I Suppose it Had to Come to This...

[DieselLSE]

For a little while now, I've been getting the low engine oil pressure light coming on at odd times. Indie has diagnosed it as most probably worn bearings. Car has done 185,000km with regular 10,000km oil and filter changes (along with regular flushes). Use has mostly been country driving, with very little stop/start city driving or short trips.

So, I'm joining the steadily growing list of TD/SDV6 engine failures. I certainly won't be driving it until it completely fails.

So, whilst looking at replacement options (Defender Hardtop, Grenadier) I'd probably much prefer to either put in a new block (and upgrade the inlet manifolds to aluminium) or strip my TDV6 down and upgrade the bearings and rebuild it. That, along perhaps with a gearbox overhaul and a few other bits and pieces would probably see the car last another decade or so which should see me out in terms of outback/bush travel.

[PerthDisco]

That’s not many kms.

You can change the bearings with engine in car removing the sump and oil pump.

Have you updated the oil pump?

Seems unusual unless it’s about to destroy itself.

I’d also make sure the pressure switch is not at fault.

[ChookD2]

Change the oil filter and cut the old one open see if there any shiny bits. Seems to a better indication of bearing or other metal failings.

[Graeme]

You can change the bearings with engine in car removing the sump and oil pump.

The rear seal should be changed given its age (it's probably already weeping) and that the old rubber won't like the crankshaft being slightly lowered when changing the mains.
There's not much work room around the crankshaft to be changing the bearings from underneath, especially with no bearing tabs to keep the shells in position while tightening the bolts.

[discomatt69]

If you consider the Grenadier I strongly advise the same as I tell people who are considering buying a LR.
sign up to the forum and do a lot of reading before you commit
Put a small lift in them and the front drive shaft fails, numerous electrical problems, heating and cooling problems, oil leaks, water leaks.
then there is the lack of service availability due to very limited dealers, dealers stopping Grenadier sales due to lack of sales and support from Ineos, no service manuals as promised and no aftermarket scan tool so you can’t even reset the service interval.
I would already own a Grenadier if they were half what was promised but sadly they have missed the mark on many fronts
i still wait and watch with hope because they are fantastic in design and engineering

[loanrangie]

If you consider the Grenadier I strongly advise the same as I tell people who are considering buying a LR.
sign up to the forum and do a lot of reading before you commit
Put a small lift in them and the front drive shaft fails, numerous electrical problems, heating and cooling problems, oil leaks, water leaks.
then there is the lack of service availability due to very limited dealers, dealers stopping Grenadier sales due to lack of sales and support from Ineos, no service manuals as promised and no aftermarket scan tool so you can’t even reset the service interval.
I would already own a Grenadier if they were half what was promised but sadly they have missed the mark on many fronts
i still wait and watch with hope because they are fantastic in design and engineering

Apart from 1 shaft failure in the US and some software issues i've not read of any of the other issues you listed ?
Still the only new vehicle i would consider buying.

[grey_ghost]

Apart from 1 shaft failure in the US and some software issues i've not read of any of the other issues you listed ?
Still the only new vehicle i would consider buying.

I have read of plenty of electrical isssues, water leaks (especially the front sunroofs).

A Grenadier owner turned up to my place (I sold him some Rangie parts). He showed me the common water leaks (sills and sunroofs). His car had been back to the dealer for multiple repairs…. And it still leaks.

Interesting he also owns a new Defender. When I quizzed him he said “you simply can’t compare a new Defender and Grenadier - they completely different vehicles”

His favourite? The Defender.

I expressed my interest in the Grenadier (I said “in a few years when they have ironed out the bugs”) and he said “Don’t hold your breath - I can’t see them lasting much longer. There are rumours they are in trouble “…

[discomatt69]

Apart from 1 shaft failure in the US and some software issues i've not read of any of the other issues you listed ?
Still the only new vehicle i would consider buying.

Well you really red to have a good look at the Grenadier forum, it’s not one front drive shaft failure it’s a failure that has or will shortly happen to every lifted Grenadier
I am waiting a minimum of a few years to see how the whole project pans out, at this stage they have issues a plenty and no solid fixes or help from Ineos

[Tins]

185K is nothing. I'd look further than bearings.

As for another, well the new Ranger SuperDuty looks like it will be awesome, if you can deal with a dual cab. (Wonder if Ford will bring some of the upgrades to the Everest). 4500kg towing is a game changer. With ball weight scales built in, ffs.

[Graeme]

Lots have failed at less than 150K as reported by the owners on this forum although mostly 3.0 engines.