Campfire Chat over Who's a Good Value LR Mechanic

[mittadisco]

Not sure where to put this posting...... have a 98 S1 disco which needs some work done of serious nature.... who in Sydney or surrounding area is a competent - good value LR mechanic?

[Scouse]

What sort of work are you looking at getting done ?

I know of a mechanic who does some work at home who is around 1/2hr from Mittagong but he might be busy with his own Landy fleet (well, he should be) or there's the usual specialists in Sydney (ATV, Coopers).


There's also the dealer option..........

[mittadisco]

What sort of work are you looking at getting done ?

I've been told by guys at berrima diesel that 300tdi rings are stu...d and that will need a rebuild. Being totally ignorant I am looking for the most economical option without being ripped off.

[Scouse]

In that case, Bruce Davis at Annangrove might be a better option as they can do everything in house.

Out of interest, how many Km has your motor done to wear rings out ?
Just asking because I have come across diesels that have been treated too gently with very slippery / synthetic oils that have glazed the bores up giving the symptoms of worn rings. Running a cheaper oil with a bit of load sorts them out usually.

[mittadisco]

In that case, Bruce Davis at Annangrove might be a better option as they can do everything in house.

Out of interest, how many Km has your motor done to wear rings out ?
Just asking because I have come across diesels that have been treated too gently with very slippery / synthetic oils that have glazed the bores up giving the symptoms of worn rings. Running a cheaper oil with a bit of load sorts them out usually.

3rd hand vehicle - 200k kms - blow by serious according to BD - problem that engine may then run on burning oil and become a lethal weapon - these guys were not impressed.

[Scouse]

Not wanting to doubt Berrima Diesel as they have a good reputation in what they specialise in, but it may be worth a second opinion before shelling out big $$ for major engine work. It's very low Km for a 300Tdi to have this sort of problem IMO.

Maybe give Bruce a call & have a chat - 9679 1178

[JohnE]

I agree with scouse, get a second opionion, there are plenty on here with 300tdi;s over that km mark and there motors are fine.

While the BD blokes are reputable, I don't think they are the B all for diesels. Had a chat with them a few years ago when i had my pajero, had it booked in for a 'service' which according to them would be major as the type of diesel I had was prone to this that and the other thing problems, and i was looking at big dollars.
Ended up fixing it myself at a cost of $50, they were no where near the mark on their opinion of the problem.
( 4 injectors spray tested and new heat shields)
As a result of that I wouldn't direct anyone to them.


john

[tombraider]

No personal knowledge of them (never used them) but a few guys on other forums often refer to them as...

Bury My Diesel.....

And are not real impressed..... I'd have to ask for more info.....

[JohnE]

No personal knowledge of them (never used them) but a few guys on other forums often refer to them as...

Bury My Diesel.....

And are not real impressed..... I'd have to ask for more info.....



A bit blunter than what i said , but yes I agree, there seems to be a common consensus about them. Even when i was on the pajero site nothing nice was said about them.




john

[p38arover]

Out of interest, how many Km has your motor done to wear rings out ?
Just asking because I have come across diesels that have been treated too gently with very slippery / synthetic oils that have glazed the bores up giving the symptoms of worn rings. Running a cheaper oil with a bit of load sorts them out usually.

I sometimes wonder if that CEM product is worth a try in a situation like this. See http://www.costeffective.com.au/sol1.htm

Ron

[incisor]

my 2 cents

CEM is definetly worth a try if you dont have something heavy you can tow for about 500klms every few months.

CEM does sort it but not quite as well as a serious run with some decent weight behind you.

if you have something heavy you can tow then change the oil to something like caltex delo 400, replace the oil filter with a genuine one and go for a nice big run hauling some serious weight....

at about the 200klm mark you will notice a difference, by 500klms it will feel totally different if my experiences are anything to go by.

i have done some pretty indepth mucking around with CEM on several vehicles now and the $99 value pack is a good deal if you dont have anything heavy you can haul around from time to time....

[Redback]

Where abouts in Sydney are you or where are you willing to travel too.

Peter Davis is a mobile mechanic, he could give you a second opinion, he uses T.R.Spares in Padstow as a base.

There's a guy in Woolongong who has a good rep, don't know where though.

Baz.