Bought a series III, Yay! Broke down on the way home. boo.
Discussion
Hi.
Well, I finally got myself a series III. Quite solid, nice gearbox, station wagon roof like I wanted. Drove very well on the test drive, nice steering etc. Despite being (I assume) a 2286cc N/A diesel it pulled quite well, it was no slower then the (allegedly) 2.5 petrol I had test driven a few weeks back. I took it to 50mph, and it still had more to give. Started easily hot or cold, and there wasn't any (well, much) smoke, except for some under load when cold. No signs of leaks on the engine and no funny noises.
So I picked it up yesterday and was happily bowling along until we got to a 50mph limit hill. It just wouldn't go, it managed about 35mph up the hill flat out in forth. Got to the top and as I slowed for some traffic light the engine died and smoke poured out of the bonnet. I stopped and watched with some alarm as the water gauge climbed into the red. When I popped the bonnet the crankcase breather bung(?...the black bung on the top of the engine, that coveres the hole you would fill the engine with oil through) had popped off and there was oil everywhere (hence the smoke). I put that back on, waited 15minutes, started the car and drove again. The water temperature fell, but the car was still sluggish. Got onto the motorway and it would only do 43mph (I had GPS). The engine then started making a sort of loud ticking/knocking noise and I began to lose what little power I had. At this point I pulled over and switched off in case I did any more damage. After that the engine would not restart, even after leaving it for 30mins. The last time I tried to start it the starter died and I lost all the electrics (lights etc).
It's currently at the recovery places garage, it's going to be looked at by someone who is apparently a LR enthusiast (he had a couple of modified ones, and there was a series III in bits out back, which is encouraging I guess.)
So, a few questions.
Any idea's what's wrong with the engine? Why is the crankcase pressurised? why is it down on power? Piston rings? Has it simply overheated? I did not check coolent levels (I know, I should have done).
Is there any chance I was in low range, and over revved the engine? I double checked the red lever was forward, as per the instructions on the plate. free wheeling hubs were set to 4x2, the yellow lever was up.
Oh, don't think the brakes were binding/dragging. I double checked the hand brake was off, and it rolled onto the recovery truck quite easily.
Does anyone know any land rover specialists in South Bucks? The car is currently at HP12, in High Wycombe. I can tow it short distances. I've heard ther's one in Winchmore Hill? can't seem to find them on teh interwebs.
Anyone have a decent 2286 diesel engine they don't need and would like to sell?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Varsas.
Well, I finally got myself a series III. Quite solid, nice gearbox, station wagon roof like I wanted. Drove very well on the test drive, nice steering etc. Despite being (I assume) a 2286cc N/A diesel it pulled quite well, it was no slower then the (allegedly) 2.5 petrol I had test driven a few weeks back. I took it to 50mph, and it still had more to give. Started easily hot or cold, and there wasn't any (well, much) smoke, except for some under load when cold. No signs of leaks on the engine and no funny noises.
So I picked it up yesterday and was happily bowling along until we got to a 50mph limit hill. It just wouldn't go, it managed about 35mph up the hill flat out in forth. Got to the top and as I slowed for some traffic light the engine died and smoke poured out of the bonnet. I stopped and watched with some alarm as the water gauge climbed into the red. When I popped the bonnet the crankcase breather bung(?...the black bung on the top of the engine, that coveres the hole you would fill the engine with oil through) had popped off and there was oil everywhere (hence the smoke). I put that back on, waited 15minutes, started the car and drove again. The water temperature fell, but the car was still sluggish. Got onto the motorway and it would only do 43mph (I had GPS). The engine then started making a sort of loud ticking/knocking noise and I began to lose what little power I had. At this point I pulled over and switched off in case I did any more damage. After that the engine would not restart, even after leaving it for 30mins. The last time I tried to start it the starter died and I lost all the electrics (lights etc).
It's currently at the recovery places garage, it's going to be looked at by someone who is apparently a LR enthusiast (he had a couple of modified ones, and there was a series III in bits out back, which is encouraging I guess.)
So, a few questions.
Any idea's what's wrong with the engine? Why is the crankcase pressurised? why is it down on power? Piston rings? Has it simply overheated? I did not check coolent levels (I know, I should have done).
Is there any chance I was in low range, and over revved the engine? I double checked the red lever was forward, as per the instructions on the plate. free wheeling hubs were set to 4x2, the yellow lever was up.
Oh, don't think the brakes were binding/dragging. I double checked the hand brake was off, and it rolled onto the recovery truck quite easily.
Does anyone know any land rover specialists in South Bucks? The car is currently at HP12, in High Wycombe. I can tow it short distances. I've heard ther's one in Winchmore Hill? can't seem to find them on teh interwebs.
Anyone have a decent 2286 diesel engine they don't need and would like to sell?
Thanks in advance for any help.
Varsas.
