Well... Let me start by sayin that I’m currently in the process of getting myself into the Defender World, so this channel is a HUGE benefit to me. And I THANK you for that sir ✌️ Having said that... I think your videos, since you explain it so plainly ... I think your videos should be shown in Engineering classes, for all those young folks, to learn the BASIC of getting to know your engine first. In that regard... Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪 Stay safe everybody 😷
My old 300Tdi did nearly 300,000 miles before I got rid of it, pulled OK once the turbo kicked in, but I used to flush out the intercooler every time I did a oil change!
I have phoned Miss Marples, she said she will start watching, we may need her on this one. I have read all the sensible suggestions below. Possible there is more than one thing wrong, which is why diagnostic isn't obvious. Someone said that the bores could be evenly worn by the dust from Africa roads, this is a real problem, you see snorkels in Africa a lot, it isn't always for deep water crossings, it is to get the air intake above the dust kicked up by the vehicle in front. Valve seals? Now for a curve ball. Has the engine been rebuilt with slightly undersized rings? It's a long shot but nothing surprises me about Africa. I can't believe I am suggesting it but nothing should surprise you about Africa vehicles. Are the valves not seating properly due to the wear from Africa dust? Really enjoying this one Mike.
@@BritannicaRestorations Some great suggestions from your many followers. Maybe rings bunged up? I think I saw the cyclone separator was missing a clamp on the top hose maybe? So may have been off a couple of times before......so leaky oil getting around and about? ....maybe with oil getting passed the bunged up rings ....how about a good old bore soak in petrol poured down the glow plug tubes and careful blow out through same? BTW I checked my glow plugs and three of them are connected ....4th has no wire and the relay on the bulkhead has now wires on it at all!! Back to sleep for me .......
These engines are bad at breathing oil, but it does not come from the piston rings, but from the oil spray in the rocker box that gets sucked through the separator and into the air intake If you recall last year I did a 300Tdi that had a warped head and it was smoking badly so I left off the pipe that went to the air filter Well, so more smoking so far!!
@@BritannicaRestorations Woke up just after 5am and remembered that some export petrol cars had reduced compression engines to allow for poor quality fuel .....any chance that diesel engines could be derrated too?
First thing I would check, when the compression is low is valve clearance. After that you could do a cylinder leak test to find out where problem lies. BTW I love watching your videos. Greetings from the Netherlands, Gerard
Sykes Pickavant leak down tester. Puts compressed air into the tdc cylinder and the compression is indicated on the other gauge. Bubbling coolant or air passing through the breather will tell you where the problem is. Trailer Fitter Toolbox Chris Higgins has a video where he does in on a 300.
I had the same oil problem on my old j90 engine. Lots of oil in the filter - so much, I replaced the filter with a rechargeable one. Regular clearing the breather from the top to the bottom of the engine did nowt to fix the problem, and I thought it was the Turbo. I installed a catch can in the end.
yep - I agree - rebuild the engine the transmission the transfer case - redo the interior - do a glass out repaint - replace all the seals - new tires - new shocks new springs - brakes - all new bushings - add a/c - convert to left hand drive - that is good for a start - the check for $50K is on the way
These land rovers play with our heads when it comes to repairing them,mine the start relay went and the old owner didn't know where it was so they put another start relay next to the alternator,he ran new wire from the ignition. You would think if he knows how to wire up a relay he would check the old relay.
I know Im randomly asking but does someone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account..? I was dumb lost my password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me!
@Gideon Jake Thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out now. Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
Mike, I realise that these engines are all pretty old by now, but in all the Tdi's I've been involved with over the past 15 years, I've not seen one that had what you would call an "oil free" air inlet tract anywhere downstream of that crankcase breather inlet. That seems to be just how it works, the LandRover way, spread the oils about. Thanks for yet another interesting session.
Yes they all breath badly - I was wondering if the brake servo is ok - could be drawing in air and passing it into the block - quite common with those crappy tin servos
@@BritannicaRestorations used a vac pump off an Audi, can't remember what model, just one I picked up on eBay for $60. The elect pump improved the lower speed, (around town), boost. I think the Wabco original was pretty sick and always leaked oil even after the cover rivet fix.
I remember when I was a 17 year old Bonny lad doing a compression test on my 1979 1100 fiesta with the engine running, ha ha ha , happy days , young lads don’t seem to play with engines these days
@@BritannicaRestorations pretty sad isn’t it ? I spent long happy hours out the back , it’s all clean and tidy now with plants an flowers ha ha , I still keep my hand in though
It's all theory now - modern engines are not to be worked on Check this out www.britpart.com/parts/repair-and-service-parts/engine/engines/da1918 Brand new with gearbox £3,932.50 trade price
Here's a crazy thought: If there is so much oil, how much is in the intercooler? We don't know when the whole air intake piping was last cleaned. Maybe the cyclone separator is full, it dumps the oil into the piping. The intercooler is full of oil. So now you have a less efficient engine and there is smoke. As I said this is just a wild guess/hunch. Thanks again Mike for a great video.
