Bargain 110?? - Land Rovers Only

MartinD · 12-11-2005, 04:59 AM

Hi !! Complete Landy virgin - so treat me genty pls!

I've just been to see a locally advertised 110 c4 1989 DT - converted from hardtop to windows and benches (not sure of the terminology!) 13 yrs ago. Same owner 13 yrs, 85k miles (all MOTs to verify) and serviced annually locally. Used for horse towing work by very well off owners, and light estate stuff.
I did the basic checks - bulkhead OK, 4 new tyres, chassis sound (but mucky) engine not too smokey and started from cold OK (in -2c conditions!) Heater Ok, BUT - lots of oil on the top of the head and around the turbo, and
the drivers side A piller is rot. Now, I know the oil isn't good but is it acceptable. The Lady of the house has NEVER lifted the bonnet so no help there. The asking price is less then a thousand pounds.... MOT till May too...

I need help - it's what I want (perm 4 wheel drive and space to swing the dog) but is it a mutt - Do all 2.5 DTs blow oil a bit and this is just an accumalation?
Thanks for any help!!!

TerryS · 12-11-2005, 05:34 AM

Martin,
Defender bulkheads are equally prone to rot as the old sewries ones were. Rot in the the lower posts is easy to fix as there are relacement, weld in pieces. Rot in the upper section isn't so easily fixed for a few reasons. There are patch pieces available over here, so I have to assume you can also get them. Cutting them in and welding them up so it is cosmetically acceptable is a job for a professional. Usually, when the rust starts showing through to the outside, it's pretty awful inside. The good news is, new defender bulkheads are available, inexpensive (releative) and easy to replace.

The 2.5 TD is a workhorse, but old engine. It was replaced by the 200 TDi ('i' being for 'intercooled') Excessive oil on the top of the engine may (or may not) be from 'blowby' a condition casuing excessive crankcase pressure due to worn rings. A bit of blue smoke on starting is normal, as long as it goes away when warmed up. Black smoke is fuel, could be fauty injectors or injector pump timing. Take the oil fill cap off when the engine is running; is there alot of 'air pressure' Coming up? That's the 'blow by' indicating rings are worn.
A 200 TDi is the reasonable transplant, or even the newer 300 TDi.
The price doesn't sound bad for UK prices if the body work is straight, seals aren't all worn out, and frame isn't full of holes. You didn't comment on Gearbox, Axles, wheels, suspension busings, you know, all things that can cause clunks and general wallet leaks.

TerryS · 12-11-2005, 05:41 AM

Martin, I forgot to mention; check for rust along the bottom edges of the doors, and the door sills. These sills are part of the B pillar and are also prone to rusting out.

MartinD · 12-11-2005, 08:31 AM

Thanks - That gives me more to look at ! Not a lot of smoke out of the engine, and the box/chassis/suspension all seems ok. The corrosion is all on the upper A Piller, from door frame to top right angle of the roofline.

I'll check to see if local welders can fix it cheaply

Martin

TerryS · 12-11-2005, 12:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinD

The corrosion is all on the upper A Piller, from door frame to top right angle of the roofline.

I'll check to see if local welders can fix it cheaply

Martin

You have me confused (Not hard to do, so don't get a swelled head)
The A pillar is the portion of the bulkhead to which the front door hindges attach. From the top of the bulkhead to the roof is the windshield frame, which is an alloy (aluminium) casting.
It sounds to me like you are describing the B pillar, which is the post to which the rear door hindges attach, and to which the front door striker plates are attached, These pillars are steel and do commonly rot out, but usually at he junction of the sills, and the sills thenselves, They are better replaced, and not repaired.

ish · 12-11-2005, 01:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MartinD

Hi !! Complete Landy virgin - so treat me genty pls!

I've just been to see a locally advertised 110 c4 1989 DT - converted from hardtop to windows and benches (not sure of the terminology!) 13 yrs ago. Same owner 13 yrs, 85k miles (all MOTs to verify) and serviced annually locally. Used for horse towing work by very well off owners, and light estate stuff.
I did the basic checks - bulkhead OK, 4 new tyres, chassis sound (but mucky) engine not too smokey and started from cold OK (in -2c conditions!) Heater Ok, BUT - lots of oil on the top of the head and around the turbo, and
the drivers side A piller is rot. Now, I know the oil isn't good but is it acceptable. The Lady of the house has NEVER lifted the bonnet so no help there. The asking price is less then a thousand pounds.... MOT till May too...

I need help - it's what I want (perm 4 wheel drive and space to swing the dog) but is it a mutt - Do all 2.5 DTs blow oil a bit and this is just an accumalation?
Thanks for any help!!!

Ok Ok Guys.............who's turn is it to bend over the virgin and lube him up!!!

TerryS · 12-11-2005, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lshill05

Ok Ok Guys.............who's turn is it to bend over the virgin and lube him up!!!

That was pretty random..........................and stupid.

MartinD · 12-12-2005, 02:29 AM

Terry - Thanks, it may be a continental difference in terminology, where we are the A pillar runs as the support for the door from roof to chassis, and joins the bulk head.

I regret the post of your colleague, and I've decided to try posting on another fourm.

Thanks again, and good luck in your future.

