Defender 90 2.5 D What to look out for?

[blot]

Hi folks, am going to have a look at a 1987 defender 2.5D, are there any specific issues I need to look out for?

Any particular weak spots, work that need to have been done on it etc?


Will do a search if I get time, just wanted a few pointers if poss

Cheers
Blot

[Barreti]

Give the chassis a damned good going over. My 1986 2.5TD has been cossetted in the last few years and regularly waxoyled but I've still had to have the rear x-member replaced and the drivers side outrigger.
Not massively expensive to get fixed but cost you can do without.

The engines are a bit wheezy but having looked at a couple of ex-military ones with a mate recently you'll find the good ones stand out like a sore thumb expecially if you get under to check the chassis, its amazing what you can spot from under there.

And ask what oil they use in it - you'd be amazed at some of the answers you get and someone who has looked after an old 90 will know what they use, or at least be able to put their hand on the container for you.

Oh, doors - the frames rot and you can feel it if you put your hand underneath the bottom edge.
And, check and recheck the bulkhead under the windscreen hinges. Fixing a rotten bulkhead is an expensive and time consuming job.

[blot]

Thanks for all that Baretti, much appreciated. The rear x member was done last year apparently, will have a good look at the bulkhead

That is of course if the bloke ever bothers to arrange a time to view it!