Thread: Under powered 300tdi - please help

You'll find that manual gearbox models suffer from this somewhat; I think that the owners handbook recommends using low-range for steeper starts (there are other threads on this site).

Other than this, there are mechanical faults (some simple - some not so simple) that can cause this: from stretching of the accel cable (adjustable) through delamination of the turbo hoses (replaceable) to other fuel supply and mechanical faults.

Start looking at the simplest first (adjust the freeplay of the accel cable at the pump).

Actually the turbo needs to be spinning to get the torque and this won't happen as well if it's cold or below 1500rpm) - hence the low-range recommendation....but read the threads as to cautions about lo-hi range changes (which are basically - if you are inexperienced stop the vehicle to do so).

As usual, we have to be ready to adjust our driving habits and expectations when changing vehicles....(and these are marginally powered for today's suburban habits). In short, your motor car may be OK.

A lot of people find getting used to attempting to slot into a heavy traffic stream the most nerve-wracking to begin with. These are the occasions I have found it most needs to be warm and given a bootfull of loud pedal (particularly if you step into it after driving a petrol powered motor car).

hope this helps - Laurie

Freakish.

I have recently noticed similar issues with my 300Tdi 130 Defender. Even after I have had the fuel pump "tickle up" that M.R.Automotive do (which has made a difference to power ONCE UP AND RUNNING) the problem you mention is still there.

Off road recently there were a few very long steep hills which made life a bit less than enjoyable, when usually such things would make my day !

It's driving me to frustration !

I'll be watching this thread....

Originally Posted by sam.thompson07

Hey guys
Just really started to notice my 300 tdi disco has become considerably underpowered. Only had the car for about 3 months and up until last week i never really had anything to worry about.
Its a 97 manual tdi and i had the clutch replaced last weekend. The last few days getting off at the lights and up driveways its so underpowered. Some steep driveways i will almost stall if i am not reving the guts out of it. I have even put it into low range on some. Once im doing into second then im off and away but its reallt noticable pulling off from a curb on a slight incline.

I didnt really notice it untill i got it back from the mechanic who did the clutch.

I was really just wanting to see if anyone has experienced this problem, obviously something is wearing out pistons maybe ? i dunno but its giving me the tom tits!!

Oh well hope that someone can let me know whats going on
Cheers

Sam

I had a Defender 300tdi power problem on a long journey just recently - especially when very cold. Problem taking off, and problem uphill. My air filter needed replacement, as it was very quickly fully blocked by a long very high dust and very high humidity run. It's amazing how quickly you can suck in crap.

i bought my 300tdi last week and it was terrible, i replaced the air filter which was bad and put injector cleaner through it and desiel additive in this tank and now it goes great guns start with the simple things

I have just had mine serviced - new air filter, injector clean - problem remains !

Also:

Steep up-hill could be the fuel lift pump. On low slopes the injection pump can pull fuel from the tank, but it could struggle on a steep up-hill without a functioning lift pump. Be aware that if the diaphragm in the lift pump is leaking, it can allow diesel to contaminate the engine oil, which can lead to engine wear.

Partial fuel filter blockage, contaminated fuel (diesel snot) will also reduce power.

Worn timing belt can lead to retarded injection timing which will affect power.

If looked after, they will normally do heaps of km's before piston/cylinder wear is an issue.

If you have confidence that you are not expecting too much at very low revs check the obvious.

To change your clutch, they pulled the transmission, somethngs may have been altered. Handbrake? When the transmission was pulled the engine may have pivoted on the engine mounts and pulled on the hoses (although fan blades would have pushed against rad and then you would have a leaking rad). Check the hoses going to and from the turbo and intercooler, ensure there are no leaks (I once had a split hose on the 90 degree elbow coming from the turbo, it had also lost a bit of zing).

air in take, check filter, could also have a collapsed hose.


Good luck

Thats great fellas ill go and have another sticky beak under the bonnet again. I have replaced my diesel pump only 6,000 kms and its all sweet still as my mech checked it over last week.

Only did a service on it the week before clutch kicked the bucket: new air and oil filter, engine oil, gearbox oil done on clutch, transfer oil done on clutch and i did the diffs myself.

Timing belt is all sweet. It is running really smokey so i suspect that it might have something to do with the injectors but ill let u know what i find and if i dont then ill let you know hoe many thousands it cost me to repair! haha

Cheers

Sam