As my old TD engine is now dead I'm looking to replace it with a 200TDi I've had a couple offered now which I'm going to see this week, both are currently sat in Disco's and still connected/running.

Any tips on what to look out for? And checks to do?

Also, one has done 150K but apparently well looked after, had cam belt change 10k ago etc etc. Should the mileage put me off?

Cheers for any pointers

Richard

150k miles shouldn't put you off at all. Cam belt change is a good thing. Also look for paperwork relating to other types of servicing.

Basically drive them and see what they are like. The 200Tdi can be a bit rattly from cold, but once warm should put well from 2000-3000rpm.

There are a few things that you can check to see whether or not the engine is just about to pack in!

Starting
Does the engine fire up at the turn of the key or after two or three turns of the starter? It should do (even without any prior glow from the plugs). Once it's fired up, turn it straight off and try again. It should fire back up immediately.

Blow-by
Perhaps the most obvious sign of a worn / troublesome engine. Fire it up and allow it to reach operating temperature. Remove the oil dipstick and press your thumb firmly over the dispstick tube for 5 seconds. Then, following the five second pause, quickly release your thumb. Does it hiss or launch oil at you? Slight hiss is fine but lots of pressure would indicate worn rings or a blown head gasket.

Temperature
Monitor the engine temperature for five minutes or so. Does it sit at operating temperature or does it continue to increase? Don't touch an engine that's running hot or boiling over because it's likely to have a split / cracked head or cracked pistons.

Pulling Power
Take it for a spin. Even in the disco it should give you an indication as to how powerful it is. If it seems lacking at all, try and find out why and make sure that you run it and push it hard through all gears. In your 'fender it'll pull away and accelerate better because of the gear ratio in your transfer box regardless of the weight of the 90.

Oil Leaks
Everyone knows that a land rover engine drips oil, but it's in your interest to indentify where before you fit it to your 90. That way, you can replace gaskets & seals whilst it's out of the vehicle which will make life easier for you and your knuckles.

Coolant Leaks / Pressure
Before you start the engine, remove the header / expansion tank cap and check the water / coolant level. Then, start up the engine and rev it up to temperature whilst keeping an eye on the coolant sitting in the expansion tank. Does it bubble or fizz? If it does, suspect the head gasket. If it looses water, suspect the head gasket or a cracked block.

Chances are it'll be alright. If your old clutch looks worn swap it whilst you've got the engine out too. If it looks ok, leave it be and worry about that when it goes!

-Pos

Cheers for the info guys, some really useful stuff and tis much appreciated

I'll let you know how I get on...

Richard

Well I went to see it this afternoon and it passed all the above tests so I've done the deal It started first crank from cold no problem at all and sounds spot on. I took the Disco for a run and it pulls and runs great at all revs, turbo spins up properly etc etc and no nasty noises. Only a tiny bit of black smoke under hard acceleration just like they all do!

The guy has had the Disco (that has basically gone rotten) for years so it had a fair bit of history. Has done 150k now and it had the head gasket done at 120k as well as cambelt and has been regularly serviced.

Now I just need to find the time to go back over and remove the engine and all the other bits I need :doh:

Cheers

Richard

richardjeaton said:

Now I just need to find the time to go back over and remove the engine and all the other bits I need :doh:

Click to expand...

If you have the space then get the whole thing.

andyb66 said:

If you have the space then get the whole thing.

Click to expand...

I did think that too but at the moment we have 5 cars between 2 of us and a severe lack of space already I'm still thinking if there is a way I can manage it though...

richardjeaton said:

I did think that too but at the moment we have 5 cars between 2 of us and a severe lack of space already I'm still thinking if there is a way I can manage it though...

Click to expand...

Well I've just bought the whole thing I managed to blag some temporary space for it from my neighbour :clap2:

ive just done the same thing- now my 'discofender' is ready for the road, i swapped engine, t/box, both axles, steering box and trackrods, speedo cable and cluster (wanted rev counter and temp sender) took on test drive- drives fantastic..

:nopics:

only managed to take a few (crap- light was useless) photos