Where to from here ? . . . 21 years and 600k's then Bang!!

[Pezz]

I have owned my 300TDi Disco from new for 21 years and covered 600,000k's

It has been a great vehicle with no accidents and I really love driving it. Love the simplicity and earthy feel.

10 days ago whilst coming back from Bathurst around 2.30pm along Bells Line of Road near Mt Tomah, I was overtaking an old fella in a white Toyota Camry who would speed up on the dual lanes, and slow down on the single lane and would always brake mid corner . . . I digress. Anyway as I was passing him at 80kph in 3rd in the ZF Auto there was a loud bang followed by an instant loss of power and some serious vibration. A look in the mirror showed a cloud of debris and oil all smoke, along with oil over the road.

It came to a complete halt on a blind corner but dual lane. I pulled across as far as I could against an armco but was in a precarious situation. Turning the key gave me nothing, and quickly got on the phone to the NRMA. A fellow in a Land Cruiser going the other way asked if I needed and hand. I quickly accepted his kind offer and he turned around and I had my snatch strap out in no time. He towed me up the hill about 200mtrs and out of harms way. There was oil everywhere so after I called the NRMA call which said I had to wait 90 mins for a patrolman to come and inspect the engine to see if I would get a tow. then I called the Fire brigade and they sent a team to clean up the oil spill. :thumb

The Patrolman finally arrived and said yes it will need a tow. He would call back in and have NRMA arrange a tow, about another 90 Mins apparently. While I was waiting I got under the bullbar and took a look :thumbsdown:

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/50.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/51.jpg

I sent my wife with the patrolman who took her to Mt Victoria Station to get the train back to collect our kids.

At about 7pm I get call from NRMA saying that my case was lost in their new system and a Tow truck had just been ordered, possibly another 90 minutes. Great service for a Gold Member . . . not!

Trevor arrived in about an hour from Windsor and George was loaded onto the Tilt Tray. He was a nice fellow and we chatted all the way to Peakhurst to Roving Mechanical.

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/52.jpg

Now my dilema . . .

At the good wifes insistance I purchased a D4 TDV6 from Tweed area and drove it home on Thursday, fitted Hand Controls on Friday and am driving to Adelaide Monday. Its a very nice vehicle and I can fault it but it doesnt have the old TDi rumble and presence.

The motor is abviously toast and needs a rebuild / replacement.

I am in a bit of a spot what to do. I dont think I can sell the car to a wrecker or parts. Like I said its covered 600'000k's and has been well maintained. It was booked in for a timing belt and a few other items this week. Never been in an accident. has Bullbar and snorkel, Bilstein Suspension. Kings springs . .

Do I look for a new bottom end and see what I can salvage off the original motor.

Look for a 2.8 powerstroke kit and install into my block. . . . .

I really liked my D1 and would be happier driving it still. I do like the cruise control on the D4.

It is a bit tired and needs some loving. Still has the orignal windscreen which is bit sand blasted

The exhaust manifold has been leaking soot for some time and thought about fitting a 200TDI manifold and a bit of tuning to suit . . .

Open to thoughts and possile options. . .

Pezz :)

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/53.jpg

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/54.jpg

[edddo]

I have the same vehicle and would think long and hard before parting with her.
How much would you be prepared to spend to get her back on the road?

[Roverlord off road spares]

looking at the pics it looks like a nice straight well looked after D1 ( very rare these days, ) if you could source a motor cheaply then it would be a shame to part it out.

[trout1105]

looking at the pics it looks like a nice straight well looked after D1 ( very rare these days, ) if you could source a motor cheaply then it would be a shame to part it out.

I agree, That's a very nice looking D1.
I think there are motors available in Perth that are reasonably priced.

[manic]

How much would you be prepared to spend to get her back on the road?

X2

You could swap in a rebuilt short motor from turners UK if your dead keen!

[Tins]

X2

You could swap in a rebuilt short motor from turners UK if your dead keen!