You are on the right track - I guess the Inter cooler is soaked in oil - I have an idea that the droplets of oil splashed in the rocker box are getting sucked into the separator which get overwhelmed as it was only designed for fumes - I wonder if a small baffle in the rocker box would cut the oil?
@@BritannicaRestorations I think the performance might improve after cleaning the whole air intake system, but will the compression improve? It might be worth a try.
It is a Maxion motor and has 2 engine numbers - one in the middle of the block and one that has been over stamped by hand (16L45631A) over a needle point number factory number that is underneath which I cannot make out as they have ground it back Block date stamp 12 99, head date stamp 44 99 - so a very late 1999 block
Here’s a random fact I found out today on the 110s MOT (which failed for an oil leak!). There’s a numbered sticker on the bulkhead in the engine bay which is the emissions limit when it left Solihull. According to the MOT bloke all emissions tests must now meet that same number as specified (300tdi 1.89 l/m) and not the 3.00 l/m we’re used to. Luckily he took the bribe of a crate of Peroni and plugged the smoke meter into a Vauxhall corsa parked next to the Landy! He also said that if there’s no plate/sticker with an emissions stamp then they test to 3.00 l/m so his advise was to rip the sticker off. Anyone else heard of this? Just thought it was quite topical on this vid.
What about how long the engine has idled for? Yes its done 179k but it may have also been sat idling for hours which probably does more damage. Could just be polished bores causing that little loss of compression. Amount of cross hatching left will be an indicator. 👍
Hi Mike, I had blue smoke from my rebuilt 300 tdi, luckily I took off the air intake pipes and found oil I checked the turbo and found oil inside it was mainly leaking into the hot side so no runaway but there was a fair amount on the cold side just like yours, not saying that's the compression problem but might be a separate problem, I fitted a new cartridge ( easy two day job ) and all is fine I was beginning to think I had put the rings in wrong.
You know, I was thinking about this and I have an idea that the older engines are sucking out drops of oil from the rocker box - if you have run a motor with the cover off you will see what I mean - there is no physical baffle in the valve cover to stop those drops - maybe if I.....
There was a big list of jobs and one was to source the cause of blue smoke - which was oil coming out of the rocker box, however I do not think it is back pressure - the 300Tdi suffers from the oil separator not working well enough
didn't read all the other comments, but did you check the blowby? plugging the breather etc and taking off the oil filler cap to see/feel? my td5 was blowing a gale. all 5 cylinders (well i could only pressure test 4 through the plugs) were exactly the same. Took the engine out and found the cylinders were elliptical ...very slightly, but enough. it was also hard to start and had blueish smoke. Got a new block from turner engineering and rebuilt it, at the same time I fixed the turbo drain tube as it was creased and could have caused back pressure in the turbo oil--(along with the pressure in the crank case). fitted new piston rings etc ground the valves back to a nice surface (they were all crudded up with carbon from the cooked oil) starts first time really well now, no smoke, more power, and no oil in the intake. (fitted a ProVent as well just to be sure). of course you know all this stuff :). but something here might tickle a memory and you can pinpoint the trouble. (I would double check the gauge as well, and pressure it above the the current value.. i might be sticking NOW after working in the past.. it is very strange they were all exactly the same.) .... bloody hell I've rambled a bit....
I think that the pressure atainable by a pump is influenced by the voume of the connector between the pump and the guage. If your long adaptor (copy of glow-plug) has a relatively large bore its volume would reduce the possible pressure that can be reached as it could be a reasonable percentage of the volume of the compression space at top dead centre. Just my two penny worth.
Fear not good people. The mechanical 'Sherlock Holmes' is strictly on the case. 👍 This 'mind boggling' mystery, with its twist and turns will be revealed in due course. C'mon now lad, get that 'Jamisons' violin out and put us out of our misery. 😃
@@BritannicaRestorations Cheers. Although I'm in South East England I can see the 'Old grey matter' getting to work on this problem. They'll never replace you with a 'Plugged in computer' eh.👍
Mike. My rule of thumb is a 2.5ltr engine should do 250,000km's before a rebuild ! As this "re-birth" 300Tdi Defender Classic has covered 180,000km's, I'd expect your figure of 273psi compression or 72% ? V.
Just a complete off tangent from the TDI, but anyone had problems with a Disco 2 air suspension go down a little in really cold weather? We had -8 last night (not been this cold for a while in the UK). Airbags, compressor and lines 2 months old!
Have you looked at the bellhousing bolts and ancilleries? Might tell you whether this was a repair that was done years ago or if this is an engine that's been thrown in it specifically so it could be sold. If it's the latter, this could be another "ebola-rover" after all! :-/
The engine is a Maxion version 1999 date stamp so has been replaced - transmission has been out - you will see on a video I am putting together soon - looks pretty good underneath!
