Thread: Buying a Defender- what to look for?

Mine is a '94 300tdi and it has had timing belt issues but is good now thanks to Bruce Davis motorworks and Land Rover.
All I would say is if you buy one of the earlier 300tdi's get the timing belt replaced as soon as possible and have a look at the old one to see if there is any wear on the belt. Then you'll know where you stand. I've made a small hole in the timing cover beside the air con compressor so I can see the belt.
Steve.

Originally Posted by Stephen Price

... I've made a small hole in the timing cover beside the air con compressor so I can see the belt...Steve.

I've also heard of someone hacksawing into a top corner of the timing cover, 2 right angle cuts, either side of a bolt. The piece is then removed by removing that single bolt from the cover. Shining a light in lets you inspect the belt. When refitting run some sealant along the mating surfaces.

Another option I've heard of is to drill a hole and block it with a grommet, the grommet can be removed to inspect the belt.

I too would rather see one that's been done, before doing it myself.