Thread: Which head is it??

Originally Posted by Tank

There seems to be a lot of discussion on which 300TDi head is the better, AMC, Turners,etc..
A few years back when I realised that most if not all 300TDi heads that blew head gaskets had the same warping problem between cyls. 2&3, my head was particularly bad with a 7 thou. gap under the straight edge.
I had been making enquiries of a Chinese Company on another matter when I asked if they could find out for me if there was a Chinese manufacturer who could make Cast Iron Heads for the 300TDi Land rover engine.
After a while they replied that no-one made cast iron replacement heads for the 300TDi.
But they could supply me aluminium heads for $200AUD delivered with a min. purchase of 500 heads.
They informed me that this manufacturer supplied OEM heads for most European and American trucks, Tractors and 4WD manufacturers including International Engines in Brasil and AMC in Spain.
I asked Turners if they made their 300TDi heads and they said no, they outsourced the heads, I rang AMC in Spain they said heads were sourced from China, ditto for International as well.
So it seems, to me at least that China is the source of 300TDi heads, so no one brand is better or worse than any other, Regards Frank.

No comments, I thought someone would have something to say, Regards Frank.

Not really,people aren't shocked at getting screwed over anymore. Pat

While it is true that one manufacturer will supply a number of companies the same part, the quality of the part supplied to the different companies won't be the same. The reputable companies will ensure that the parts supplied will meet their quality standards and this will be specified in the contract they have with the manufacturer. Parts that don't meet quality or contract specs will be rejected. And these are the ones that will be offered at bargain prices often on eBay.

So beware, even if it comes from the same Chinese factory that is no guarantee it will be the same quality as the same part supplied to someone like turners or AMC.

Cheers

Steve

I only just looked at this post Frank, and you have certainly attempted to research the current head production situation and thanks for that. I was aware (through friends expert in this sort of thing) that the quality of 300tdi bare head castings seemed to have been declining over time.

When I inevitably had to get one I spoke to a number of local suppliers and also Turners. Turners were able & happy to provide more info than most. I chose to get one of their "assembled" heads on the basis that their staff would have had to at least look at it while they fitted the ancillaries.

So far that head and installation kit has been in use for approx 50k kms incl an extended trip to WA with no probs - which reminds me to check valve clearances before the next big trip

Thanks again Frank - and did you happen to find out if the cast iron 2.8 tgv head can be used on a 300 tdi and if so are they obtainable?

A question for those more knowledgeable than I, did 300Tdi originally have an AMC head or am I safe to assume that my 300Tdi has had the head replaced?


Thanks,
Tom

more than likely, unless its had a total engine replacement with an AMC crate engine.

the tell is the head bolts and in most cases the gasket if the head bolts have tooling marks on them in 2 directions theyve been out and in.

IF they have alignement marks on them they've been done up ex factory.

Originally Posted by 87County

I only just looked at this post Frank, and you have certainly attempted to research the current head production situation and thanks for that. I was aware (through friends expert in this sort of thing) that the quality of 300tdi bare head castings seemed to have been declining over time.

When I inevitably had to get one I spoke to a number of local suppliers and also Turners. Turners were able & happy to provide more info than most. I chose to get one of their "assembled" heads on the basis that their staff would have had to at least look at it while they fitted the ancillaries.

So far that head and installation kit has been in use for approx 50k kms incl an extended trip to WA with no probs - which reminds me to check valve clearances before the next big trip

Thanks again Frank - and did you happen to find out if the cast iron 2.8 tgv head can be used on a 300 tdi and if so are they obtainable?

87County, I was not aware that the 2.8tgv head was available in cast iron, I will make some more inquiries as I believe that the biggest downfall of the 300TDi engine is the alloy head, Regards Frank.

Originally Posted by BathurstTom

A question for those more knowledgeable than I, did 300Tdi originally have an AMC head or am I safe to assume that my 300Tdi has had the head replaced?


Thanks,
Tom

I don't know if Land Rover outsourced the manufacture of original 300TDi head or not (anybody help here), but from what I have learned is that most manufacturers of engines nowadays outsource production of parts once initial production has ceased, Regards Frank.