I think the excess oil being thrown out and the low compression plus it's African history point to low grade or infrequently changed oil.. bit of wear on the bores and or rings. Alternatively, could it be worn valve guides? Can you do a smoke test or leak down pressure test to see where compression is going? Can't wait for the next installment!! Thanks Mike!!
I did a leak down test but didn't film it as my gauge was busted so did it by ear, but nothing exciting to report, but it seems to me that the excess oil could be sucked out of the rocker box which is not oil fumes, but drops of oil thrown up by valve operation - if you have started one of these with the cover off you will see what I mean!
Hi Mike - the lowish compression and the oil in either side if the turbo could be 2 unrelated issues - oil in both intake and exhaust means either back pressure in turbo dump line, or bad turbo seals. Dont discount the cyclone unit as well. 280 is bit low but there are successful additives that will bring them all up without overhaul - see “project farm” youtube channel where he does a long term test on an additive called restore. Has the owner any history on any recent engine work? Good luck.
@@BritannicaRestorations I was just using the information of weak compression on all 4 and oil residue in the intake. Rings worn, scored bore pistons and perhaps a bad PCV. Didn't see any blow by out the filler cap on crank, but it's not the same as the seeing cap dance pop off on a running engine. I would be interested in seeing the condition of the air box filter for any inclinations of dusting.
Probably worn piston rings from dusting due to dirt particles entering entering air intake and equally wearing cylinders. A leak down tester would confirm. Even though it has low mileage.
To see if turbo bearings have oil leakage into the outlet, could you remove the air intake hose and the exit hose, then start the engine. If the turbo is leaking oil, then it should splatter out the exit. ( Onto a piece of card perhaps) . Do you think this may be a way of testing for turbo bearings oil leak ?
Another great video. I have never done a compression test on a turbo diesel before, so my question is do you leave the turbo connected or do you disconnect the turbo. I am learning a lot from your series of videos. They are great.
Compression testing is very rule of thumb, why not carry out a cylinder leakage test? You’ve already got your adapters. Will tell you much, much more, interesting video, best of luck.
I got the same thing with my td5 blowing blue smoke it turned out to be leaky injector seals which was giving oil dilution with the fuel which made the fuel and oil pass by the rings which made it blow blue smoke don’t if this will be the same thing with your land rover
To my untrained eye, it jumps out that ALL cylinders have the same compression reading. Is there any way that all cylinders pressures can be equalised across the board under some sort of fault condition? Something like a cylinder head gasket failure between each cylinder. Ignore me, it's past my bedtime....
@@BritannicaRestorations Then the suspense grows! Look forward to your next installment. I have a 1989 90 CSW retro-fitted with a D-1 200Tdi, so I find all of your content relevant. My truck (and engine) has done 175k miles, all here in the UK. Thanks for posting and replying.
How messed up do appearances get, if it's been bobbing around in a container on the Atlantic for a few weeks? Do fluids end up where they shouldn't but actually only temporarily? I know they probably should be drained but....
I've been having an issue where my defender make a loud clunking/thudding noise when releasing the clutch pedal while changing gear (particularly upshifting) unless I am very slow and deliberate with the pedal. 1990 2.5 petrol, lt77. Any thoughts, thanks?
hello Mike, i dont think the engine has been maintained correctly, the engine oil looks like tar. so a good clean up inside the sump,new oil and a new air -cleaner to start with, has the correct oil been used in the engine ? i very much suspect clown activity with this vehicle some where along the line, good luck with it, hope the series 1 is ok.
Hey Mike same with my 90 rebuild is inevitable....off topic tho can a voltage fluctuations on the fuel solenoid can cause misfire and how can we check that..thanks
Anything is possible - you could run a wire direct from a fully charged separate battery ( do not forget to ground it too) independent from the vehicle electrical system and see if it does the same
Is it blowing heavy blue smoke from the exhaust before it's warmed up, and is the intercooler and breather full of oil? How much did the glow plug compression adapter cost at the machine shop? I'd like to get hold of one
Mike!!! Test the tester ???? Have you got another test gauge, or can you test it on your air-line. You never know whether a bit of muck has got into the testing gear. Sorry for insulting your intelligence, but it did happen to me. I cant wait to find out yet another hidden mystery of the Land Rover. Best wishes, stay sane, Yorkshire Rob.
It could be Rob but it was fine when I last used it, but there is a Schrader valve in there - maybe it has stuck - I will get it tested today at my machine shop
@@BritannicaRestorations It certainly is unusual for all 4 to be down equally, but there again if it has been well looked after and not been thrashed, then it is possible, but still a long shot. Hurry up and let us know Mike, it's like watching a following-up film when I was a kid. Great video. Yorkshire Rob.