TerryS · 12-12-2005, 02:12 PM

Martin don't let them scare you off. They've probably gotten into the holiday punch. I don't mind a little lunacy, but it belongs on the Lounge thread. He doesn't know much about Defenders either, as they are far and away the least expensive of the Land Rovers when it comes to repairs and maintainance. Buying one over here, well that's a horse of a different color, but as someone else said, they can be built and rebuilt on the cheap, as parts are plentiful on both sides of the pond.

ish · 12-20-2005, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TerryS

That was pretty random..........................and stupid.

holy sh!t..........maybe you're a little too grown up for my sense of humor. Let me know when your mail-order personality arrives.

MartinD · 12-21-2005, 12:49 PM

Maybe your mail order bride will bring it over with her.

TerryS · 12-21-2005, 04:33 PM

Jesus, Ishill, after 8 days, is that the best comeback you can muster? When you want to flame me, at least put some heat into it. I don't mind infantile remarks, what pissed me off was your base and tasteless choice of words.

12-11-2005, 04:59 AM	#1 (permalink)
MartinD Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4 Gallery: 0	Bargain 110?? Hi !! Complete Landy virgin - so treat me genty pls! I've just been to see a locally advertised 110 c4 1989 DT - converted from hardtop to windows and benches (not sure of the terminology!) 13 yrs ago. Same owner 13 yrs, 85k miles (all MOTs to verify) and serviced annually locally. Used for horse towing work by very well off owners, and light estate stuff. I did the basic checks - bulkhead OK, 4 new tyres, chassis sound (but mucky) engine not too smokey and started from cold OK (in -2c conditions!) Heater Ok, BUT - lots of oil on the top of the head and around the turbo, and the drivers side A piller is rot. Now, I know the oil isn't good but is it acceptable. The Lady of the house has NEVER lifted the bonnet so no help there. The asking price is less then a thousand pounds.... MOT till May too... I need help - it's what I want (perm 4 wheel drive and space to swing the dog) but is it a mutt - Do all 2.5 DTs blow oil a bit and this is just an accumalation? Thanks for any help!!!

12-11-2005, 08:31 AM	#4 (permalink)
MartinD Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4 Gallery: 0	bargain 110 Thanks - That gives me more to look at ! Not a lot of smoke out of the engine, and the box/chassis/suspension all seems ok. The corrosion is all on the upper A Piller, from door frame to top right angle of the roofline. I'll check to see if local welders can fix it cheaply Martin

12-12-2005, 02:29 AM	#8 (permalink)
MartinD Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4 Gallery: 0	Bargain 110 Terry - Thanks, it may be a continental difference in terminology, where we are the A pillar runs as the support for the door from roof to chassis, and joins the bulk head. I regret the post of your colleague, and I've decided to try posting on another fourm. Thanks again, and good luck in your future.

12-21-2005, 04:33 PM	#12 (permalink)
TerryS Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bloomfield, CT If I died today, I lived there all my life. Posts: 2,062 Gallery: 0	Jesus, Ishill, after 8 days, is that the best comeback you can muster? When you want to flame me, at least put some heat into it. I don't mind infantile remarks, what pissed me off was your base and tasteless choice of words. Last edited by TerryS : 12-21-2005 at 07:01 PM.

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12-11-2005, 05:34 AM	#2 (permalink)
TerryS Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bloomfield, CT If I died today, I lived there all my life. Posts: 2,062 Gallery: 0	Martin, Defender bulkheads are equally prone to rot as the old sewries ones were. Rot in the the lower posts is easy to fix as there are relacement, weld in pieces. Rot in the upper section isn't so easily fixed for a few reasons. There are patch pieces available over here, so I have to assume you can also get them. Cutting them in and welding them up so it is cosmetically acceptable is a job for a professional. Usually, when the rust starts showing through to the outside, it's pretty awful inside. The good news is, new defender bulkheads are available, inexpensive (releative) and easy to replace. The 2.5 TD is a workhorse, but old engine. It was replaced by the 200 TDi ('i' being for 'intercooled') Excessive oil on the top of the engine may (or may not) be from 'blowby' a condition casuing excessive crankcase pressure due to worn rings. A bit of blue smoke on starting is normal, as long as it goes away when warmed up. Black smoke is fuel, could be fauty injectors or injector pump timing. Take the oil fill cap off when the engine is running; is there alot of 'air pressure' Coming up? That's the 'blow by' indicating rings are worn. A 200 TDi is the reasonable transplant, or even the newer 300 TDi. The price doesn't sound bad for UK prices if the body work is straight, seals aren't all worn out, and frame isn't full of holes. You didn't comment on Gearbox, Axles, wheels, suspension busings, you know, all things that can cause clunks and general wallet leaks.

12-11-2005, 05:41 AM	#3 (permalink)
TerryS Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bloomfield, CT If I died today, I lived there all my life. Posts: 2,062 Gallery: 0	Martin, I forgot to mention; check for rust along the bottom edges of the doors, and the door sills. These sills are part of the B pillar and are also prone to rusting out.

12-12-2005, 02:12 PM	#9 (permalink)
TerryS Moderator Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Bloomfield, CT If I died today, I lived there all my life. Posts: 2,062 Gallery: 0	Martin don't let them scare you off. They've probably gotten into the holiday punch. I don't mind a little lunacy, but it belongs on the Lounge thread. He doesn't know much about Defenders either, as they are far and away the least expensive of the Land Rovers when it comes to repairs and maintainance. Buying one over here, well that's a horse of a different color, but as someone else said, they can be built and rebuilt on the cheap, as parts are plentiful on both sides of the pond.

12-21-2005, 12:49 PM	#11 (permalink)
MartinD Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 4 Gallery: 0	Maybe your mail order bride will bring it over with her.

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