Defender 200tdi low on power

Tonym3 · Dec 24, 2015

hi all the defender has been running really well since I carried out a service around a month ago, also had all new wheels and tyres, so all in it's been the best month of driving in the defender since I have had it.

So obviously this couldn't last and it had to give me something to do over Christmas!!

Couple of days ago I had let the fuel get pretty low before I filled up, it had not stopped or run rough before but it's the only thing I can think that I did different from normal.
The next morning driving to work it felt a bit under powered, I found I had to change down a couple of times to get it revving and not feeling lumpy. It also feels like it's down on power top end, I can normally cruise quiet happily at 60 but now 50 feels very much like its limit and it feels fairly rough at that.

My initial feeling was it's an air issue so I checked all the pipes and they seem intact, then I thought maybe turbo, I wouldn't say it's not working but it doesn't feel like I'm getting the full boost.

Only other thing I noticed a couple of times but didn't know if it was because I was driving with no radio to listen for the engine but when I changed gear A couple of times I got a clunk from the gear box/clutch almost like it was metal slapping together, only a couple of times and it still changed fine but just mentioning in case the running could be gear box related.

Sorry for the rather vague and windy description but I can't put my finger on what's causing it so thought if I list what's happening it may make sense to someone with more knowledge than me on these things!!

Any help or pointers would be very much appreciated

Merry Christmas

Tony

Tonym3 · Dec 24, 2015

Sorry all just did a quick search after I posted (I know!! But it's Christmas and I'm up early excited!!)
From what others have reported on 200 looks like it might be worth me changing the fuel filter before I try anything else, I have one in the garage I think so will give this ago

mikescuba · Dec 24, 2015

+1 for the fuel filter. Cheap and quickly done. I had a similar experience with mine.

bluedog333 · Dec 24, 2015

Let us know how you get on. Fuel filter is the first port of call after running low on fuel.

Copperknob · Dec 24, 2015

Does it have a sediment catcher fitted?

Tonym3 · Dec 24, 2015

Well I changed the filter then took it for a run up to the petrol station and filled up with super diesel.
However it doesn't appear to have done the trick, it's still the same.
It idles fine and pulling away in first and second feel fine, it's once you get up to speed it's starts to feel lumpy like I'm in the wrong gear.

I'm not sure about the sediment catcher copperknob how would I be able to tell?

vilguy · Dec 24, 2015

Check your hose which runs from the turbo to the top of the injection pump - a) that its still connected b) doesnt have any cracks etc.

Also worth checking your lift pump is working - pop the hose off after it (or the bleed bolt from the top of the fuel filter) and have someone crank the engine. Should give a good spurt!

Tonym3 · Dec 24, 2015

Thanks I will have a check of those a little later,

Copperknob · Dec 24, 2015

Tonym3 said:
Well I changed the filter then took it for a run up to the petrol station and filled up with super diesel.
However it doesn't appear to have done the trick, it's still the same.
It idles fine and pulling away in first and second feel fine, it's once you get up to speed it's starts to feel lumpy like I'm in the wrong gear.

I'm not sure about the sediment catcher copperknob how would I be able to tell?

I don't have one but believe it's located near the fuel tank through the offside wheel arch?
I'm actually having the same issue and have done all the above without success so far.

Tonym3 · Dec 24, 2015

It's a strange one turbo seems to be working but I am noticing a whistling under load so not sure if that would indicate a split pipe

Vinlander · Dec 24, 2015

If you think you let it run low on fuel it may have sucked some gop from the bottom of the tank, so drain and clean fuel sedimenter, change fuel filter, backwash fuel lines, bleed thoroughly in case of airlock, clean injectors.
Also check for resistance, play, or oddities in drivetrain, usual props, UJs, drive unit/diffs, hub/axle bearings, seals etc. A little knock from backlash is OK, but may indicate wear in drivetrain, so check it over thoroughly, could add significant resistance.

flat · Dec 24, 2015

A whistle can indicate a leak. Check all the hoses. Mine had a leak but only when under hard boost would it open up

Vinlander · Dec 24, 2015

Start with hose seals/clamps not loose or over-tightened. Can wear or ease over time and needn't be an actual hole in a hose.

Dippypud · Dec 24, 2015

Tonym3 said:
It's a strange one turbo seems to be working but I am noticing a whistling under load so not sure if that would indicate a split pipe

Check the small boost hose ... they can split and give poor performance ... and they're awkward to get at ...

bluehaze · Dec 24, 2015

What condition are the turbo hoses in?

lynall · Dec 26, 2015

Iirc some of the lift pumps have a fine gauze on the intake side, might be worth a look?
They also have little poppet valves and they can block up with crud so you get fuel but not at a high enough pressure.

Shanec · Dec 27, 2015

Did the problem get resolved?

On the subject of gloop in the bottom of tanks, I dropped a tank off a 12 year old vehicle that had a bottle of diesel cleaner found on the shelfs of the american owned supermarket in the UK with green signs used every tank fill up by me over a 3 month fill up, so around 12 to fifteen tanks of fuel. Not one spec of dust in the bottom of the tank.

Incredible. Swear by the stuff now. Cheaper to buy from halfords the big size for 13 pounds though.

Tonym3 · Dec 27, 2015

Had a busy Xmas so didn't get chance to do much in the defender, had a good look around the engine today to try and find anything obvious.
Checked all the hoses around the air and turbo and all seem fine. I have however found something else, I had a look in the coolant reservoir and it seemed a little low, I have been having a bit of a squeal from the belts so I assumed they needed changing anyway. However just behind the belts at the front of the engine, water pump area, it looks like I have a coolant leak.
Doesn't appear to be any in the oil, so looks like I will need to change the belts and I'm guessing the pump, could a coolant leak be the cause of the power loss? Or have I just discovered a nice shiny new problem for Christmas!!?

Thanks for all the suggestions so far.

Tonym3 · Dec 27, 2015

Shane I will hunt this stuff out sounds like a good thing regardless, do you know the brand name?

Shanec · Dec 27, 2015

Brand redex

But doesn't matter brand as they are naphtha based just different variants

Defender 200tdi low on power

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