hi all. Your opinions please.

I've got a 300tdi 110 (for keeps) that has done 180k and is a bit smokey and down on power.
I've also got a 300tdi disco (no mot for 6 mths and abandoned in a field) that's only done 100k....

The question is whether to get the 110 engine rebuilt by someone good (eg Julian bird at bedw services in Mid Wales ) or to stick in the disco engine and sell rest for parts????

well, has the 110 had a hard life? I ask cos the 300 should be capable of more than 180K without major issue. It if were me, I'd be looking at compression pressures and such to find out why the current engine is being a "nuisance" ( I am being polite!!) You should then know if it needs a rebuild, or if its something cheap to fix, like injectors worn out. Same tests on the 300 in the D1 would help you decide which way to go... hopefully!!

I agree, my 200 has done 220,000 and only smokes a wee bit on starting, with no power problems, so it seems more likely to be a more minor problem. Mine was previously owned by a farmer, and had 120,000 on the clock when I bought it.

thanks, that's generally what I was thinking. The 110 only really gives off oily smoke when coasting to a junction/on overrun for a minute or so after starting from cold. This goes after its warmed up. Also a little bit of black smoke as turbo is speeding up on harder acceleration - so, a little fettling required only.
As for the disco, yet another rust-laden problem..... :/