RTC 6795N Short Engine (https://www.turnerengineering.co.uk/rtc-6795n-short-engine-c2x20634392),

But it's $3.5 K without shipping. Me, if I had the $$$$ and THAT D1 I'd do it. But there must be cheaper options.

[Tins]

. But there must be cheaper options.

Let's be logical. I used to work in the Auto Parts Recovery ( wreckers ) industry. People used to say "I would never use secondhand parts in my car". Sure, steering, brakes etc. I'm right there with them, and I would not sell them. But think about it, as soon as you drive a car everything on it is secondhand. So, you have a really nice D1 with 600+k on the clock. Find a 300TDi with 300 on it, freshen it up and bung it in. There must be some out there. You'll probably get another 20 years out of it, and the world won't lose another D1, especially one as nice as yours.

Not sure, on rereading this, if it makes sense, but I'm posting it anyway.

[jonesy61]

Agreed! I had a 300tdi lose oil pressure. My remedy was to score a wrecker engine. Turned out, the engine was a rebuild but the head was warped. I got it for $1500 another head gasket and the head off my old engine and I was back motoring. Wreckers are a pig and a poke but most times you have a small warranty.

[rick130]

FWIW I wouldn't go the 2.8HS route, I'd source another 300Tdi.

2.8 parts are hard to come by and only really available from MLD in the UK at $$$.

A mate has one and he's seriously thinking of going with a TD5 in his 110 project instead.

[trout1105]

If you are any good with the spanners then you could rough as guts patch up on the engine by replacing the busted con rod and put another sump on her Or better still do a full bottom end rebuild.
Getting a second hand (Low mileage if possible) engine is probably the cheapest and easiest option But like the other poster said it is a "pig in a poke" situation because you don't know for certain that the new engine will last.

I faced a simmilar situation with serious breakdown of the V8 in my D2a recently and opted to have the old engine repaired.
My engine break down wasn't as dramatic a yours But it still required getting the heads serviced, new hydraulic lifters, plugs and leads, new radiator and hoses, new water pump and idler pullies/serpentine belt, new head gaskets and the sump removed to clean it and the bottom end of the engine.
The bottom end was also checked out before everything was refitted and thankfully everything was in good order But it still cost me $4,500 for all this work
which is quite a few quids to spend on a truck that is only worth about 10,000.
Having spent another $5,000 in the 2 years previously on other repairs and mods to the truck I have over invested by about 10K But at the end of the day I now have a Very Reliable 4WD that is comfortable, will take me anywhere and I Love driving it.
I am thinking that I will now get another 5-10 years out of the truck So that is My justification for spending that much money.

It all boils down to IF you want to keep the truck and IF you are prepared to put the time, effort and $$$ into it to keep it running.
Sadly D1's are no longer big ticket items and can be had quite cheaply now and spending big money on them is not a great idea unless you have sentimental reasons to do so.

[gusthedog]

I’m with the posters above. Fix the ol’ girl. She deserves it. I love my first gen D2. Every time I get behind the wheel I’m like - why would I upgrade when this is the most comfortable car I’ve ever driven? And to get a modern car with half the extras mine has (ACE, SLS, Climate Control etc etc) would cost me 100k. I think I’ll keep my D2 and when it dies - I’ll fix it again (repeat until retirement and loss of licence).

Ps - does posting on the D1 area when I own a D2 and like technology heresy? I used to own a D1 honest!

[SSmith]

RTC 6795N Short Engine (https://www.turnerengineering.co.uk/rtc-6795n-short-engine-c2x20634392),

But it's $3.5 K without shipping. Me, if I had the $$$$ and THAT D1 I'd do it. But there must be cheaper options.+1 if i had to rebuild another TDI id be seeiously looking at that option.

It may seem an expensive option, but the machining costs of doing a proper rebuild of your engine add up quickly.

