Defender 110 Engine Crossroads needed Recommendations

[JackW]

Check out Robert Davis' Mercedes 5 cylinder diesel conversion - its been discussed on Defendersource.

I've known Robert for almost thirty years and he has lots of experience in swapping engines into Land Rovers. He builds a well engineered, well thought out conversion kit that takes much of the pain and suffering out of engine swaps.
Here are some shots at Uwharrie of his 110 with a $600 Mercedes turbodiesel powerplant.







also there is another guy on defendersource who is developing a bolt in conversion kit for the Chevy LS engine for Defenders, early Discoverys and Range Rover Classics

 

[Aubrey]

Hi from Africa

Been into LR's for some time. I would not do an engine swop. If you really don't want a rebuild, get a short Tdi200 engine from the UK and have the head overhauled. Fit a recon turbo, injector pump, alternator and started. I have had a few conversions done and without exception regretted it. Cost ended up being double what I calculated and there were always issues with niggling little bits. Trying to fix that setup in the bush is a nightware ..... modified parts need a workshop to fit again if you can recall original source .

On the oil .... I use Delo 400 in 15W-40, part synthetic on all my diesels with oil change every 6500miles and filter every second change. I stick to LR filters but just cause we have rubbish aftermarket filters in Africa.. Tdi200 is old school and a full synthetic is a waste on it and it leaks more oil. Just a function of mileage, tolerances and wear ...nothing wrong with the oil.

THe Tdi200 is a solid lump, not a ball of fire but if done right, will give you in excess of 250 000 miles.

Cheers from Africa

Aubrey

 

[UK4X4]

Have you checked its not just the turbo seals that have gone ?

and not the whole engine worn out...check the inside of the hose from turbo to the engine

 

[Nonimouse]

Although I agree with Aubrey about the 200Tdi - it's the best engine LR made and one of the best diesels for an overland truck - I do like that Merc conversion. That's a popular conversion on G wagen's over here as the lump can be found in SsangYong Musso's in purely mechanical form and Sprinter's in electronic form. It pulls a LWB G well, so a 110 would be a breeze

 

[dcproven]

That Mercedes conversion got me thinking... maybe I should do one for my Series... even turn it auto!...

 

[orangeex]

Make sure its not the Turbo oil supply line. If the banjo is not sealed right is shoots oil all over. Its a very easy fix.

 

[skiingnerd]

Its definitely not coming out of the engine except the tail pipe. I'm planning on doing a compression test in the next few weeks when I get some free time....if i can find one that will fit the injector ports. Anyone know where to get one? does the auto zone/O'reiley's fit?

For now, I'm gonna inspect the turbo shaft, oil condenser and adjust the tappets...hopefully one of those will at least slow it down.

Brian