Britcyclerider
Well-Known Member
I know you've probably heard this before, but, I would really consider fitting a 200 TDI. I'm not going to make negative comments about the 19J, as I really liked mine, but I changed it to fit a V8 but ended up 200 TDI to run with a 1.2 transfer box. It's better on fuel and more powerful. The Disco lumps are still reasonably priced, and for the sake of a few low cost components, it's an easy swap. I think a 300 TDI would be a more 'future proof' swap in view of spares availability, but that's a little more involved. Note that you don't have to weld on new mounts for the 300- Steve Parker does a bolt-on mounting.
Britcyclerider
Well-Known Member
If you are proceeding with the 19J, Mike at Britannia Restorations on YouTube covers replacement of the swirl chambers on a NA.
Turboman
Mab An Gov
Not particularly, you can tap them in with a hide faced mallet. Replace the roll pins at the same time is a good idea, although it is a fiddly job.
Turboman
Mab An Gov
Apologies, not read the thread, but did you have the head pressure tested?
Cracked head is more common than cracked block, usually between the valves or round the swirl chambers.
Turboman
Mab An Gov
I would get it pressure tested before spending money on the block, the cracking is not always obvious.
And when rebuilding, if you do, use a quality composite head gasket, Payen or Elring are my choice, the steel inserts in the gasket are what hold the swirl chamber caps up in the head.
I assume you checked the tops of the pistons for swirl chamber cap contact?
nobber
Well-Known Member
Im not going to spend any more money on it at the moment, quickest and cheapest option right now will be to get another engine for it, once thats done I can assess the broken engine and take it from there. It might end up being a rebuild project if it pressure tests OK but right now I need a working vehicle.
Turboman
Mab An Gov
Probably a good plan. 2.5 NA or 2.5 petrol are pretty much straight in, and either are likely to be in better nick than a 2.5 TD.
Turboman
Mab An Gov
Depends on how you drive it. Not as bad as people think if driven gently, Weber carb and electronic ignition may help, and don't cost a fortune.
Petrol is also slightly cheaper than diesel at the moment, and it is likely that this will continue for some time.
Couple of things worth bearing in mind about the petrol engine, one is that they may be available a bit cheaper, another is that they may escape the price rises on tax, and restrictions on entering built up areas that are expected in the near future.
Please note the word may, these things are hard to predict, vehicle related legislation is rapidly evolving at the moment.