Didn't you say in the video that the pressure was about 280 psi? Then you said you'd checked upstairs and put a caption on saying 19.03 bar. Are they not as bad as you thought? Or is it my hearing/memory?
@@BritannicaRestorations Maybe the engine faeries have been in and it's very evenly worn. 😆 In my youth, I had a TR6 and the engine in that was completely shot by 100,000 miles, big ends, little ends, rings, valve guides. It was a Triumph but not of engineering. Still, it may have been rubbish but it was British rubbish. 😅😅
I might be deluded but I wonder if there is some obstruction in the inlet tract, that would cause a drop on all cylinders, my random guess from my calibrated armchair is that the intercooler is full of random crap and oil. Disconnect the hoses and do another compression test, I bet the engine is ok.
Well...
Let me start by sayin that I’m currently in the process of getting myself into the Defender World, so this channel is a HUGE benefit to me.
And I THANK you for that sir ✌️
Having said that...
I think your videos, since you explain it so plainly ... I think your videos should be shown in Engineering classes, for all those young folks, to learn the BASIC of getting to know your engine first.
In that regard...
Greetings from Germany 🇩🇪
Stay safe everybody 😷
Welcome aboard!
Get out while you can lol
And the saga begins again 😍
Yeap...
Had the same intake oil problem on my Trooper, fitted a catch can before the aircleaner connection, all clean now.
My old 300Tdi did nearly 300,000 miles before I got rid of it, pulled OK once the turbo kicked in, but I used to flush out the intercooler every time I did a oil change!
I have phoned Miss Marples, she said she will start watching, we may need her on this one.
I have read all the sensible suggestions below.
Possible there is more than one thing wrong, which is why diagnostic isn't obvious.
Someone said that the bores could be evenly worn by the dust from Africa roads, this is a real problem, you see snorkels in Africa a lot, it isn't always for deep water crossings, it is to get the air intake above the dust kicked up by the vehicle in front.
Valve seals?
Now for a curve ball. Has the engine been rebuilt with slightly undersized rings? It's a long shot but nothing surprises me about Africa. I can't believe I am suggesting it but nothing should surprise you about Africa vehicles.
Are the valves not seating properly due to the wear from Africa dust?
Really enjoying this one Mike.
Hi Mike 🤔 just saying thanks again for sharing this video update 👍👍👍🇬🇧🇬🇧🇬🇧
Here we go again Sherlock ...... I'm going to be awake all night thinking about that compression conundrum .....
Very strange - I was thinking it was my tester but I was using it a few weeks ago and the numbers were well up
@@BritannicaRestorations Some great suggestions from your many followers.
Maybe rings bunged up?
I think I saw the cyclone separator was missing a clamp on the top hose maybe? So may have been off a couple of times before......so leaky oil getting around and about? ....maybe with oil getting passed the bunged up rings ....how about a good old bore soak in petrol poured down the glow plug tubes and careful blow out through same?
BTW I checked my glow plugs and three of them are connected ....4th has no wire and the relay on the bulkhead has now wires on it at all!!
Back to sleep for me .......
These engines are bad at breathing oil, but it does not come from the piston rings, but from the oil spray in the rocker box that gets sucked through the separator and into the air intake
If you recall last year I did a 300Tdi that had a warped head and it was smoking badly so I left off the pipe that went to the air filter
Well, so more smoking so far!!
@@BritannicaRestorations Woke up just after 5am and remembered that some export petrol cars had reduced compression engines to allow for poor quality fuel .....any chance that diesel engines could be derrated too?
First thing I would check, when the compression is low is valve clearance. After that you could do a cylinder leak test to find out where problem lies. BTW I love watching your videos.
Greetings from the Netherlands,
Gerard
Sykes Pickavant leak down tester. Puts compressed air into the tdc cylinder and the compression is indicated on the other gauge. Bubbling coolant or air passing through the breather will tell you where the problem is. Trailer Fitter Toolbox Chris Higgins has a video where he does in on a 300.
m.th-cam.com/video/wgUFVrWfDZQ/w-d-xo.html
I tried this and not much difference - number 3 was a bit low
I had the same oil problem on my old j90 engine. Lots of oil in the filter - so much, I replaced the filter with a rechargeable one. Regular clearing the breather from the top to the bottom of the engine did nowt to fix the problem, and I thought it was the Turbo. I installed a catch can in the end.
Thanks for sharing
yep - I agree - rebuild the engine the transmission the transfer case - redo the interior - do a glass out repaint - replace all the seals - new tires - new shocks new springs - brakes - all new bushings - add a/c - convert to left hand drive - that is good for a start - the check for $50K is on the way
On the 'to do' list there are a lot of things asked to be changed but when I was under the truck it was in very good order
These land rovers play with our heads when it comes to repairing them,mine the start relay went and the old owner didn't know where it was so they put another start relay next to the alternator,he ran new wire from the ignition. You would think if he knows how to wire up a relay he would check the old relay.
You should see the stuff that comes in here....
