Defender 200TDi head gasket.

[Warren Stirling]

Thanks for the tips people, just got to find the time to do it now.

 

W

[treequip]

Getting the head skimmed is a must !! They are real easy to do nothing tricky at all. Make sure you get a good quality gasket "elring" are on of the prefered makes. No need to go any where near the timing belt as it doesnt gonearthe cylinder head.

 

Why wouldn't you put a timing belt on while you were in there?

 

Timing belt failure is one of the best ways to stop a tdi.

 

You will have at least half a day while the head is skimmed, I bet you wouldn't even bother changing the oil while you were waiting either?

 

An ounce of prevention.......

[GardenKit]

Why wouldn't you put a timing belt on while you were in there?

 

:

 

One reason I would not put a timing belt on is if it did not need one.

 

But the only reason I would give for not needing one is if it has only recently had one.

 

If it has been on for any more than 1/3 of its recommended change interval, either by miles or months then change it whilst you have the spanners out, it will save you doing it later.

[wisecobandit]

Pretty straight forward job on the 200 lump. Just beware the manifold bolts are prone to snapping on them as soon as you touch them. You can pull the manifold back far enough to get the head off without removing the turbo. I would certainly say change timing belt whilst you have it off, and atleast the 200 hasn't got a superseded belt like the 300 which had rubbing problems as the didn't run true.

 

Break the crank bolt by the usual breaker bar and crank the engine method.

[Paul honeybun]

I wouldnt do the timing belt as for most customers that i do it for there money is short !!!! When a tdi belt does go they normally only bend pushrods any way !!! Its different if you have to remove the cambelt to get the head off i would agree change it as a matter of course. and no i would always change the oil so

[Warren Stirling]

Thanks all for the continued advise, went to order the gasket but what thickness or notch. (1.3mm/1 notch-1.4mm/2 notch-1.5mm/3 notch) and what determines this??

 

Thanks

[gensetsteve]

Years ago I had a 1997 300 tdi, used to tow 3.5 tonnes and did 300,000 in 4 years. This was my 3rd one and we worked out the head gasket would blow between 3 + 4 cyl at about 80,000 miles. Because the engine only bent push rods we never bothered with cambelt change ( a simple job made difficult ) until it snapped or head gasket blew. We did get 145,000 once before either happened

[Tyz05]

Thanks all for the continued advise, went to order the gasket but what thickness or notch. (1.3mm/1 notch-1.4mm/2 notch-1.5mm/3 notch) and what determines this??

 

Thanks

 

The gaskets are a available in different thickness to compensate for how much the head has been skimmed. You need to check your old gasket and order the same if your not skimming head or thicker if you are skimming. Hope that makes sense?

[Warren Stirling]

The gaskets are a available in different thickness to compensate for how much the head has been skimmed. You need to check your old gasket and order the same if your not skimming head or thicker if you are skimming. Hope that makes sense?

 

Yes that does make perfect sense now you explain it, to keep the head in the same position and height as before to save too much adjustment afterwards. Thanks

 

Better find my easy-outs before I start undoing the bolts I think.

[Warren Stirling]

Years ago I had a 1997 300 tdi, used to tow 3.5 tonnes and did 300,000 in 4 years. This was my 3rd one and we worked out the head gasket would blow between 3 + 4 cyl at about 80,000 miles. Because the engine only bent push rods we never bothered with cambelt change ( a simple job made difficult ) until it snapped or head gasket blew. We did get 145,000 once before either happened

 

Cheers Gensetsteve, this one has done 145,000 so I'm seeing this as a mid life crisis hopefully.