300 Tdi at 185000 - what should I be saving for?

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Originally Posted by JamesH

Hi All

The interesting head gasket thread got me to thinking, well Ive been thinking previously but it sprung me to action.

My Defender 300 Tdi has just hit 185, it is 30000 into its second timing belt, the clutch got done when the engine was out after the prang as did all the cooling system apart from the radiator (though Richard has checked it).

Original alternator, water pump, injectors. Performance seems Ok in Tdi terms (non tweeked pump), only smoke that I'm aware of is the black "how do you do?" smoke at start up and maybe a whisp from time to time of white when it takes off from the lights - takes the headlights of the car behind to see it. I won't say the driveline is slap free but it certainly isn't offensively loose.

I figure at around 200k (or earlier?) I'm going to start to need to think about some things, it's only to be expected given that I've had a good run out of the periferals. When I changed my mortgage lender I got an extra bit to sit in the loan as a contingency fund.

Anybody have any sense of priorities and costs or should I let the Landy decide the priorities? Probably going bush in July and I note the comments relating to doing the head on your terms, even though I am philosophically inclined to leave the head alone as long as possible.

Comments guesses, advice all welcome.

cheers

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Mate i would replace the lift pump, and water pump at those ks if i was going bush;) Every thing else will hang on except timming belt if not done.

Cheers Sumo:D

Don't want to jinx myself here but at 323+k's motor is still fine, starts instantly everytime runs well, does'nt over heat ,normal economy. Apart from vacum pump and water pump everything is original on engine. Replaced original cltuch at 300k, 4th gear is just starting to get noisey tranfercase input shaft is going to need replacing soon and i've broken a couple of diffs, apart from that she's great. I am pretty anal with my oil changes though.

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Originally Posted by loanrangie

As long as maintainance is kept up and you are vigilent in regards to coolant temp and fluid levels, i wouldnt panic over how many k's its done. My disco has 226k on the clock and to me it drives like new.

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I have to agree with loanrangie, having been a driver for 10 years :angel:and done my fair share of k’s :nazilock:and driven all manner of diesels, no amount of work shop time and money can ever prevent major failure, (but it does help, on/off road break downs improve your knowledge of your LR anyway). My advice is as loanrangie said be vigilant also replace things when they’re due not when they fail, I know this is not the answer to the question you asked but it seems that no one is able to give you any warning flags yet so prepare for everything, that way you wont be surprised. and you should have a blast out on the road, now use your machine for what it’s made for. Other wise sell it and buy a Holden / ford, I promise that will still cost u a fortune to.:D:D

Thanks Rick130 (I'm going to print that out), LoanRangie and everyone.

I recall now the lift pump has been done too, so I guess it will be fine after a service and checkover to go bush later this year.

cheers.