Maybe do valve clearances before compression test
Checked and good
My thoughts exactly but appears to be sorted. Exact same pressures, weird?
Valve clearances don't cause blowby..
Hmm...it’s a Murdoch Mystery.
This one is going to take several pots of tea and a few packets of Hobnobs to suss out 🤔
I guess so!
I know Im randomly asking but does someone know of a trick to get back into an instagram account..?
I was dumb lost my password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me!
@Nash Tyson instablaster =)
@Gideon Jake Thanks for your reply. I found the site through google and I'm trying it out now.
Takes a while so I will reply here later with my results.
@Gideon Jake it did the trick and I finally got access to my account again. I'm so happy!
Thank you so much, you saved my ass !
Mike, I realise that these engines are all pretty old by now, but in all the Tdi's I've been involved with over the past 15 years, I've not seen one that had what you would call an "oil free" air inlet tract anywhere downstream of that crankcase breather inlet. That seems to be just how it works, the LandRover way, spread the oils about. Thanks for yet another interesting session.
Yes they all breath badly - I was wondering if the brake servo is ok - could be drawing in air and passing it into the block - quite common with those crappy tin servos
@@BritannicaRestorations that can't happen on mine now with the electric vacuum pump.
good move - what did you use?
@@BritannicaRestorations used a vac pump off an Audi, can't remember what model, just one I picked up on eBay for $60. The elect pump improved the lower speed, (around town), boost. I think the Wabco original was pretty sick and always leaked oil even after the cover rivet fix.
Did you use an accumulator tank and vac switch?
I remember when I was a 17 year old Bonny lad doing a compression test on my 1979 1100 fiesta with the engine running, ha ha ha , happy days , young lads don’t seem to play with engines these days
Nope - they just buy a new car..
Hey! I’m young and I play with engines😂
@@BritannicaRestorations pretty sad isn’t it ? I spent long happy hours out the back , it’s all clean and tidy now with plants an flowers ha ha , I still keep my hand in though
It's all theory now - modern engines are not to be worked on
Check this out
www.britpart.com/parts/repair-and-service-parts/engine/engines/da1918
Brand new with gearbox
£3,932.50 trade price
If you're under 50 you are young here! lol!
Here's a crazy thought: If there is so much oil, how much is in the intercooler?
We don't know when the whole air intake piping was last cleaned. Maybe the cyclone separator is full, it dumps the oil into the piping. The intercooler is full of oil.
So now you have a less efficient engine and there is smoke.
As I said this is just a wild guess/hunch.
Thanks again Mike for a great video.
You are on the right track - I guess the Inter cooler is soaked in oil - I have an idea that the droplets of oil splashed in the rocker box are getting sucked into the separator which get overwhelmed as it was only designed for fumes - I wonder if a small baffle in the rocker box would cut the oil?
@@BritannicaRestorations I think the performance might improve after cleaning the whole air intake system, but will the compression improve? It might be worth a try.
Hi Mike. For that era of vehicle I would expect the engine number to be between 33000 and 46000 if it was original
It is a Maxion motor and has 2 engine numbers - one in the middle of the block and one that has been over stamped by hand (16L45631A) over a needle point number factory number that is underneath which I cannot make out as they have ground it back
Block date stamp 12 99, head date stamp 44 99 - so a very late 1999 block
@@BritannicaRestorations Might have been a replacement then and had the original number restamped?
Have you checked the valve timing isn't out by a tooth, i.e jumped?, this would drop all of the compressions by the same amount
Good idea but would it not be a bad starter ( even when it is warm?)
@@BritannicaRestorations I would expect the low compression would make it harder to start, but the glow plugs might mask it to a degree
Mike you kept me very interested in this watch.👍
Until you install a catch can, run the breather tube under the chassis. Oil in the turbo messes up turbo bearings.
Here’s a random fact I found out today on the 110s MOT (which failed for an oil leak!). There’s a numbered sticker on the bulkhead in the engine bay which is the emissions limit when it left Solihull. According to the MOT bloke all emissions tests must now meet that same number as specified (300tdi 1.89 l/m) and not the 3.00 l/m we’re used to. Luckily he took the bribe of a crate of Peroni and plugged the smoke meter into a Vauxhall corsa parked next to the Landy! He also said that if there’s no plate/sticker with an emissions stamp then they test to 3.00 l/m so his advise was to rip the sticker off. Anyone else heard of this? Just thought it was quite topical on this vid.
What is an emissions test? We do not have them here - come to think of it we have no annual inspection either!
LoL!
Lucky buggers. 🤣
Thumbs up.
