be up for a rebuild in the time that i own it. My question is how difficult is it getting parts for the 200tdi now? And how much would i be looking at to have it rebuilt? Should i be worried about parts availability and look for a 300tdi instead?
Cylinder heads for the 200tdi are about as rare as hens teeth [bighmmm]
If it was me id look for a 300 tdi parts are abundant and cheaper in my opinion[wink11]

[incisor]

Cylinder heads for the 200tdi are about as rare as hens teeth [bighmmm]
If it was me id look for a 300 tdi parts are abundant and cheaper in my opinion[wink11]

you use a 300tdi head and pistons in the 200tdi if it need a rebuild i am told. never done it myself but it sounds feasible.

but yeah, i agree because 300tdi are easier to maintain in the long run, timing belt wise etc etc

[rangieman]

you use a 300tdi head and pistons in the 200tdi if it need a rebuild i am told. never done it myself but it sounds feasible.

but yeah, i agree because 300tdi are easier to maintain in the long run, timing belt wise etc etc
Have heard the same but a lot of work and expense for a normally easily and cheaper exercise [bighmmm].
I guess it depend`s how much you love the car or want it [bigwhistle]

[manic]

Timing belt etc etc? Not sure what all thats about?

Difficulty finding parts would kick in if you crack the cylinder head. I have a 200tdi and 300tdi. Servicing is near enough the same in regards to cost and difficulty. I dont prefer working on one over the other.

The 200tdi has proved to be more robust and when mine is due I will get a rebuild.

Im heading up to 600k and I have changed the CH (coolant leak lead to overheat) a few years back with a reconditioned one sourced from turners uk - its not impossible to find servicable heads but could take a month or two to deliver.

You can rebuild a 200tdi with a 300tdi top end or swap the whole thing out for a lower k 300.

Dont rule out the 200. If it doesnt smoke, knock, use oil or coolant, and the oil cap can be placed upside down without being blown off you may have a motor thats good for another 200k+ before rebuild. If you can, get it compression tested.

If you do buy it, or any TDI, install a low coolant alarm!

[Reads90]

The 200 tdi is a more robust engine than the 300tdi.

I had a 200tdi in a Disco with 450,000 on it and ran sweet. I like the 200tdis over the 300’s

I used to compete in winch challenges with a Defender 90 with a 200tdi and never let me down and I gave it hell.

[Zcoota]

Hi first post here on returning to the LR scene. Take a look at the 3.9 Isuzu County. I almost bought a 200 Tdi Disco but held off for a County and just picked one up. From what I've heard and read the 3.9 is a little more forgiving than the 200Tdi. In terms of performance it feels slightly quicker off the mark than the 200 Tdi. On the 500km drive home it returned 10l/100km. Certainly noisier than the Tdi but I look at it as character. The Isuzu has mountains more torque off the mark. I'm not a guru, these are just my opinions based on back to back test runs

[manic]

200tdi vs 3.9 NA/Turbo. Thats a whole other thread :)

[incisor]

Timing belt etc etc? Not sure what all thats about?

many mechanics i have spoken to say the 300tdi is much easier and quicker to do timing belts and front of engine work on..

JC included...

[incisor]

In terms of performance it feels slightly quicker off the mark than the 200 Tdi. On the 500km drive home it returned 10l/100km. Certainly noisier than the Tdi but I look at it as character. The Isuzu has mountains more torque off the mark. I'm not a guru, these are just my opinions based on back to back test runs

yep

one is a revs based power unit the other is a torque based unit

owned 300tdi 2 door 110 and a 4bd1T county at the same time and if i was towing a double horse float or a large van i would pick the 4bd1T otherwise i much prefer the 300/200tdi power plant.

both have pluses and minuses for sure

both are useless into a big head wind tho it has to be said esp if there is a slight incline anywhere to be seen :p

[cripesamighty]

Yep, I can attest to the headwind/crosswind, incline (& hot weather) combo in a 300 Tdi, both in a Defender and a D1.... [biggrin]

[MJA]

Thanks for the replies. So is it just the head that are hard to find now? Or other bits too?

[Zcoota]

I have to admit I thought mine was called a 110 because of the wheelbase, then I realized it was the car's maximum speed ;)

[manic]

CH on 300tdi you can buy new, 200tdi you cant. Thats pretty much it. What other bits are you concerned about? Look at the turners website it will give you an idea of whats available to rebuild these motors.

[MJA]

Thanks manic. No other bits in particular. Just trying to get a general idea from those in the know. I'll check out that website