rusty_wingnut

The heater works as well as ever. This engine was built up using a recon M&D bottom end, with a pressure tested cylinder before my ownership.

Well, not sure it was resolved as such, I fitted the new radiator cap, and Y piece. There's no loss of coolant, so I refitted the fan and left it. Done a couple of long runs and it seems OK, honestly I am not sure what happened. I even started to wonder if the sender was breaking down in some way. Long term I will probably fit a proper temperature gauge.

Could someone with a 300tdi confirm that the thermostat housing isn't full of coolant when cold?

All, I have an odd issue, that I am not sure is even an issue, it all started a few weeks back chugging up the hill out of Farnham towards Guildford, accelerating up to 60mmph, I noticed the temp gauge climbing, so I backed off, and although it was running a little hotter than usual it wasn't boiling. I had removed the engine fan the night before as I was replacing a leaky power steering pump, and hadn't refitted it - what with it being spring and hardly warm! I got back via the A3/M25 and although running hot it hadn't boiled (maintaining a steady 55mph) Now since being back I cannot seem to maintain a full air free thermostat housing despite bleeding twice and filling through the bleed plugs. This may/may not be an issue but I am sure my old 300tdis would bleed up and remain full wether hot or cold. With the engine running and it bleeds no issue, tighten it back down, drive, let it cool and then open the plug, coolant has only reached as high as the bleed valve on the thermostat. Since being back I've done a few checks- Thermostat opened although not fully, confirmed in the same pan with two others - the one that opened the most was refitted. (assumed faulty thermostat) Water pump confirmed as fins turning and no leaks. No visible leaks at heater box. Swapped seal on thermostat bleed plug, incase air being drawn in. Changed Y piece, old one checked and all clear Swapped for known good expansion cap Checked expansion hose fitting on thermostat housing is clear There are no bubbles in the header tank when hot/cold/revved for the head gasket doom mongers No leaks around P gasket Am I worrying about nothing? I will do a long journey later in the week on the motorway.

Well it's not cheap, £1500 apparently. If you guys are serious I can put you in contact with the owner.

I do know where there's a 2.8TGV.....

300 is more complicated - I've done it, it involves new engine mount, and relocating the oil filter housing.

I was thinking that it will fit on the mounts, fit the gearbox, fuel lines are simple. Then you're left with exhuast pipe and mounting the 200 power steering pump. It's leftfield, but I dare say you may find someone has a running engine you could beg/borrow while you repair what you have.

Could you consider something like a 2.5D in lue of the 200 short term?

As your fitting an M57 I wouldn't consider anything pre 300tdi. I'd be tempted to go for the cheapest chassis mount kit for the engine and work backwards - probably TDCI.

Not to derail the thread, but who does decent rebuilt units? 110 is starting to whine....

Of course it's all down to right foot, the only gearbox we found would survive behind one was the V8 auto.

Yeah an old SL35 is a great engine - it will murder your gearbox though.

M57

Also worth noting the cheap copy Makita impact wrench is really rather good.... I cannot find the discussion link on here though.