Hello from Snowy Sweden,
New to all of this and in need of a bit of guidance.
I have some cold weather and age related problems with my 300Tdi "fleet". In no patriotic way I have three Discoveries, Red, White and Blue in various states of disrepair and would appreciate some guidance/procedures/methods/tips to help get me on my way again.
We have had White for a long time, but over the last few winters it has got harder to start, now almost given up completely. Symptoms, when less than -5C hard to start, and when it does, clouds of white smoke, smell of unburnt fuel, low on power. On normal temperature start-up it needs three turns of the ignition key to fire up, then is OK. Glow plugs fine, block heater fitted, lives in unheated carport where it can get down to -30C!
Red was running well until it picked up on no4 big end- quite a rattle so stripped down bottom end, "glitter" in oil. Replaced shells, checked head, checked and slipped valves, tappets done etc(twice). Starts really well even at the lower winter temperatures, but lacks power, knocks with a smell of unburnt fuel. It spent 4 months at the local diesel specialist and came back no better, so I feel a bit on my own out here and have lost faith in this engine but the body is very good having lived in France and Argentina before I got it
Blue was found locally here in Sweden two weeks ago. Its an automatic with a completely rotten chassis but the engine runs well and came with a comprehensive service record.
My plan is to remove the engine from Blue and put in to Red, which is a manual, so have to take off the auto bits and replace with the flywheel and other gearbox parts to fit to the manual box from Red, including changing over the fuel injection pump. I'm sure its not that simple, so any guidance on this proposal welcome.
I then intend to try the head from Red onto the White engine to see if that helps to rejuvinate.
My problems are compounded by persistant low temperatures, thick snow on the ground and a lack of a workshop, however I have a good deal of optimism, some previous experience of dealing with 300Tdi's and a reasonable set of tools/jacks/spares and am trying to hiresome indoor space for a couple of weeks. What I need form Forum members is an idiots guide to how to go about this fairly ambitious project, as when I sart I dont really want to be rolling around in the snow for too long especially at the time of year when the Discos need to be earning their keep. And yes, I do want do it!
Angus