Thread: TDV6 Engine Problem

We have a Range Rover Sport TDV6 brought new in 2009 and on a recent trip with a Caravan the engine failed. We had travelled towing with the Caravan for a week with no problems at all. Travelling along we noticed that the vehicle had very little response to the throttle and saw grey smoke coming out of the exhaust so we decided to find a place to get off the road but unfortunately the engine shut down. We did get off the road. We lifted the bonnet and smoke was coming up from the sides of the engine so I opened the water bottle slightly to see if water was present and heard bubbling noise. When the tow truck arrived he put his computer on and found a lot of historical problem, he then cranked the engine no big thumping noises but little compression. He filled the water and asked me to crank the engine again and the water flowed out to top and he stated the heads could be the problem. The car and Van was towed to the local caravan park where we where booked in. The next morning we had a local Mechanic come in to do a report for us and again he attached the Computer checked the water system took off the plastic cover and checked around the whole engine bay and as well cranked the engine. He then removed the Dip Stick and smelt it and. stated the engine was cooked.
Rang my Mechanic and discussed with him and he said probably a new engine between $15,000 to $18,000 to replace.
We are thinking that if the engine cranks over without any noise like ring problems, crank problems and no clucking noises we should investigate more as it may only be something like heads.
Any suggestion would be grateful.

Start looking for a low km Ford Territory TDV6 and swap them. Fortunately this is an option or you.

Detailed instructions available in this forum of what ancillary parts to switch between engines.

Have you ever changed the coolant & water pump? Cooling systems need TLC to keep going.

Check also there is a plastic coolant pipe connection block in the valley under the air intake Y piece. These commonly fail after 10 years spilling coolant under load and cooking engines in quick time. With engine cover off shine a torch in there and see if dried coolant from a leak is evident. It’s a $50 part and what I’d bet has failed.