Thread: 300Tdi longevity

300ks IMHO is about where, on a well looked after TDi engine I would be thinking it was time for new injectors and jiggery of the injector pump to get it back to speck... Maybe a set of turbo bearings/new turbo and just for poops and giggles a set of rings. oh ok lap the valves and kline the guides while your at it if you decide to go new rings.

I've got some new injectors on order from Paddocks atm. Mine's done 335k. I am also going to set the valve clearances and get a boost gauge to see how the turbo is going. What can be done about jiggery of the injector pump to get it back to spec? Can this be done at home or is it specialised? How would you tell if the rings and bearings need doing? Doesn't use oil or make any unusual noises but I want to keep this car for a long time so would be prepared to do preventative maintenance.
Tony

Before you commit it would be a good idea to find out how frequent the engine oil and filter changes were. Ideal is 5000 ks. Also annual coolant system flushes are beneficial. At the k's its done Good idea to look at changing out the injectors and fit new standard big end bearing shells. Easy to do and can be done in situ.
If the oil changes were frequent the turbo should be ok as long as it had the proper run downs through its life though good idea to take the intake hose off the turbo and check for bearing play. A lot of end float is not good.

Another thing is the timing belt. Check to see if it has had the mod carried out and should be changed at least every 80,000 ks.

Mine 97 TDI is in having complete rebuild of bottom end,turbo packed up and is being reconed also.Has been serviced regularly 260,000 klms on clock.

Originally Posted by Graz

Before you commit it would be a good idea to find out how frequent the engine oil and filter changes were. Ideal is 5000 ks. <snip>

I'll call you on that. Far too many variables to make that sort of categorical statement.

anyway back on track... tdi300's good for the 500k km mark

Dad's 95 disco has over 640000K's and still has not been touched internally. I think regular 5000K's oil changes has helped him. Does not burn any oil either.

Cheers Gaz

In my opinion, good new oil and a decent new oil filter every 5,000Kms on EVERY small turbo diesel can extend the life of the engine by at least half as much again as the cheap oil/ unbranded filter/ 10,000Kms service interval alternative. 400,000Kms with luck.

The tin clutch release fork wears through on all of them. A hardened washer brazed or welded at the back is the standard Landie enthusiast upgrade. Gynaeocologists can manage to replace it by sliding the gearbox back on a jack and working through the gap.

Im changing jobs.... that sounds like so much more fun than working on landies....