Thread: 300Tdi premature eating of timing belt - possible reasons

Hungry?

Is it from the batch that had to have the timing chest replaced ?

I had the belt done on mine a couple of years ago belt was shredding on one edge. Had to have the full kit fitted which includes the timing chest. It had survived previous cambelt changes but the LR specialist I took it to spotted the update hadn't been carried out.

Colin

When replacing the belt make sure its tension is to specs,refer to the www.difflock.com site for the procedure.If the crank pulley has a washer type flange spot welded to it replace it with a one piece flanged pulley eg from Bearmach.
Hopefully the cylinder head is ok,get it checked and replace gasket with an Elring one [OEM]If its cactus replace with a new one from Turner Eng in the UK,about $750 delivered to your door,probably less now due to the good oz dollar.

Info here

What is the problem ?
The timing belt on 300Tdi engines fitted to Defender and Discovery and Range Rover, suffer from premature wear due to miss alignment of some of the guiding pulleys. If serious this should manifest itself before the 60000km change interval.
What is the solution ?
Land Rover issued a technical bulletin No. 0008, on 25 March 98. This bulletin details the fitment of one of two possible rectification kits, depending on model numbers. Where the kits have been installed workshops are instructed to paint a 2cm square yellow block on the upper left side of the timing cover.


Kit 1 (Part no. STC4095K) to be fitted to:
Discovery MA 081991 - TA 200000, MA 500000 - VA 542370, TA 700000 - VA 711273
Defender MA 939976 - VA 101256
Range Rover MA 647645 - MA 664120.

This kit contains; front cover, timing belt, crankshaft gear, tensioner, idler, FIE pump bracket, side cover, gaskets, dowels and fasteners.

Kit 2 (Part no. STC4096K) to be fitted to:
Disco VA 542371 - VA 558898, VA 711274 - WA 748935
Defender VA 101257 - VA 129096

This kit contains; timing belt, crankshaft gear, tensioner, idler, gaskets and fasteners. Also a crank shaft seal for Discovery VA 548520 - VA 558898, VA 716697 - WA 748935
Defender VA 107351 - VA 129096


Disco revival ... STC4095K TDI 300 timing belt modification kit

Thanks everyone. yes it was from the batch that needed the upgrade kit but this has all been done after belt number 1 went. This is belt number 4.

It's been only ever serviced by Landrover mechanics who were aware of the problem with the belts as I discussed it with them.

Re the head, they think it just went on the trip to the mechanic. It has a coolant alarm which beeped quickly once and I topped it up about 500ml. No coolant issues since then. So I'm hoping it's not warped or cooked or any sundry nightmares that go with blown gaskets.

Is there anything I should ask them to do while the head is off? Valves or somesuch?

Also it's going to be tight for time before the we leave on the trip. Somebody told me that a retorquing regime is needed after the head has been off. Do you guys have a recommended procedure?

thanks J