What about how long the engine has idled for? Yes its done 179k but it may have also been sat idling for hours which probably does more damage. Could just be polished bores causing that little loss of compression. Amount of cross hatching left will be an indicator. 👍
Mike maybe the car has done miles on a poor quality air filter or pipe has been off and it's been sucking dusty air
Hard to say - but I have had a bit of history with it and it has been about a bit
Hi Mike, I had blue smoke from my rebuilt 300 tdi, luckily I took off the air intake pipes and found oil I checked the turbo and found oil inside it was mainly leaking into the hot side so no runaway but there was a fair amount on the cold side just like yours, not saying that's the compression problem but might be a separate problem, I fitted a new cartridge ( easy two day job ) and all is fine I was beginning to think I had put the rings in wrong.
You know, I was thinking about this and I have an idea that the older engines are sucking out drops of oil from the rocker box - if you have run a motor with the cover off you will see what I mean - there is no physical baffle in the valve cover to stop those drops - maybe if I.....
@@BritannicaRestorations Don't go there Mike." if I just strip down the whole motor and find nothing"
What did the man who’s car you’ve got instruct you to do exactly ? This would be important for the viewers to know
There was a big list of jobs and one was to source the cause of blue smoke - which was oil coming out of the rocker box, however I do not think it is back pressure - the 300Tdi suffers from the oil separator not working well enough
didn't read all the other comments, but did you check the blowby? plugging the breather etc and taking off the oil filler cap to see/feel?
my td5 was blowing a gale. all 5 cylinders (well i could only pressure test 4 through the plugs) were exactly the same. Took the engine out and found the cylinders were elliptical ...very slightly, but enough. it was also hard to start and had blueish smoke.
Got a new block from turner engineering and rebuilt it, at the same time I fixed the turbo drain tube as it was creased and could have caused back pressure in the turbo oil--(along with the pressure in the crank case). fitted new piston rings etc
ground the valves back to a nice surface (they were all crudded up with carbon from the cooked oil)
starts first time really well now, no smoke, more power, and no oil in the intake. (fitted a ProVent as well just to be sure).
of course you know all this stuff :). but something here might tickle a memory and you can pinpoint the trouble. (I would double check the gauge as well, and pressure it above the the current value.. i might be sticking NOW after working in the past.. it is very strange they were all exactly the same.)
.... bloody hell I've rambled a bit....
I have the gauge being checked at the moment
I think that the pressure atainable by a pump is influenced by the voume of the connector between the pump and the guage. If your long adaptor (copy of glow-plug) has a relatively large bore its volume would reduce the possible pressure that can be reached as it could be a reasonable percentage of the volume of the compression space at top dead centre. Just my two penny worth.
Checked a 300tdi yesterday 1cyl 400psi
2 40psi
3 40 psi
4 cyl 400 psi
My old 200 TDI uses oil
All cyl 320
They blow head gaskets between the cylinders and not that difficult to change I was a mechanic in England 20 years ago
@@doneB830 fitting V8 now
Fear not good people.
The mechanical 'Sherlock Holmes' is strictly on the case. 👍
This 'mind boggling' mystery, with its twist and turns will be revealed in due course.
C'mon now lad, get that 'Jamisons' violin out and put us out of our misery. 😃
Lol! Nice one!
@@BritannicaRestorations Cheers. Although I'm in South East England I can see the 'Old grey matter' getting to work on this problem. They'll never replace you with a 'Plugged in computer' eh.👍
Mike. My rule of thumb is a 2.5ltr engine should do 250,000km's before a rebuild ! As this "re-birth" 300Tdi Defender Classic has covered 180,000km's, I'd expect your figure of 273psi compression or 72% ? V.
Those engines did blow head gaskets between cylinders
This one is ok
Just a complete off tangent from the TDI, but anyone had problems with a Disco 2 air suspension go down a little in really cold weather? We had -8 last night (not been this cold for a while in the UK). Airbags, compressor and lines 2 months old!
Sounds like a leaking connector in the cold
Have you looked at the bellhousing bolts and ancilleries?
Might tell you whether this was a repair that was done years ago or if this is an engine that's been thrown in it specifically so it could be sold.
If it's the latter, this could be another "ebola-rover" after all! :-/
The engine is a Maxion version 1999 date stamp so has been replaced - transmission has been out - you will see on a video I am putting together soon - looks pretty good underneath!
Perhaps worth checking valve clearances? wont explain the oil, but if the valves are just a shade tight.....that would bleed off compression?
They were good
👍👍
I think the excess oil being thrown out and the low compression plus it's African history point to low grade or infrequently changed oil.. bit of wear on the bores and or rings. Alternatively, could it be worn valve guides?
Can you do a smoke test or leak down pressure test to see where compression is going?
Can't wait for the next installment!! Thanks Mike!!
I did a leak down test but didn't film it as my gauge was busted so did it by ear, but nothing exciting to report, but it seems to me that the excess oil could be sucked out of the rocker box which is not oil fumes, but drops of oil thrown up by valve operation - if you have started one of these with the cover off you will see what I mean!
