gillthepill

New Member
Hi.. My def 90 (j reg 200tdi) has a slow leak from the gearbox. Tried to locate source but unable to do so. :( Seems to be somewhere above filler plug on transfer box, but it is actually the main gearbox which loses the oil. :confused:
Looked at Haynes manual - useless - not what they used to be. Any help appreciated.
Also, have small rust hole in rear cross member. Anyone know the average price for supply and fitting new one as I have had eight different quotes and ranging from 450 to 1200..... seems excessive when you think of the price of a complete chassis.
Many thanks.....
 
Where exactly is the hole? I had a rusted bit in the rear crossmember on the drivers side, just behind where the wheel sprays all the wet muck up i went to a steel merchant and had them cut me a piece of steel exactly the shape I needed and welded it on.

Regards the gearbox leak all I can really suggest is that you get under there with a brush and some soapy water, clean up the whole area, dry it all off and then wait until you can see exactly where its coming from.

Also if you remove the drivers side seat and take off the panel you will be able to see from the top down if you look at an angle, I know this helps a LOT when filling the transfer box, maybe you will see something there. Or if you have time and want to get a really good look, take the middle seat out and unbolt the panel, give you a look right down on it.
 
Many thanks, will check out gearbox from the top tomorrow. Already washed it down but as it's above the filler bolt so I still couldn't see - however; your idea sounds more fruitful.
The hole in r x member is about 1 inch in from the extension. Landy garage told me they usually rot from the inside so it was probably better to change the whole x member. Recently moved so still trying to find a Landy fixer that I trust. She's a good old gal - 24500 on the clock - engine rebuild 70k ago - sweet as a nut. Last landy was a S2A so this is real luxury - ha ha, and it has PAS!!! Pleased to say the rest of the chassis is solid.
 
Get a hammer and whack the x member - you'll know if you need to replace or simply patch.
 
:) Found gearbox leak. As Haynes don't go into detail (have to buy Def restoration book) the best way to describe the leak is it's coming from the gasket that goes between box and block which it bolted to box. Have ordered new gasket. Can you recommend the best gasket seal for the job?

Whacked r x member with lump hammer (much to neighbours dismay :p ) it is solid apart from the bit with the hole. Spoke to guy I know who does welding and he says he can cut out 2" around hole. Stick Hoover attach inside to clear debris, then spray wax oil inside before welding on new bit of plate. Then paint wax oil on outside again.
Not really conversant with welding - how does this sound??

PS: Can you recommend good alarm/ immobiliser. Insurance co. says thatcham but I would only save £15 on insurance by having one. Seems a lot of outlay for such a small return. Have been told Cobra are quite good. Never had it alarmed before as I lived out in the sticks; now nearer to town so prefer to be safe...
 
Sounds like a plan, makes me ashamed of my repair now, I just painted rust converter onto it, red leaded the hole then welded a bit piece of 4mm plate over the lot!

I think the guys plan is sound except, you would be better just cleaning the hole up and plating the whole sort of triangular secion, but first batter a lot of waxoil, paint grease anything in behind it. This means that there is a good new piece thats taking the brunt of the elements.
 
Can't realy weigh up where your leak is from, but there may be other stuff you can do while your underneath it like change the output shaft bearings and seals.

I swear by Blue Hylomar thinned with cellulose thinners and painted on the mating faces, but I reckon any of the silicone ones are as good.
 
You can get a cartridge of gearbox, engine, blah blah sealing agent that you put in a mastic gun, its pretty good and is used by LR when they build the boxes anyway, its like black mastic.

Hylomar as grunt said is great too.
 
Hi again.. it's a 200tdi rebuild - cons, pistons etc...lot of torque. Interested in your DIY... been away from Landy's for six years (mileage warranted it) so all help greatly appreciated.
 
Hi Grunt
The leak is from the gasket on the block just above the reverse switch fitting. Easy to see when centre tunnel removed (thanks Discomania).

Think the forum is excellent - not really worked on a Landy since my old 1964 SIIA..... Had great fun with changing idler box in that one. Torch flat, guy under landy in pouring rain cutting it out...ha ha ha.
She was a real beauty! Went to Snake Pass, pulled over and crossed road to see scenery - she restarted herself... Hadn't had her very long at the time. She also had the old gear stick break off when picking a friend up... It's a Landy thing, you either love them or you don't. Hope my Defender brings similar cherished memories.
 

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