Thread: D3 - engine jammed on a highway

My D4 is a 3.0 SDV6 and quite different to the 2.7 however after 26,000 surpurbly performing, trouble free km it just stopped. Not over heating, no warning lights or fault codes, at 80KPH a growling noise, performance dropped off and within 400 metres the engine was seized. I would have pulled over sooner, but traffic wouldn't let me out of lane 3.

My dealer wasn't allowed to undo either the rocker cover or sump, they were told to take it out of the car and fit the LRA supplied long motor. So neither my dealer nor I know what was wrong.

Originally Posted by technoplague

Thanks Rich, I followed your advice and asked to check filters. I got a reply that filters were installed properly. For oil inspection, it will cost ~700$, however it should also be in last service receipts that I've requested. As per engine cost, the difference between re-conditioned and brand new one is negligible. It is all going the worst path at this stage unfortunately

Firstly my sympathy with what you have experienced, its not a great start to landy ownership.

I am amazed that they can quote $700 for an oil analysis, what are they doing for that price? This sort of thing does nothing to make you believe or trust the dealer is interested in finding an outcome to what happened to this engine.

I can see how landrover gets such a bad reputation when this sort of issue happens and dealers quote ridiculous prices for what in essence landrover should be trying to investigate as much as anyone. I would have thought landrover would want to know why / what is causing this issue so future customers are not driven away thru the bad reputation now starting to creep into the D3 model.

I hope the O P gets a good outcome and doesn't have to foot the complete bill.

Cheers Ean

Send a sample of the engine oil to any oil company claiming its their bunker oil that has ruined your ship. They'll analyse it, send you the results, and deny liability.

Originally Posted by workingonit

Send a sample of the engine oil to any oil company claiming its their bunker oil that has ruined your ship. They'll analyse it, send you the results, and deny liability.

I've already asked to provide it, as the brand/type is in the receipt. It would be very stupid for LR service to use unapproved oil. From what I recall, of what happened, it was a very gentle push before engine seized. No suspicious sounds or warnings on a dashboard. It lost its power straight away.

Originally Posted by Ean Austral

I would have thought landrover would want to know why / what is causing this issue

I am sure they already know,but like most manufacturers,keep quiet about it.

There are a few posts/threads on DISCO3.CO.UK about this issue.

Back to the OP,a very bad situation to be in,i feel for you.
Hope it all gets sorted,and doesn't lighten your pockets too much.

Originally Posted by scarry

I am sure they already know,but like most manufacturers,keep quiet about it.

There are a few posts/threads on DISCO3.CO.UK about this issue.

Back to the OP,a very bad situation to be in,i feel for you.
Hope it all gets sorted,and doesn't lighten your pockets too much.

As I'm not mechanically minded could someone spell out for me what the problem is with the turbo diesel in the D3/D4 is?

My condolences technoplague. that's terrible!

How many KM did your D3 have on it? The 2.7 seems a tough engine to me. mines (2005 D3) has over 280,000km on to to date and i am sure many others have more. Was the timing belt changed as needed? The battery - engine failure connection might be a little loose. A number of threads on Battery life suggests failures at any where from 2 years old and on for the battery. If your battery was 2006 it has done well.

A new engine and you have a new car assuming the gear box has had oil changed and maintenance on our allegedly "Maintenance Free gear box"

A fellow friend who is on this forum, had 10w/40 put in his sdv6. An oil analysis proved it. The dealer said that the invoice was just a typo, but when he showed them the oil analysis, they took the keys immediately from him and changed the oil.
My niece works for Toyota, and they use the cheapest oil that they can and most of the time it's not factory spec.
Wonder if our local does the same ?
Brett....