Were there multiple head gasket thicknesses? Maybe used thicker gasket for a milled head with an unmilled head, which would decrease compression
Heads are flat and it has the second thinnest gasket available
I thought the smoke test was coming right after the fuses replaced.
Hi Mike - the lowish compression and the oil in either side if the turbo could be 2 unrelated issues - oil in both intake and exhaust means either back pressure in turbo dump line, or bad turbo seals. Dont discount the cyclone unit as well.
280 is bit low but there are successful additives that will bring them all up without overhaul - see “project farm” youtube channel where he does a long term test on an additive called restore.
Has the owner any history on any recent engine work?
Good luck.
Maybe a badly built engine ? Original well worn bottom end and a new head slammed on ? Hmm interesting stuff I’m looking forward to this one
It is a 1999 Maxion motor - I found a sticker beside the alternator and a casting date mark on the back of the block
@@BritannicaRestorations interesting stuff , cheers mike
Originates from Malawi, my guess is scored pistons from sand and dust inhalation
That is a very good suggestion. That would account for the equal low compression on all four.
Knowing Africa as I do, that is more than possible.
You would think it would be bellowing oil out of the oil cap
@@BritannicaRestorations I was just using the information of weak compression on all 4 and oil residue in the intake. Rings worn, scored bore pistons and perhaps a bad PCV. Didn't see any blow by out the filler cap on crank, but it's not the same as the seeing cap dance pop off on a running engine. I would be interested in seeing the condition of the air box filter for any inclinations of dusting.
@@BritannicaRestorations "Ah, well done Pike, I was wondering who would be the first to notice that."
This is intriguing.
@@UncannySense l
Leak down test on each cylinder might give some direction
Tried it and not real big difference
@@BritannicaRestorations we shall wait with baited breath. Then watch you take the engine apart.
Probably worn piston rings from dusting due to dirt particles entering entering air intake and equally wearing cylinders. A leak down tester would confirm. Even though it has low mileage.
This is a mystery wrapped in an enigma.
It is very strange to be low on all 4 cylinders and completely equal
@@BritannicaRestorations Yes, bizarre, even for us armchair experts.
could it have been rebuilt before and had pistons put in that are a bit short?
I think there is only one type of piston available
how do you check the gasket type (2 hole?) and what should compression be
You can only calculate gasket type with the head off and measure piston protrusion
Are 300tdi engines always that far forward of the firewall? My 2.5na is very close. Maybe a longer bellhousing? Different engine?
You have it bolted to an LT77 gearbox not an R380 which came with the 300Tdi
Have you double checked the quage that could be faulty ?
was fine last time I used it
To see if turbo bearings have oil leakage into the outlet, could you remove the air intake hose and the exit hose, then start the engine. If the turbo is leaking oil, then it should splatter out the exit. ( Onto a piece of card perhaps) . Do you think this may be a way of testing for turbo bearings oil leak ?
Yes I use this method
@@BritannicaRestorations Thank you kindly.
Another great video. I have never done a compression test on a turbo diesel before, so my question is do you leave the turbo connected or do you disconnect the turbo.
I am learning a lot from your series of videos.
They are great.
Leave it connected
@@davethornewell7417 ok thanks.
@@kalaharibushwarrior No problem. Without the engine actually running, no gas from the engine spins the impeller, so it just sits there
Do a pressure test on another engine it could be the tester that’s faulty had it before.
Or cylinder leakage test
Gauge tested to 750 psi quite accurately today
Compression testing is very rule of thumb, why not carry out a cylinder leakage test? You’ve already got your adapters. Will tell you much, much more, interesting video, best of luck.
Thanks for the tips!
I got the same thing with my td5 blowing blue smoke it turned out to be leaky injector seals which was giving oil dilution with the fuel which made the fuel and oil pass by the rings which made it blow blue smoke don’t if this will be the same thing with your land rover
300Tdi is different
Take the tube of the inlett, and try again without turbo and intercooler!
the compression gauge needle isn't jamming at 280 is it.. :)
Had it checked to day and accurate to 750 psi
Is there any amount of smoke that is ok coming out of the oilfill Port?
minimum
@@BritannicaRestorations hm ok there might be a Problem on mine then... but it is running fine
To my untrained eye, it jumps out that ALL cylinders have the same compression reading. Is there any way that all cylinders pressures can be equalised across the board under some sort of fault condition? Something like a cylinder head gasket failure between each cylinder. Ignore me, it's past my bedtime....
I have never seen all 4 cylinders leak between the gasket - usually goes at the back
@@BritannicaRestorations Then the suspense grows! Look forward to your next installment. I have a 1989 90 CSW retro-fitted with a D-1 200Tdi, so I find all of your content relevant. My truck (and engine) has done 175k miles, all here in the UK. Thanks for posting and replying.
How messed up do appearances get, if it's been bobbing around in a container on the Atlantic for a few weeks? Do fluids end up where they shouldn't but actually only temporarily? I know they probably should be drained but....
