300 TDI 13o Dual cab Questions

[ellard]

Hi there

With me being a relatively new person to the Defender series vehicles - I have a couple of questions.

As a few are aware I purchased a 1994 130 Dual Cab (300 TDI) - I would like to know what sort of fuel economy would be expected out of these vehciles and also how much fuel does the tank hold.

Temperature guage - it usually always sits on the half way mark, but if its worked hard on a hot day (40 plus) with the A/C on is does sneak up to the 3/4's - is this normal.........

All the best

Wayne

[Sly]

Mine is ex power company with a 120 ltr fuel tank.Fully loaded, hard tyres,running at hyway speed = 110 kms hr it averages 10.5. Last bush trip managed 2270kms out of one tank.
The temp gauge never moved past 11oclock ( WA summer temps ) untill I tweeked the fuel diaphram for more go. I have since returned the fuel pump to normal as the fuel consumption whent up to 12.5/13 and the temp also rose above halfway ( bigger burn ).

[incisor]

Mine is ex power company with a 120 ltr fuel tank.Fully loaded, hard tyres,running at hyway speed = 110 kms hr it averages 10.5. Last bush trip managed 2270kms out of one tank.

2270 / 120 = miracle mileage in a 300 tdi

1270 i would have believed ...

i was regularly getting 1100+ from 120 litres with a 1 ton trailer hitched but on run to cooma i only managed 994 so i am wondering if you stole some of my juju

i really hope 2270 is a misprint or my truck is in serious trouble i have to say!

[ellard]

Hi there

Mine averages between 10-11lt per 100 - but it must have a small fuel tank. When its on the red on the guauge it only takes around 60lts of diesel, a little afraid to run dry.

Another question:

the alloy guards and side air vent for heaters - where do you buy them in Australia

Well thanks in advance

Wayne

[Sly]

Yes sorry my mistake, 1270 kms was the distance done on 120 lts.The tank wasent empty then but the coragations messed up the pick up.

[jddisco200tdi]

The temperature gauge shouldn't move much under any conditions so I would suggest you get the coolant system flushed and maybe the radiator rodded.
At a minimum I would removed the radiator and clean inside and out and check the AC condenser isn't blocked by mud.
A new genuine thermostat would be go too.

[rick130]

300Tdi Defender temp gauges are notoriously inaccurate as they are influenced badly by poor earths. I fitted a mechanical one so I know what is happening.
Yes, on that hot a day the temp will go up, the condenser is a pain as it restricts the airflow, and it is superheating the air before it gets to the radiator anyway.

As to fuel economy, miles too many variables including driving style, where you drive, road type, roof racks, weight, tyre type, etc.
Anyway, FWIW, I generally average between 10.8 and 12 l/100km.

Fuel tank capacity IIRC is 79.5 litres, if you are only putting 60 in you have a fair way to go.....

[ellard]

300Tdi Defender temp gauges are notoriously inaccurate as they are influenced badly by poor earths. I fitted a mechanical one so I know what is happening

Thanks for that as I suspect its the guage - and will take your advice and fit a mechanical one. Where abouts did you fit the sensor into the cooling system.

Yes, on that hot a day the temp will go up, the condenser is a pain as it restricts the airflow, and it is superheating the air before it gets to the radiator anyway

In the Flinders Rangers "SA" air-conditioning is a requirement - but I understand where you comming from it does restrict the air flow dramatically.

I would removed the radiator and clean inside and out and check the AC condenser isn't blocked by mud.
A new genuine thermostat would be go too

Its about the only thing I havent done - but will change the Thermostat next week when I get home from work.

Fuel tank capacity IIRC is 79.5 litres, if you are only putting 60 in you have a fair way to go.....

Many thanks for that - I suspected it was a lot larger tank but uncertain how far to put the guage when its in the red........



Many thanks for that information.

All the best

Wayne

[JDNSW]

Wayne, check the earth on the gauge itself - if this is faulty (and it may be intermittent) you will see a (time lagged) change in the reading when the instrument lights are switched on or off, as the bulb in the gauge uses the same earth.

John