Thread: 98 TDi, the Disco is dead - blue smoke

Originally Posted by Larns

This kinda worries me as I'm looing at getting a 98 disco with 300TDi at in the not too distant future, it sounds like it would pay to have the headgasket changed with the timing belts on these engines.
Dosn't exactly instill confidance in getting one

Don't worry the 300 Tdi is a fantasic engine , but you only hear about the ones that have problems on here not the ones that have lasted years and years with out problems. My dad 450,000 MILES in one with no problem at all . But pretty much most engines have a cambelt that needs changing and most engines need a Head gasket now and agian. Just be thankfull that unlike a V8 there is only one head gasket to do

Originally Posted by Reads90

Don't worry the 300 Tdi is a fantasic engine , but you only hear about the ones that have problems on here not the ones that have lasted years and years with out problems. My dad 450,000 MILES in one with no problem at all . But pretty much most engines have a cambelt that needs changing and most engines need a Head gasket now and agian. Just be thankfull that unlike a V8 there is only one head gasket to do

Totally agree, dont be put off by a few incedents here and there, even toyota's have t/belts issues (3ltr hilux) and i bet they have more damage when one lets go.

Don't be put off, These ARE great engines!

I have replaced head gaskets in these as a preventative measure at around 240K, and it seems like a good time to do them.

It is a lot cheaper to replace them before they go, as if they blow into the water jacket and empty/ pressurise the cooling system, it could nip pistons in bores, blow the heater core, etc etc etc.

I'm stripping one at the moment that did the head gasket and emptied the cooling system, siezed the pistons in the bores and is in need of a total rebuild, new head and all!

JC

Originally Posted by Larns

That would have been my first guess, oil ring gone. But with the overwhelming cases of head gaskets going in these engines that might be the trend.
This kinda worries me as I'm looing at getting a 98 disco with 300TDi at in the not too distant future, it sounds like it would pay to have the headgasket changed with the timing belts on these engines.
Dosn't exactly instill confidance in getting one

Dont stress my Tdi has done 230ks and im not about to change the head gasket because it might blow
My Tdi has been been a gem (touch wood) and i just love it to death , It just does,nt make sense to me to change a head gasket cause it may blow no offence intended to anyone .
What about every other componet of the car that might just blow are you going to replace them cause they might break
Dont get me wrong i do believe in preventitive maintence it just annoys me how some say change things cause they MIGHT BREAK ,If your heading off around oz well maybe.

About one of the best investments you can make is a low coolant alarm for about $150 its, a lot cheaper than a engine or complete head
There just so happens there is a sponsor of the site that sells a good low coolant alarm (engine saver) in the above banner at times

Alot better than those horrid foreign noisy Isuzu engines


Now running for cover

My Tdi has now got 399670k's and pulls like a horse even thou I'm running 33' tyres.At work I have a 3lt rodeo and two 3lt lowlux's and it leaves them behind.One of the lux's **** a starter motor today and for a Thailand made starter Toyota want $1500 plus freight and there is none in WA.I couldn't get a fuel filter or a Prado top rad hose either,none in Oz.No shortage of dealers,they just don't have anything. Pat

There are some big contradictors on this forum...

TDI has issues. - great engine. only hear about the bad ones. its all good
TD5 has issues - nighmare. throw it away.. technology... buy a tdi

I've always thought that you'd replace head-gaskets , timing belts or any other critical part of a vehicle as a "preventative measure" not because you're waiting for it to Blow?

and would replace parts before they fail not afterwards ?

and if you're waiting for it to Blow well shake hands with
Murphy because it will happen when you least expect it.