Bore machine / hone, Crank linish, Gudgeon or small end bush fitting and machining, camshaft bearings fit + machine, camshaft linish/replace. Sure a few of those you could just inspect and skip if you want a cheap solution.

I also found it difficult to find somebody with the tooling (and willing) to machine/ream the camshaft bearings.

If shipping is around $1k mark it makes that a very attractive option.

Just depends if you want to keep the original block??

[Pezz]

Firstly thank you all for your replies!!

I have on occasion thought about what upgrades to fit to it. Always come back to the 300TDi is a well balanced motor along with the ZF 4 speed Auto.

I don't want to part it out. I cant part it out :)

I will move George to a friendly location and pull the original motor. Then I can see what I have. to work with. This should make for a long rebuild thread.

Be good to keep the original block, front crank pulley is at a slightly different angle to the rest so think the crank may be broken as well.

Just got a price for a new crank @$1100. This shouldn't be too expensive LOL

I mainly build motorcycles, so its not that much of a stretch skill wise.

Drove my new to me D4 TDV6 to Adelaide yesterday non stop from Sydney and it was a nice drive, but still prefer the D1 [bigsmile1]

I will keep posting and listening to the great advice provided!

Appreciate this forum!!

Pezz

[Tins]

Hmm... Have a look at this, Pezz.

Land Rover 300tdi Engine | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Land-Rover-300tdi-Engine/152813978535?hash=item23946c43a7:g:jPEAAOSwUwFaJOE 1)

[Pezz]

Hmm... Have a look at this, Pezz.

Land Rover 300tdi Engine | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Land-Rover-300tdi-Engine/152813978535?hash=item23946c43a7:g:jPEAAOSwUwFaJOE 1)

Thanks John

I will definitely keep an eye on that.

Much Appreciated!!

I will need to look for another exhaust option as my manifold was leaking soot out both ends. I got a price on the new front and rear horns from port 1 and port 4 and at $270 each no guarantee it would fix the issue.
I also had a higher flow turbo fitted at 400,000k’s, still have the stock one in a box in the shed. I did some research some time ago and thought about a 200tdi manifold and a new turbo
Once I have the motor sorted I will look at manifold and turbo options.

[Fausto79]

International HS 2.8L & 300 Tdi | Motor & Diesel Engineering (Anglia) Limited (http://www.mdengineering.co.uk/international-hs-2-8l-300-tdi/)

Beaumont Land Rovers. Specialists in servicing the Land Rover range. Suppliers of new and used spare parts. Reconditioned engines. (http://www.beaumontlandrovers.co.uk/recon.htm)

Reconditioned Turbo Engines — Rover Resource (http://www.roverresource.com/residences/)

there was another guy i spoke to that said a short engine including shipping was 1650GBP to perth. he was from landrover import but i can't find his website anymore. his email is landroverimport@gmail.com maybe he is still around.

[Pezz]

Hmm... Have a look at this, Pezz.

Land Rover 300tdi Engine | eBay (https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Land-Rover-300tdi-Engine/152813978535?hash=item23946c43a7:g:jPEAAOSwUwFaJOE 1)

Got to love ebay . . . .

I was the top bidder and old mate cancels my bid and sell the short motor to someone else for $500 Buy it now.

You would think it simple courtesy that one would contact you with the option to buy it first.

Thing is I was prepared to pay more than that. . . .

Oh well such is life. . . . .

[edddo]

probably didnt sell it at all.
Just wanted more for it
so organised a dummy sale with a mate.
might hit the market again soon
good for $500 - could have quite a bit of life left in it.

[damienb]

Yes, it's still for sale.
https://www.gumtree.com.au/s-ad/slacks-creek/engine-engine-parts-transmission/land-rover-engine-discovery-defender-/1167785188

[CraigE]

As said there are a couple of tdi motors in Perth for sale atm, check the AULRO facebook page and Land Rover Buy & Sell Perth.

[loanrangie]

Firstly thank you all for your replies!!

