alfaman

It would seem that Mr Turner has already given me an answer to my seemly minor worry.

Update, I sent some pictures via email to Turner Engineering and asked the question if my problem with the cracks are terminal or not, the reply was uplifting to say the least. This is what the bossman himself said "Good to see in focus decent close up pictures for a change. Minor cracking of this nature you can disregard as casting is so thick in these areas that this will not affect fit, function or purpose. The micro cracks may have been there for years. It will cause more problems trying to rectify (weld) than simply leaving it alone."

Update on Paddocks, just got an email back after asking if what their website is showing is available or not, their answer was " RTC6896 is not live on our website as we no longer sell them. I believe that Google may have given you an old link to a part that we used to sell. Unfortunately this cylinder head is obsolete and therefore no longer manufactured by Land Rover."

One person I contacted in UK, said "Sorry I haven't got the head you need, and to be honest the last one I did was a complete pain and said I would never do one again." Paddocks shows it as, add to Wish List, I'm guessing it's not readily available. Unfortunately I didn't say I was outside of UK, my bad. I've looked at what's available, unfortunately the current pictures don't tell the whole picture. I've sent an email with pictures to a local engine repair place, here in Holland, hopefully they can fix the problem. My previous post still stands for myself and others who may be faced with a similar problem in the near future. Is there a viable option that's suitable to keep the vehicle on the road. Or will old age finally put those cars in the grave.

I am now finding myself to be in this position where my head gasket let go between the combustion chamber and the water way on No3 cylinder. After getting it towed home and removed the bits to fix it, unfortunately I've found the head has a crack between the valves on No3. My vehicle is a 200tdi Defender with all the normal Defender manifolds, front covers, pipes, etc. I'd like to know/clarify with those of you who've attempted/done the swap with a 300tdi cylinder head. From what I can gather, one needs: Injectors, rocker shaft assembly, rocker cover and thermostat output. The fuel hard lines are not informative enough to know if the the ones that fit a Discovery will fit a Defender, yes bending is required, but will they fit? The other thing I can't fully work out, yes the original 200tdi pistons will not be correct for 100% fuel efficiency as the combustion position is off. Will it work enough to be usable for a while? If the pistons require replacing for a long term solution (my bores do actually need a honing, during strip down cleaning) what's the correct combination of pistons/con-rods that will fit in the block?

I've managed to obtain some new replacement discs to fit to the trailer, but they need machining from the original Ford fitment for use on the trailer. Unfortunately I have come across a problem here in Holland, I can not find a small engineering firm, or any firm, who is willing to turn the centre out and drill 5 holes to be able to fit the hubs. After 2 weeks of searching, I've lucked out and found on the X-MOD website a pair of machined discs and got them sent to me here in Holland. Now I have a set of perfectly suitable discs that need machining, does anyone know anybody in the EU, preferably Holland, who is up for the task? Failing that, when I'm next back in Blighty, I can either find someone who can do the machining or sell them on, hopefully they'll have better luck.

I've managed to find a supplier for the said oil seals from https://simplybearings.co.uk/shop/p25175/63x90x10mm-Nitrile-Rubber-Rotary-Shaft-Oil-Seal-with-Garter-Spring-R21-/-SC/product_info.html?backstep=1 After ordering the correct NSN 5330991099998 from the XMOD website, doing measurements with the pricy NSN one and the ones from Simply Bearings, they are the same size. If anyone already knows this info, fine. If not, could the MODS put this somewhere for the others out there.

Another update for those who'd like to know. Paddocks are now, finally, going to replace my damaged chassis. It's being built and will be delivered in a couple of weeks. Apparently, due to the ending of the Defender production line, GKN now only build chassis by hand now, they have taken the robotic system offline but they still have the jigs available. F.Y.I., Marsland order books won't be officially open until sometime in February. As far as I know, the reason for the lengthy delay has been because no-one had any stock left and Xmas put the proverbial spanner in the works. Reading between the lines, it would seem as the chassis I ordered before Xmas from Paddock, supplied by Marsland, was one of the last ones they had in stock. Ho hum.

Just doing the formal request thing, right now. I'm not touching it, was told by the experts (GKN), so for now, its sat covered from the elements, waiting for Paddocks to pull their finger out of their ?!?

Acceptance of delivery isn't the issue, the delivery driver was made aware of the damages done. He took photos, he got me to say on the delivery paperwork it was damaged. I also took lots of photos of all the damages and sent them directly to Paddocks and to the delivery company in about 10 minutes after I took the photos. I had a reply the following day from Paddocks that they were sorry that there is a problem and we are looking into it. Thats as far as it's got, so far. Paddocks were paid for delivery and even after me explaining to Paddocks that a 40' articulated lorry would not be able to get down a Farm track, let alone turn around, they were adamant that the delivery company will deliver it in a 40' lorry. I told the delivery company to use a vehicle that was big enough for the chassis or take it back to England. That took 2 weeks to sort out, the numpty in Paddocks couldn't see that a 40' articulated lorry is both too tall and too heavy to clear the low hanging trees and drive on boggy ground. A few of my work colleagues and me still had to help the small truck manoeuvre as he was having difficulty. In case you're wandering, the small truck was actually just big enough for the chassis and the box part was made of Aluminium. No way was the chassis going to move enough to have the damages its got to it, the chassis would've damaged the box part.

I don't think thats a good idea, personally. I think most of us know who are the companies to avoid, etc. I've used this company for many years with different Landys I've owned, even when I worked in the Middle East. I have, so far, never had an issue with getting lost, damaged or incorrect parts resolved by them, and they have done it extremely quickly. This is, I hope so, mostly due to the worst time of the year to get things done. Everyone ceases to function properly over Xmas. Snagger, I wouldn't mind betting you've experienced the frustrations that Ramadan causes? I know I have, and when both of them coincide, deep joy.

Oh, goody. Manager isn't available today. Was told that the information was passed yesterday and was also told that the Manager is planning to get back to me by the end of the week. I said, I want someone tomorrow to phone me and tell me something, anything.

So far, Paddocks still haven't got back to me, either by email or phone. I phoned yesterday @ around 2:30 (UK time) and asked to speak to the supposed Customer Advisor Manager, that I was told its been passed on to; he's in a meeting. Ok, fine, could you please get the said person to call me back. "Ok, I'll endeavour to get him to call you" It's now 15:20 (UK time), the following day - nothing at all. I have managed to track down the exact place these chassis are made ( GKN - in Telford) and managed to have a chat with a knowledgeable person who confirmed my suspicions with the front cross-member. It's not repairable, plain-n-simple. Whilst waiting for Paddocks, yesterday, to phone me back. I contacted the said company that handled the delivery, here in France, and they haven't received any communication from Paddocks, either. So, off to try to speak to 'the Manager' again.

Thats the problem, still don't know what they are going to do yet, it's been 3 weeks. Xmas holidays put everything on hold. All I know, today, finally, it's escalated up to the Manager. Whomever that is?

Marsland dont deliver abroad, I don't think they deliver anymore. It's palmed off to Paddocks now, I think.