Thread: smoke, noise, lack of low speed power (1998 300tdi disco)

Could be many things - Berrima Diesel should at least be able to rule out the bigger probs. You can do your bit by making sure there isn't any diesel leaking from the fuel lines or bottom of the lift pump, the air filter is in good condition and the turbo pipes are clean and tightly attached. If the tdi isn't getting enough air (Blocked filter, loose pipes letting HP air out) that would account for the smoke and lack of power. A split in the plastic fuel line or a leaking injector line would account for hard starting when cold and maybe the diesel smell. Parking the disco facing downhill overnight will tell you if the fuel line is the culprit. Lastly, get Berrima Diesel to check the woodruff key on the crank when they check the timing - if the crank pulley bolt (The big bolt you can see keeping the fanbelt on) isn't torqued properly, it lets the timing belt cog flop around, wearing the keyway ( a slot in the crank) away so the timing then flops around. I had it happen and some of the symptons were similar. Berrima is a step in the right direction.

thats got a lot of potential causes but IF the timing belt has been done AND its blowing bluey smoke then Id suggest that the timings out.

Also assuming that a lot of the other obvious things arent wrong as well...

fuel leaks, blocked fuel lines, collapsing intercooler hoses, blocked intercooler, blocked air filter just to list the easy to check/rectify stuff.

I agree they've stuffed up the timing putting the belt on - it's a notch out or something like that. The slappy noise could be the belt slapping on something because it is loose. Is it coming from the front of the engine ?
I had exactly those symptoms after my servicer did a timing belt change and it turned out they'd stuffed it up ( actually my problem too was the loose bottom crank pulley/Woodruff key as described above ). The smoke is probably more of a blue/white and is actually unburnt diesel vapour not smoke. Check your engine oil level - if it is high and looks thin it is because of unburnt diesel running past the pistons into your sump. When you get it fixed get them to do an oil change as well.

Graeme Coopers would be a good place to take to confirm this but the dealer should fix it - or better still get Coopers to fix it and give the dealer the bill !
Berrimah will need to pull the timing cover off to check the timing its not a small job so may cost you a bit.

Did you get any sort of a warranty from the salesperson?

What about any statutory state government warranty on either the purchase of the vehicle or work performed on it?

I would suggest checking on the above before getting someone else to work on it as it may void any warranty.

This is just a suggestion, (or tip for those who consider this a knobjockey comment on this Technical Chatter section!).

Originally Posted by barryj

Did you get any sort of a warranty from the salesperson?

What about any statutory state government warranty on either the purchase of the vehicle or work performed on it?

I would suggest checking on the above before getting someone else to work on it as it may void any warranty.

This is just a suggestion, (or tip for those who consider this a knobjockey comment on this Technical Chatter section!).

In NSW (unlike QLD) if the vehicle has done more than 160000km there is no Statutory warranty.

Originally Posted by Maggot4x4

In NSW (unlike QLD) if the vehicle has done more than 160000km there is no Statutory warranty.

You guys must trust each other in NSW .

That only leaves any dealer warranty on the purchase or work performed by their mechanic.

I would never purchase a vehicle from any dealer without at least a 3 month warranty and a warranty on their mechanical repairs.

Thanks for your opinions. Is not covered by any warantee as suggested because of kms.

Originally Posted by mittadisco

Thanks for your opinions. Is not covered by any warantee as suggested because of kms.

Surely if their mechanic fitted a new cam belt and turbo that should be covered by something?

If the salesperson was as you said 'a LR enthusiast, so I am lead to believe - he 'talked the talk', they should warrant what they say.

I'd take it back to them and 'talk the talk' about what they said.

It would not hurt to do this, would it?

From what you say they did, it was probably one third of the purchase price in work done. 'change the timing belt etc & turbo'. I would guess about $4 -5,000 if done correctly by a qualified mechanic.

To explain, cam belt and pulleys, as these are usually worn as well, $1,100. New turbo, at least $3,000 + fitting.