Vibrations, low power and generally out ideas – TD5 – 2005 defender

Thank you too all that are using and sharing on the forum. I’ve tried t search the forum, and others for answers. It seems that the problem is common, but not the solution to my problem.

My problems started this spring, and there have been some hours in frustration and in the garage. The old flywheel (original dual mass) was on the end of its life. Changed it and the clutch for the LOF single mass set. There were vibrations that I assumed was also linked to the dual mass not working as it should. But the vibrations and sluggishness around 1600-2100 (turbo kicks in). It feels very much like misfire; the reason I’m strongly in believe of this is that it may some days run much smoother (sunny days).

The car lacks power from low RPM, until the turbo kicks in. This is very noticeable (like a proper turbolag), its not having power and we must use the clutch to start the car in sloped places.

-Replaced the wire loom for the injectors, non LR, Paddock spares

-Tried to clean the connector at the ECU

-Opened the ECU, found very little oil. Cleaned.

-New top cover gasket, non LR, paddock spares

-The gaskets and copper rings have been replaced, original LR

-New MAF, non LR, Paddock spares

-EGR valve removed, exhaust cooler blocked. There were leaks on either side of the exhaust cooler, so I believe I lost turbo pressure when the EGR opened.

-Westgate thread adjusted, down to 8, nothing changes. Now at 12. Checked with air pressure and the rod moves before 1,5 bar, (around 1,2-1,3)

-Checked the adjustor rod, the valve moves freely.

-Three different mechanics have been looking at the car, in believe of a mechanical vibration. Not engine related. All blaming the new clutch. But as it may run smooth, I believe that that would be permanent.

-There is black smoke at the exhaust tip. And it is noticeable when the engine gets revs up.

-Probably more than I can remember at the moment…



My feeling is that the engine does not get enough air. Is the turbo on its way out, and would like to be replaced? 220000km

Removed the hose between the airbox and the turbo, it looks fine. Turs fine, not side movement.

Unfortunately, I cannot open the CSV file from the nanocom. Something with Norwegian language and the viewer not in line with that. It works on an English computer. So, I’m not able to see my recordings. But from the glimpse while driving I’m not getting the boost I would like to have. Max 1 bar in 80km/h full throttle going up an inclined road.

This will probably be one more of the threads of the sluggish TD5, but I hope that someone else with a fresh pair of eyes (and probably more knowledge) can give me hit of what to look for. Thank you in advance.

Hello @Knutdrab

I agree with your 3 mechanics, the vibration is the LOF single mass clutch/flywheel set.
They are terrible, the pulses of energy from the engine (as it fires each cylinder) is now transmitted directly into the R380 gearbox without any damping.
In turn this is shaking the interrnals of your gearbox and really isn't doing it any good at all.
I'd go further and say that the vibration is producing premature wear and it will only get worse as time goes by, any wear in the synchro gears and layshafts will be amplified.

The std turbo does/can have a fair amount of lag at the lower rev range and the lighter flywheel you now have doesn't help smooth the rotational torque and can make the engine feel like it has less power and is more 'lumpy' (that may not translate very well).

You will likely find you are using higher revs and slipping the clutch to pull away.
Do you know what ratio the LT230 (transfer box) is ?
Is this the original ?
Do you have larger wheels/tyres (than standard) fitted ?

miktdish said:

Hello @Knutdrab

I agree with your 3 mechanics, the vibration is the LOF single mass clutch/flywheel set.
They are terrible, the pulses of energy from the engine (as it fires each cylinder) is now transmitted directly into the R380 gearbox without any damping.
In turn this is shaking the interrnals of your gearbox and really isn't doing it any good at all.
I'd go further and say that the vibration is producing premature wear and it will only get worse as time goes by, any wear in the synchro gears and layshafts will be amplified.

The std turbo does/can have a fair amount of lag at the lower rev range and the lighter flywheel you now have doesn't help smooth the rotational torque and can make the engine feel like it has less power and is more 'lumpy' (that may not translate very well).

You will likely find you are using higher revs and slipping the clutch to pull away.
Do you know what ratio the LT230 (transfer box) is ?
Is this the original ?
Do you have larger wheels/tyres (than standard) fitted ?

Click to expand...

Hi,

Thank you for reading my post and replying. I am concerned you are right. The strange thing is that one some days (sunny warm days) it has been running smooth. It feels like a joy to drive the car. And than other days (cold and wet) the vibration is more than normal. So the vibrations are not constant. And if it would be mechanical it would not change from smooth to rattling the windows? Or do you think it would?

Transferbox is original to my knowledge. Tires are 265/75-16

Thanks