Thread: If I buy a new D2a - What about this head issue?

My bad, just saw Pedro's post and interpreted that as the well known
Litres Per Hour, which would be the same ,but only if doing a constant 100kph

Originally Posted by PhilipA

From Carsguide
Sounds about right to me. I get around 11.5 l per 100 around extra urban from a TD5 and a bout 12.5 towing my 1tonne camper.
I guess the major reason I bought a diesel is range and cost of fuel as I do long tripseg a lap of 17Kk last year. I reckon I saved about $3K in fuel compared to my RRC 3.9 with many fuel saving mods.

But I really just wanted to try out a diesel and see if I could live with them.I really like my TD5 as it has character.

But if you do smaller distance the V8 may be OK.

BUT V8s have their own problems with the poms estimating that over 50% of 4.0 litres get slipped sleeves and it is almost certain if they are ever overheated. Cheap 4 and 4.6 are getting harder and harder to find.

High mileage V8s also have lots of wear problems with cams , lifters, head gaskets, and the infamous water pumps. ( but then there are some cherry V8s around with less than 100KK, and you will be VERY lucky to find a TD5 with under 100KK) I felt lucky to find a 134KK one which now has 168KK with no huge expense problems so far.

So unless you are unlucky with a TD5 and have a porous head, or the avoidable oil pump bolt they seem to last well.

IMHO a lot of the problems with TD5 are the result of remapping causing greater heat and the warped manifolds, blown headgaskets, and maybe cracked heads.
You pays your money and you makes your choice .
But I like TD5s and would not consider a V8.
Regards Philip A

Hi Phillip

Great summary. Having trod a similar path as you from a soft dash classic to td5 D2a I couldn't have put it better myself. Only thing to add is I get 14-15l/100km towing a 1.8 tonne van.

I find the D2a gives me the right balance of old vs new tech and luxury, plus the td5 has enough power and torque for my needs. Where else can you find beam axles and separate chassis with cruise, climate control, abs, airbags, full time 4wd and auto (if desired) without spending a mint optioning up a defender?

But to answer islandnomads question. I wouldn't obsess about heads being a problem. The weaknesses of the d2 are well known and a pre purchase inspection by a land rover specialist should uncover them. I'd also be wanting to see a good service history supported by actual invoices to support the Kms travelled.

Cheers

Steve