We have a 200Tdi powered Ninety, and it is so far proving to be a reliable and very robust engine....agricultural and a tad noisy, but dependable and strong....some say it is the best power unit fitted to a Land Rover product (robustness and reliability wise)
Just make sure the FIP is timed properly, the most common issue seems to be HGF from No4 cylinder to the back of the engine, can be heard chuffing or felt with a hand round the back of the block.
They should start on the button pretty much and reports are, they can even start without the need for glow plugs....supposedly!
The FIP is mechanical with an electric stop solenoid, it is driven via a rubber timing belt that also runs the cam.....as with all rubber timing belts, make sure it has been replaced on the schedule, and if no proof, prepare to change it for safety....a snapped belt will cause pistons and valves to meet in unpleasant ways! causing a bit of a rebuild to be necessary or even a scrap engine!
Bent push rods seem to be common for some reason that I haven't fully researched, but this could be down to poor cam timing on belt changes!!
It won't set the world on fire performance wise, but is plenty capable (atleast it is in the Ninety).
Check the turbo fo play as a knackered bearing that pours oil in to the intake will make the engine run away with its self causing massive damage!
Oil pump is sound as a pound apparently, but a failure of the HG between and oil way and a cylinder will again cause an engine runaway event....
All in all a very good unit, reportedly much better than the 300Tdi...albeit the 300 is quieter and smoother!
