Originally Posted by
ozscott
I am not going to add fuel to the fire of some of the above re diesels - I have been known to have fun with that topic before though. The truth of it is that the Rover V8 IF well looked after - meaning normal oil changes every 10k on average and NOT being overheated (ie normal cooling system servicing) is a great bit of kit. The notion of slipped liners is exagerated without abusing them.
The V8's off idle torque is fantastic in low range off road. The V8 is well balanced from the factory - a beautifully smooth motor. The truth is that in D2 form they are unbeatable for reliability and simplicity. The D2 Bosch Motronic engine management is an utterly reliable system and is easy to diagnose and fix when problems do occur with age - for example replacing 02 sensors. 02 sensors and MAF sensors are relatively cheap. I just replaced my Crank Angle Position Sensor at 250,000k as preventative maintenance as I know it wont last forever and it is the one thing (apart from fuel pump) that will cause a no-start issue if it fails. I think from memory it was about $100 for Genuine Bosch and 15 mins work.
I have had 2 water pumps in 260,000k but the first one was not a genuine so it doesnt surprise me that it failed. So water pump at 200,000 and alternator at 180,000k.
Got to love them.
Cheers