Unless reconditioned by an expert shop and under warranty, buying a used TD5 engine is like walking through a minefield. Hard to know what you're getting really. The abuse, tweaking and neglect that these machines are generally subjected to are beyond comprehension, besides the fact that they are pretty old by now. If yours worked without problems for 7 years, I'd remove the top end and examine the cylinders and pistons from that angle. If it's a liner problem, you'll be able to see it more clearly. If it's just the main bearings, changing them is not a complicated job, even if done with the engine in situ and with the crankshaft in place (). You'll never know, you might get another 7 years out of that engine ! But if you choose to replace it, change that oil pump bolt, even if the seller says that it's already done. Thread lock it and let it cure for 24 hours before filling with oil.
 
But if you choose to replace it, change that oil pump bolt, even if the seller says that it's already done. Thread lock it and let it cure for 24 hours before filling with oil.

Good advice, through in theory if you buy a 15p engine it should be OK already.
 
Unless reconditioned by an expert shop and under warranty, buying a used TD5 engine is like walking through a minefield. Hard to know what you're getting really. The abuse, tweaking and neglect that these machines are generally subjected to are beyond comprehension, besides the fact that they are pretty old by now. If yours worked without problems for 7 years, I'd remove the top end and examine the cylinders and pistons from that angle. If it's a liner problem, you'll be able to see it more clearly. If it's just the main bearings, changing them is not a complicated job, even if done with the engine in situ and with the crankshaft in place (). You'll never know, you might get another 7 years out of that engine ! But if you choose to replace it, change that oil pump bolt, even if the seller says that it's already done. Thread lock it and let it cure for 24 hours before filling with oil.

Good ideas. I'm planning on towing her to somewhere I can actually do whatever work is required - at the moment she's sat -2 floors in an underground car park! Getting her out is going to be fun!!
 
I take it your mate doesn't have a winch? If you could borrow a Turfor winch that might help. I've even used a Turfor to winch a Disco up quite a steep ramp onto a trailer.

Thinking right out of the box, if the crank is completely clear of the big ends, and the tops of the pistons are clear of the valves, maybe get the timing chain off, you could maybe wind it out a bit with the starter motor, unless it is auto of course. Taking the glow plugs out would help as well, as putting it in Low range. But this is well out of the box, buying a turfor would probably be less painful!
 
I take it your mate doesn't have a winch? If you could borrow a Turfor winch that might help. I've even used a Turfor to winch a Disco up quite a steep ramp onto a trailer.

Thinking right out of the box, if the crank is completely clear of the big ends, and the tops of the pistons are clear of the valves, maybe get the timing chain off, you could maybe wind it out a bit with the starter motor, unless it is auto of course. Taking the glow plugs out would help as well, as putting it in Low range. But this is well out of the box, buying a turfor would probably be less painful!
I used the old starter tick to get her down there from the side of the road! Didn't think to use low range though... that's good to remember. It's a clear run from -2 to the exit, so I reckon she can be pulled to -1 (where the ceiling is much higher) and then directly out. Just have to manouver her to the exit ramp on -2, but pushing will suffice for that. I will def look into that Turfor though. Useful to have anyway...
 
Carrying the Turfor around isn't a problem it's the blasted coil of cable that is a bit of a pain. Use cable ties to keep it from unravelling! You can also get electric winches that you can just shove in the boot and couple up to the tow hitch, not that I know any more than the adverts! But i have thought about getting one, they don't have a huge pull though IIRC.
 
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Dumbly I never thought to ask if you have recovery!
I had AA recovery - they got me to Liverpool -70 miles from where I broke down. After 80 miles they charge 2.50 a mile so didn't fancy it - I was about 220 miles from home. At the time I was convinced it was fuel pump as I had one go in exactly the same circumstances years before in my previous TD5, and the AA man agreed, which bolstered my confidence. I knew I could pick one up locally the next day. Little did I know!!
 
I had AA recovery - they got me to Liverpool -70 miles from where I broke down. After 80 miles they charge 2.50 a mile so didn't fancy it - I was about 220 miles from home. At the time I was convinced it was fuel pump as I had one go in exactly the same circumstances years before in my previous TD5, and the AA man agreed, which bolstered my confidence. I knew I could pick one up locally the next day. Little did I know!!
If its going onto a trailer for the journey home then great. Towing any distance will need the props disconnecting, as a minimum at the axles and then tying them up.
 
If its going onto a trailer for the journey home then great. Towing any distance will need the props disconnecting, as a minimum at the axles and then tying them up.
I'm looking for a trailer, could be front wheels only... depending on what I get hold of. But regarding props, that's very good advice and something which I might have overlooked, thankyou!
 

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