I have on occasion thought about what upgrades to fit to it. Always come back to the 300TDi is a well balanced motor along with the ZF 4 speed Auto.

I don't want to part it out. I cant part it out :)

I will move George to a friendly location and pull the original motor. Then I can see what I have. to work with. This should make for a long rebuild thread.

Be good to keep the original block, front crank pulley is at a slightly different angle to the rest so think the crank may be broken as well.

Just got a price for a new crank @$1100. This shouldn't be too expensive LOL

I mainly build motorcycles, so its not that much of a stretch skill wise.

Drove my new to me D4 TDV6 to Adelaide yesterday non stop from Sydney and it was a nice drive, but still prefer the D1 [bigsmile1]

I will keep posting and listening to the great advice provided!

Appreciate this forum!!

Pezz

I have a spare crank, cam, lifters, sump and a few other bits.

[Morry948]

Firstly thank you all for your replies!!


Just got a price for a new crank @$1100. This shouldn't be too expensive LOL

I mainly build motorcycles, so its not that much of a stretch skill wise.



Pezz

It would cost you that much to get one machined

Finding GOOD machine shops are getting harder to find.

If the block is Ok then your at least part way there

[Pezz]

I have a spare crank, cam, lifters, sump and a few other bits.

Thanks Loanrangie

I will send you a PM. I need to get it back here and have a good look at the bottom end.

I will send you a PM with my contact details

Pezz

[Pezz]

Well I suppose the reality is sinking in [bigsad]

I dont have the space, time or cash to rebuild George.

Its been a wonderful vehicle but Im short on options.

So what to do from here. . .

Gumtree, wreckers, maybe someone wants an original well maintained D1 with a blown motor as a project??

So it has covered 600,000k's, has an ARB Bull Bar and Driving lights, Airtech snorkel, cargo barrier, Bilstein shocks, Kings springs, Bilstein Steering damper. Tow bar. lots of great memories!!!

Open to suggestions . . . .

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/52.jpg

[manic]

Well I suppose the reality is sinking in [bigsad]

I dont have the space, time or cash to rebuild George.

Its been a wonderful vehicle but Im short on options.

So what to do from here. . .

Gumtree, wreckers, maybe someone wants an original well maintained D1 with a blown motor as a project??

So it has covered 600,000k's, has an ARB Bull Bar and Driving lights, Airtech snorkel, cargo barrier, Bilstein shocks, Kings springs, Bilstein Steering damper. Tow bar. lots of great memories!!!

Open to suggestions . . . .

https://www.aulro.com/afvb/images/imported/2017/12/52.jpgGet the 500 buck motor still going on gumtree. Swap it in and forget it ever happened. Maybe someone near you willing to help with an engine crane? I bet you could do it in one weekend without to much of a rush.

[Pezz]

Get the 500 buck motor still going on gumtree. Swap it in and forget it ever happened. Maybe someone near you willing to help with an engine crane? I bet you could do it in one weekend without to much of a rush.

Thanks Manic,

That motor is sold, he hasnt taken down the ad as yet.

I also drive with Hand controls and they are now in the D4. Two artificial legs [smilebigeye]

Appreciate your thoughts . . . .

Pezz [smilebigeye]

[peter51]

Hi Peez,
If you cant find an engine locally, I have a very low km short block available, however I am on the sunshine coast. I have no idea of the freight.
Peter 0403245847.

[Pezz]

Just a heads up that George is up on eBay as of last night. [bigsad]

I just dont have the room or time . . .

[Lemo]

Got a link?

[Lemo]

Found it[emoji106]

[Pezz]

Thanks to all for your encouragement and support.

George now has a new home in Blackheath and the new owner is putting an new-newer engine in.

Sad to see him go after 21 years . . .

Time to look ahead and make some new memories in the D4.

I still miss driving the D1

Pezz

[LRT]

I saw that on eBay. Such a tidy car! Great to hear it’s going to a good home though [emoji106]