TD5 Engine cover removal

[Rudolf]

Is it true that by removing the cover on a TD 5 engine could decrease the engine temperature by up to 5deg C with hardly any change in noise if any?

[Blknight.aus]

probabley, never measured it.

Given that its a landrover the engines going to leak oil, the cover has a nice oil absorbant foam under it and since its a landrover you're likely to operate it where its going to get dusty or pick up grass seeds/chaff. Theres a turbo under there somewhere as well.

Last time I checked oil grassy stuff and heat was a pretty good recipe for a fire. Thats a good enough reason for mine to have been off almost since initial purchase.

[johnclv]

I always drove mine around with cover off.

Makes no difference to the noise and you get a better look at then engine anyway

[Psimpson7]

Cover is off mine aswell, but it does make a slight difference to noise. I have reference to a figure from LR somewhere but cant find it despite looking... Its not much, but they wouldn't have bothered if it made no difference.

[jmkoffice]

There's the top cover and also a rear cover which mounts to the back of the head. This back one is a good oil soaker if the rocker cover gasket seeps.

[Graeme]

... they wouldn't have bothered if it made no difference.
I think its mostly for aesthetics (engine looks a bit ordinary without it) but obviously trying to make some noise difference because of the insulation.

[Taz]

Haines manual says it reduces engine noise by 5dB, which is a lot.

[Rudolf]

Haines manual says it reduces engine noise by 5dB, which is a lot.

I posted this question as the same one came up in a forum here in RSA.
All the answers are about the same. Even Blknight's as the same.
My opinion is that the temperature will be lower and that the in cab noise increase will not be heard but the exterior increase is more audible.
It will be the same experience as removing the centre cylincer on a V8.
The 5 cylinder TD5 does have a distinctive diesel sound.:D
Thanks all.

[johnclv]

Bit like wearing a beany ( however you spell that ) on a hot day - makes no sense to have something to retain the heat on the top of the engine

[Frenchie]

Took mine off ages ago and never got around to putting it back. I don't reckon the noise is any different.

[LandyAndy]

I removed mne years ago.Not much louder,perhaps a little more diesel "clatter" noise at idle.BUT it no longer hides sins,one can get a good look for potential problems at a quick glance whilst checking oils and coolant.
Andrew

[Hendrik]

I keep mine off, makes it easier to work on without having to remove it all the time. Soundwise it is a bit louder at idle, you notice it more at traffic lights with the windows open, but other than that its not that noticable.
I guess it won't really much much of a difference to the cooling, you could test it if you really wanted to.

[johnclv]

Got one lying around the shed if anyone wants it.

Got rid of my money pit/Disco II a while ago, but forgot to put cover on engine when I sold it to new owner

Its free. If any one wants to come an pick it up other wise its going to get thrown out when I shift house in a few weeks.

Thinking about that I have a few other pieces around (unused and not free ::D). Serpentine belt, injector wiring loom etc if anyone wants to purchase

[Phil633]

Took mine off ages ago and never got around to putting it back. I don't reckon the noise is any different.

Same here.