Hi All,

I'm new here! Haven't done an introductory thing yet, but will do one in a little while!

Just a quick question ... I bought a 1989 Defender 90, running a 300TDI conversion. It made a 'chuffing' noise when the guy brought it here for me to buy, I thought it was either exhaust gasket gone or an injector leak (sounded just like several injector leaks I've fixed on various other cars!), the owner showed me an MOT advisory on exhaust manifold leak so thought nothing more of it.

Bought it and thought all was well. Went to go start checking bits over and thought I'd double check ... Started here up ... 'chuff' ... 'chuff' ...

Thought I'd have a quick diagnosis ready to order the injector seals. However, some feeling around and no leak. Soapy water ... very little froth. Tried the exhaust gasket as well ... nothing ...

'Light bulb moment' and my heart sinks and my head suddenly clicks ... Head Gasket!!!

Sure enough, hand around the cylinder head and out the back of the block ... towards the bulkhead there is a pressured leak!

I'm almost 100% it's the HGF, but I did a quick YouTube vid, does this look like my light bulb was correct?

Where my hand is at the end is where I can feel the pressured leak ...

300TDI Suspected Head Gasket - YouTube

quite common 10-15 years is plenty for a head gasket ,easy job as no timing is disturbed ,there is a drain bung on lhs of block just in front of down pipe you undo first ,err5263 is usual gasket to fit

Cheers, I thought so !