Think of this as an opportunity to put a 200tdi in it - fairly straightforward swap as it bolts up to the existing gearbox, uses the series engine mounts and you can pick one up for a couple of hundred quid 
Edited to add that once you've fitted one you'll be seeing 30-35mpg!
Edited to add that once you've fitted one you'll be seeing 30-35mpg!
Edited by smn159 on Sunday 7th March 20:59
I can empathise with you, when I bought my 94 Disco in January it packed up on the way home, the clutch failed, in all fairness the dealer I got it from sorted it - at 2 weeks took them an age though!, just so disappointing though that your new toy is unusable straight away.
There are a shed load of 200tdi's on Ebay, this looks quite a neat complete package
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LAND-ROVER-DISCOVERY-200TDI-...
Is there a reason why a 300tdi would'nt fit does anyone know?
Hope your soon up and running mate
There are a shed load of 200tdi's on Ebay, this looks quite a neat complete package
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LAND-ROVER-DISCOVERY-200TDI-...
Is there a reason why a 300tdi would'nt fit does anyone know?
Hope your soon up and running mate
West4x4 said:
Before talk of swapping engines have a look whats wrong with this one. Get the head off check for damage to head and pistons. The 2.25's are pretty tough almost indestructable seen the runniong with a hole in the side you could put your fist through
Do I know you?? oh you said 2.25, I put a hole in the side of a 2.6 straight6 and drove it home Thanks for the advice/help/encouragement.
No, it won't put me off. Of course I'm disappointed but I'm actually quite upbeat about it...as others have said worst case scenario it'll be engine swap time. The N/A diesels are cheap, or I can put something else in it. I've been saying for a while I want to take an engine apart!
While the 300TDi engine is a fine engine you have the ECU and stuff to deal with. The 200TDi is a bit more basic, just makes things a bit easier.
I'll wait and see what the garage says, I've found a good specialist nearby if I need one.
ETA thanks to the listing for the engine.
No, it won't put me off. Of course I'm disappointed but I'm actually quite upbeat about it...as others have said worst case scenario it'll be engine swap time. The N/A diesels are cheap, or I can put something else in it. I've been saying for a while I want to take an engine apart!
While the 300TDi engine is a fine engine you have the ECU and stuff to deal with. The 200TDi is a bit more basic, just makes things a bit easier.
I'll wait and see what the garage says, I've found a good specialist nearby if I need one.
ETA thanks to the listing for the engine.
Edited by varsas on Monday 8th March 08:58
You implied that all the oil had exited out of the filler hole - that wouldn't have helped on the second part of the journey!!
If you were in low range, you would have struggled to top walking pace in most gears!
Series 3's are not that quick anyway.
I would suggest that a car like this, as any everyday classic, is best for someone who enjoys 'tinkering' otherwise it can become a very expensive hobby. It may be best to invest £100 i a manual and some simple tools and have a play!
Enjoy it anyway!
If you were in low range, you would have struggled to top walking pace in most gears!
Series 3's are not that quick anyway.
I would suggest that a car like this, as any everyday classic, is best for someone who enjoys 'tinkering' otherwise it can become a very expensive hobby. It may be best to invest £100 i a manual and some simple tools and have a play!
Enjoy it anyway!
varsas said:
Thanks for the advice/help/encouragement.
No, it won't put me off. Of course I'm disappointed but I'm actually quite upbeat about it...as others have said worst case scenario it'll be engine swap time. The N/A diesels are cheap, or I can put something else in it. I've been saying for a while I want to take an engine apart!
While the 300TDi engine is a fine engine you have the ECU and stuff to deal with.
Oh no you don't. The 300 in my defender has no electricity connected to it. That would be the TD5 and maybe late 300s in Discos.No, it won't put me off. Of course I'm disappointed but I'm actually quite upbeat about it...as others have said worst case scenario it'll be engine swap time. The N/A diesels are cheap, or I can put something else in it. I've been saying for a while I want to take an engine apart!
While the 300TDi engine is a fine engine you have the ECU and stuff to deal with.
cpas said:
You implied that all the oil had exited out of the filler hole - that wouldn't have helped on the second part of the journey!!
If you were in low range, you would have struggled to top walking pace in most gears!
Series 3's are not that quick anyway.
I would suggest that a car like this, as any everyday classic, is best for someone who enjoys 'tinkering' otherwise it can become a very expensive hobby. It may be best to invest £100 i a manual and some simple tools and have a play!
Enjoy it anyway!
Oh, it's not an every day car at all. I have other cars for that and I do enjoy tinkering, the one good thing about not having the LR was that I could get loads done on my Stag...If you were in low range, you would have struggled to top walking pace in most gears!
Series 3's are not that quick anyway.
I would suggest that a car like this, as any everyday classic, is best for someone who enjoys 'tinkering' otherwise it can become a very expensive hobby. It may be best to invest £100 i a manual and some simple tools and have a play!
