Thread: 300tdi Vibrations / low power around 3000-3400rpm

Sounds a bit like the cam/ pump timing might be out a little bit.

What he said.

Otherwise, was the turbo replaced or is it original?

If it revs freely without load but struggles with load i suspect trubo or somewhere else in the air system (filter etc)

Not a clue about the turbo being replaced or not. I believe the engine was actually rebuilt by the previous owners dad, or was a rebuilt one he had as a spare. Either way I have no paperwork as to what was done. They did have three defenders other than this one I bought, so I assume they knew a little bit about them.

boost pressure holds pretty consistently at about 13psi all the way to 4000rpm.

Originally Posted by SSmith

What he said.

Otherwise, was the turbo replaced or is it original?

If it revs freely without load but struggles with load i suspect trubo or somewhere else in the air system (filter etc)

I might have a look into the procedure for checking timing. From memory there is a pin that should insert somewhere to verify the pump timing, and cam timing would just be marks on the gears lining up?

Originally Posted by loanrangie

Sounds a bit like the cam/ pump timing might be out a little bit.

Youll need a timing kit - this vid will help on how you do it with the timing cover in place:

Bosch VE Pump timing check with cover plate on - Land Rover 200tdi and 300tdi diesel engines - YouTube

Originally Posted by mattims

Not a clue about the turbo being replaced or not. I believe the engine was actually rebuilt by the previous owners dad, or was a rebuilt one he had as a spare. Either way I have no paperwork as to what was done. They did have three defenders other than this one I bought, so I assume they knew a little bit about them.

boost pressure holds pretty consistently at about 13psi all the way to 4000rpm.

Not saying they didn't know what they were doing, at those KM if the turbo is original it is possibly just worn out.

A 300Tdi ought to boost to 15 Psi.

Checking the timing with the timing cover on will only tell you if the injection pump is timed, to check the cam timing the cover has to come off.
Yes it is a pin in the injection pump (a drill bit will do the job in a bind - I cannot remember size, sry) and lining marks up on the cam and crank, try a search - there are some very good write ups on the procedure

Originally Posted by SSmith

(a drill bit will do the job in a bind - I cannot remember size, sry)

9mm does it. The pin I have is 9.25mm.

Originally Posted by SSmith

Checking the timing with the timing cover on will only tell you if the injection pump is timed, to check the cam timing the cover has to come off.

If you are going that far then it's madness not to change the belt IMO.

Dave Blknight has a good tute for that. tdi300 timing belt.