T

thomas_tdi

New Member
hi
i recently bought a new to me, 1997 defender 90 300tdi. :)
i do like it but having a few problems with it.
it is under warranty so am not too concerned at the moment.
however I want to go back to the dealer armed with some knowledge hopefully so I don't have to keep going back!

firstly, the coolant in the header tank seems to be a rusty brown colour? not normal?

secondly, the radiator is missing loads of fins on the 'inside' side, how much are genuine new ones?
this seems to tie in with another problem of the water temp gauge working its way up to 3/4 under normal conditions.

lastly, i know landys are not known for their speed but mine does seem to be lacking slightly in the power department(!)
I imagined low down acceleration to have a bit more get up and go, but i am not sure if that is normal.

however, one this I know isn't right is the top speed.
to get up to the top speed - 70mph - downhill, I need to put the pedal to the floor in all gears and then keep it to the floor in 5th to eek out 70, if i lift of slightly it drops to 60, whilst all the time the engine is screaming!
(needless to say I backed off fairly quickly) ;)

hope someone can help me with some info and let me know if I am just being unrealistic or if there actually is a problem

thanks
tom
 
Welcome and enjoy your new hobby!

Coolant - no shouldn't be rusty brown. System needs draning and refilling with antifreeze - make sure you use the right one (the standard ethylene glycol based (blue)). Whatever you do don't use the newer OAT anti freeze - it plays havocs with the rubber seals and you'll have more leaks than you know what to do with!

When it comes to refilling - seach on here re tips on how to make sure you don't get any airlocks


Radiator cost - depends on VIN, whether you buy aftermarket or LR and whether you buy with or without oil cooler - this link might help (or scare:D):

90-110 & Defender Radiator at www.rimmerbros.co.uk

Temperature - loads of threads around checking thermostat working, hoses, radiator warm from top to bottom (i.e. not blocked) etc. Also worth being aware that it could be running at the right temp, but temp sender or gauge just knackered!

Speed - they weren't built for it! From new 0-60 was around 22 seconds with a top speed of around 85. Mine (1994) is happiest at around 55 - 60mph on motorway.

That said it shouldn't be that hard to hit 70 - worth checking turbo hoses - they can collapse or block which would have a dramatic impact on power
 
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radiator is biggest cause of overheating in 300s in my experience yours needs renewing,BTP2275 £100 britpart £150 bearmach £350lr +vat,ratio of transmission is done through t/box check numbers on rear of t/box and ratio sticker if still there ,t/boxes are often interchanged, t/box can be changed to higher ratio if std
 
Ye, what Station House says;);), I did my radiator in January, and it was just over £100 (off the top of my head). As for speed, i've got a 1998 110, and while it is happiest a 60 ish, it will hit 70+, 80 even, absolutely no problem, so there is definitely something amiss, :confused::confused:;)
 
What size wheels and tyres are you running. Ideal size 265x75x16. Mine was the same and then found out tyres were 2" under size (diameter). Shoud ideally be 32" OD
 
265s on a 90 ideal size ? that not the 110 ?

my 90s on 205 r16s and seems to be accurate on the speedo vs phones GPS and flashy speed signs ;) how ever i want to fit 265s ;)
 
top drive said:
265s on a 90 ideal size ? that not the 110 ?

my 90s on 205 r16s and seems to be accurate on the speedo vs phones GPS and flashy speed signs ;) how ever i want to fit 265s ;)
Click to expand...


Have also checked speedo against sat nav. Spot on. Are your 205,s 75 series.
 
however, one this I know isn't right is the top speed.
to get up to the top speed - 70mph - downhill, I need to put the pedal to the floor in all gears and then keep it to the floor in 5th to eek out 70, if i lift of slightly it drops to 60, whilst all the time the engine is screaming!


My 1997 300tdi pulling a 110... never had my foot to the floor and will hit 70 with little effort and certainly no 'screaming' engine'.... Mine likes to cruise at 55-60 and will return 31mpg. I think what has been mentioned above re ratios is possible. Where abouts are you?
 
You need to give it a thorough service, all filters and oils. My 200tdi refused to go over 65-70 will do 80+ now but i never do otherwise my testicles ache.

It gets to 65mph nice and quick now...about 2 minutes on the flat :D
 
MrJC said:
however, one this I know isn't right is the top speed.
to get up to the top speed - 70mph - downhill, I need to put the pedal to the floor in all gears and then keep it to the floor in 5th to eek out 70, if i lift of slightly it drops to 60, whilst all the time the engine is screaming!


My 1997 300tdi pulling a 110... never had my foot to the floor and will hit 70 with little effort and certainly no 'screaming' engine'.... Mine likes to cruise at 55-60 and will return 31mpg. I think what has been mentioned above re ratios is possible. Where abouts are you?
Click to expand...

it doesn't seem right does it
and i am not over exaggerating unfortunately:confused:

it is okay at 50mph but nothing above, I doubt however judging by the throttle pedal position when cruising at 50, that i would be achieving any where near 31 mpg!

btw, i am in warwickshire
 
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storm99 said:
You need to give it a thorough service, all filters and oils. My 200tdi refused to go over 65-70 will do 80+ now but i never do otherwise my testicles ache.
Click to expand...


It 'apparantly' received a full 24k service before I bought it from the dealer so don't think it would be that to be honest.

It gets to 65mph nice and quick now...about 2 minutes on the flat :D
Click to expand...
:D
 
Stupid question if I may

Is the pedal free to move to the bulkhead?

When I brought mine, the floor mats were preventing it's travel beyond halfway. Sorting that made a big difference to how it behaved over 40 mph
 
Station House said:
Stupid question if I may

Is the pedal free to move to the bulkhead?

When I brought mine, the floor mats were preventing it's travel beyond halfway. Sorting that made a big difference to how it behaved over 40 mph
Click to expand...

no, fair question :p

i just been out and checked and the rubber mats, yes two :doh:
seem to restrict the travel of the pedal somewhat
i am going to attempt to adjust the throttle cable and pedal and see if that makes a difference tomorrow.

thanks for all the info guys
 
Adjusted the throttle cable and throttle pedal to no improvement.
after reading other threads I suspect it may be faulty lift pump?
 
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