I can kind of hear some piston slap in one of your previous videos on this car:(
I've been having an issue where my defender make a loud clunking/thudding noise when releasing the clutch pedal while changing gear (particularly upshifting) unless I am very slow and deliberate with the pedal. 1990 2.5 petrol, lt77. Any thoughts, thanks?
Could be the gearbox output spine into the transfer case is worn out ( very common) or bad universal joints
@@BritannicaRestorations Much appreciated, thanks
hello Mike, i dont think the engine has been maintained correctly, the engine oil looks like tar. so a good clean up inside the sump,new oil and a new air -cleaner to start with, has the correct oil been used in the engine ? i very much suspect clown activity with this vehicle some where along the line, good luck with it, hope the series 1 is ok.
Typical of a vehicle from that part of the world - only has oil changed when something goes wrong
Hey Mike same with my 90 rebuild is inevitable....off topic tho can a voltage fluctuations on the fuel solenoid can cause misfire and how can we check that..thanks
Anything is possible - you could run a wire direct from a fully charged separate battery ( do not forget to ground it too) independent from the vehicle electrical system and see if it does the same
@@BritannicaRestorations sure i will try that ...but what would be the manifestation of a fluctuation on a solenoid...
Is it blowing heavy blue smoke from the exhaust before it's warmed up, and is the intercooler and breather full of oil? How much did the glow plug compression adapter cost at the machine shop? I'd like to get hold of one
I think he charged me $40
@@BritannicaRestorations Can you send me over his details? I'll have to ship it from the UK mind.
Mike!!! Test the tester ???? Have you got another test gauge, or can you test it on your air-line. You never know whether a bit of muck has got into the testing gear. Sorry for insulting your intelligence, but it did happen to me. I cant wait to find out yet another hidden mystery of the Land Rover. Best wishes, stay sane, Yorkshire Rob.
It could be Rob but it was fine when I last used it, but there is a Schrader valve in there - maybe it has stuck - I will get it tested today at my machine shop
@@BritannicaRestorations It certainly is unusual for all 4 to be down equally, but there again if it has been well looked after and not been thrashed, then it is possible, but still a long shot. Hurry up and let us know Mike, it's like watching a following-up film when I was a kid. Great video. Yorkshire Rob.
Possibly something to do with the cam, either warn or the wrong cam?
Not sure - having my pressure gauge tested today
Nope. fuckit. tried to watch it. pissed as a newt, will watch again in the morning,
Is it possible it’s got the wrong pistons installed, thus the lower than expected compression in each chamber?
I think there is only one type available
@@BritannicaRestorations Mmmmmm! I’ve seen some funny things done to engines. Could someone have machined material off the top of the piston?
Anything is possible!
Didn't you say in the video that the pressure was about 280 psi? Then you said you'd checked upstairs and put a caption on saying 19.03 bar. Are they not as bad as you thought? Or is it my hearing/memory?
Should be 24 bar according to the book
@@BritannicaRestorations Maybe the engine faeries have been in and it's very evenly worn. 😆 In my youth, I had a TR6 and the engine in that was completely shot by 100,000 miles, big ends, little ends, rings, valve guides. It was a Triumph but not of engineering. Still, it may have been rubbish but it was British rubbish. 😅😅
But do you know if the compression tester is accurate - it may be reading low !
Was ok last time out
Valve seals?
I also did a leak down test at 100psi and there was no blow by of the seals
Check your gauge. They are consistently down...could be?
was fine last time I used it
Are you sure your gauge isn’t stuck on 280 and the needle won’t go further 😂
It was ok last time out but will have it checked today
I might be deluded but I wonder if there is some obstruction in the inlet tract, that would cause a drop on all cylinders, my random guess from my calibrated armchair is that the intercooler is full of random crap and oil. Disconnect the hoses and do another compression test, I bet the engine is ok.
Mike would it be worth trying another tester? They sound too consistent.
Was working fine last time out
dusted engine maybe?
No chance ROW spec 300tdis had a lower compression ratio?
No idea
Didn't they make 300tdis in Brazil? Could the head be from there if you don't recognise the numbers and have a different chamber volume?
This is Maxion motor and it is a 1999 as the block has a sticker on it and strangely no block drain bung!
Maxion 2.5 is 19:5:1 compression ratio
Same as a Land Rover 300Tdi
Any blow by noted?
minimum
eric olthwate ripping yarns lol
Black pudding's very black today mother!
@@BritannicaRestorations Even the white bits are black! Fabulous. 👍
I see Howard's got a new shovel!
@@BritannicaRestorations even the white bits are black lol
It were hard to accept I were boring. Especially with my interest in rain fall.
Have the gauge calibrated
was fine last time I used it
Hmm new turbo and rings
I do not think it is the turbo as there is oil on the suction side
🇮🇪👍👍💕
Are you sure your gauge is accurate, just saying..
was fine last time I used it