Enjoy it anyway!
I was stupid to drive it after it stopped for the first time, but I was stuck in road works and once it got going it started to cool down and I though (hoped) it would be OK...by the time I knew it wasn't I was on the motorway and had run out of options. But yes, was a silly thing to do, I should have known better.
Owning a Stag you'll know all about cars with character!! These cars are expected to need some TLC at regular intervals. As you say, they always break down where you would least hope. I bought a Herald a couple of years ago and it broke down in the roadworks on the Walsal one way system oh joy!!!
The Series engines are pretty bomb proof so should be OK - or a replacement should be fairly cheap. 200 or 300TDi's are good but make sure the rest of the car's up to it - ie suspension and brakes. Series motors are fun enough at 50mph on a country road without any extra speed provided by a bigger engine!
The Series engines are pretty bomb proof so should be OK - or a replacement should be fairly cheap. 200 or 300TDi's are good but make sure the rest of the car's up to it - ie suspension and brakes. Series motors are fun enough at 50mph on a country road without any extra speed provided by a bigger engine!
Yeah, but you know what? I wouldn't have it any other way. I could have bought a disco instead of the series III or an e36 M3 evo cabrio instead of the Stag but modern cars just don't do it for me, somehow. Shame really, I could probably save myself lots of hassle if they did!
I was thinking a 2.5 N/A diesel would be enough...to be honest if I was going to go to the expense of a 200TDi I may as well just go the whole hog and put a V8 in it
but yes, as you quite rightly point out the gearbox/brakes etc aren't up to it. Besides I really enjoyed it with the diesel the short time I had it, I'm not after lots of power or planning on doing loads of motorway miles in it.
I was thinking a 2.5 N/A diesel would be enough...to be honest if I was going to go to the expense of a 200TDi I may as well just go the whole hog and put a V8 in it
but yes, as you quite rightly point out the gearbox/brakes etc aren't up to it. Besides I really enjoyed it with the diesel the short time I had it, I'm not after lots of power or planning on doing loads of motorway miles in it.Edited by varsas on Monday 8th March 21:00
Would a 2.25 petrol drop straight in? (ie. same engine mounts etc.?) Simple engines, not powerful but quick enough for the car (and quicker than the diesel!) and it's more original/authentic too which has to add to the charm. And if period charm isn't important, you're probably in the wrong car
The 2.25 in mine was fairly fresh (previous owner rebuilt it) but was amazingly smooth and quiet for such a basic engine in such a basic car, especially with the original fan removed and an electric one fitted instead.
Ruari
The 2.25 in mine was fairly fresh (previous owner rebuilt it) but was amazingly smooth and quiet for such a basic engine in such a basic car, especially with the original fan removed and an electric one fitted instead.
Ruari
If you do go down the 200TDi route, a rusty Disco can be bought for a few hundred quid (a friend recently bought an MOT failure for £350). All the parts you could possibly need will be there, plus possibly some axles and wheels, and yo can sell the rest in bits and make your money back.
Thanks for the suggestions.
To be honest I think i've dismissed the 200TDi. It's a lot of effort/expense and is more then I need (it's not a daily driver).
I have also discounted putting an isuzu/toyota/whatever engine in it, for originality's sake.
Thanks for the info about the 2.5 N/A diesel swap. I appreciate what you say about it still being a not great engine but it has 11% more power and 14% more torque, you get the 5 bearing crank (I know, some 2.25's have a 5 bearing crank as well) it seems worth while if it's only going to be a bit more expensive.
Yes, I have thought about 2.25 petrol, again if I can get a decent one I'll consider it.
I'm pretty much between... another 2.25 diesel (if it's very cheap), 2.5 diesel, 2.25 petrol, 2.5 petrol. I think it depends what I can get hold of really! Once I have confirmed my engine is scrap I'll start asking for quotes.
To be honest I think i've dismissed the 200TDi. It's a lot of effort/expense and is more then I need (it's not a daily driver).
I have also discounted putting an isuzu/toyota/whatever engine in it, for originality's sake.
Thanks for the info about the 2.5 N/A diesel swap. I appreciate what you say about it still being a not great engine but it has 11% more power and 14% more torque, you get the 5 bearing crank (I know, some 2.25's have a 5 bearing crank as well) it seems worth while if it's only going to be a bit more expensive.
Yes, I have thought about 2.25 petrol, again if I can get a decent one I'll consider it.
I'm pretty much between... another 2.25 diesel (if it's very cheap), 2.5 diesel, 2.25 petrol, 2.5 petrol. I think it depends what I can get hold of really! Once I have confirmed my engine is scrap I'll start asking for quotes.
Don't know how these compare to other sources, but they always seem to have some listed
http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/vehicle/,40,/16955...
http://www.mod-sales.com/direct/vehicle/,40,/16955...
Gassing Station | Land Rover | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff