Member Since: 05 Aug 2017
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 33
Hankering after a V8
Oh dear.
Sold my 2008 D3 2 years ago. Nothing wrong with it at all, but space etc drove the decision. I've always regretted it. Still got my Defender 110 that's been my daily drive since, but my wife struggles with it. She loved he D3 btw.
I'm really after buying a D4, and I really have an urge for an imported D4 V8.
I'm eyes wide open, but apart from the timing chain issues on that engine it looks like it could be a keeper.
Anyone who's been through it care to share the rough cost of a timing chain/tensioner change?
Don't talk me out of it, I've had this itch for a long time.
Thanks very much.
Steve
3rd Jul 2024 5:04 pm
chugga90
Member Since: 13 Aug 2014
Location: Buckinghamshire
Posts: 441
On the full fat forum you will find more information on the chains and costs!
Fellow going by the user name DHallworth I think it was did them on his current vehicle.Discovery commercial tdv6 auto 2013
Volkswagen t6 lwb Kombi dsg 4motion 2018
Volkswagen t5.1 lwb single cab tipper 2013
Discovery commercial sdv6 auto 2014 gone and not really missed.
Range Rover Tdv8 gone
Freelander 2 I6 very sadly gone
VW t5 Dsg gone and missed
3rd Jul 2024 5:40 pm
dafridgie
Member Since: 16 Apr 2022
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 4
wouldn't dream of talking you out of it, i think they are a good choice if short journeys are done often and of course less risk on the engine
are you buying locally via import company or importing yourself ?
hope you get a good one
3rd Jul 2024 5:50 pm
chugga90
Member Since: 13 Aug 2014
Location: Buckinghamshire
Posts: 441
Bit of reading here.Discovery commercial tdv6 auto 2013
Volkswagen t6 lwb Kombi dsg 4motion 2018
Volkswagen t5.1 lwb single cab tipper 2013
Discovery commercial sdv6 auto 2014 gone and not really missed.
Range Rover Tdv8 gone
Freelander 2 I6 very sadly gone
VW t5 Dsg gone and missed
3rd Jul 2024 7:14 pm
Disco_Mikey
Member Since: 29 May 2007
Location: Dundee, Scotland
Posts: 20795
The only problem with the 5.0 V8 Disco, is its missing a superchargerMy D3 Build Thread
Member Since: 05 Feb 2012
Location: Itinerant !! (Scotland/Donegal)
Posts: 168
I'm well into my 2nd year running a D4 5.0 RHD import from Japan.
Prior to that I had three D3 V8 4.4s, all were decent and enjoyed and fab for getting around UK.
My D4 is best of them all by a margin, a real delight to drive, and free thus far from serious mechanical or electrical problems.
I am indeed conscious of the timing chain guide risks, hoping soon to find someone good with engines who can tell me if my V8 is one of the vulnerable builds.
This car ticks more boxes than any other I've had down the years, I intend to run it until the industry comes up with an EV 4x4 worth sniffing at - possibly 7 - 10 years hence.
Meantime MAYBE I should take a closer look at D5s - but they remind me of a thoroughbred crossed with Mr. Blobby; and the new Defenders just don't provide enough USEFUL SPACE above that pretty massive footprint !!!
So, yes, if you can afford the fuel, then go for your dream car while you can use it and enjoy it. Otherwise you'll just fret into the future that you missed out. After all, although fuel comprises a BIG element in cost of ownership, the BIGGEST chunk will always be depreciation; good psychology to bear that in mind when standing at the Costco pump !!!
(BTW my D4 is ULEZ compliant !!!)
Wishing you happy days ))
4th Jul 2024 12:31 am
Heliart
Member Since: 05 Aug 2017
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 33
Great feedback, thank you.
Yeap, the more I think about it, getting a petrol V8 D4 seems to tick all of my boxes.
I really think EV adoption will stall, so waiting for an EV 4x4 might be a very long wait - way to many barriers in the way (resources, grid, cost, safety etc), and governments will be forced to rethink the whole NetZero nonsense, and adopt a more pragmatic approach. Dropping the mandates and simply let the technology lead the adoption. "If it's better, they will come".
Cheers,
Steve
4th Jul 2024 8:42 am
kajtzu
Member Since: 11 Aug 2017
Location: Helsinki
Posts: 6690
KPTV8 wrote:
After all, although fuel comprises a BIG element in cost of ownership, the BIGGEST chunk will always be depreciation; good psychology to bear that in mind when standing at the Costco pump !!!
(BTW my D4 is ULEZ compliant !!!)
Wishing you happy days ))
As depreciation, unlike fuel, is a non-cash item it does not affect your cash flow negatively. While obviously not financial advice, I would recommend to think of private vehicles as toys rather than any kind of investments.
(And yes I’ve spent “a few” euros over 120k km on fuel for my D3 V8)
4th Jul 2024 11:41 am
jaqoda
Member Since: 23 Jan 2019
Location: Manchester
Posts: 162
KPTV8 wrote:
I'm well into my 2nd year running a D4 5.0 RHD import from Japan.
Prior to that I had three D3 V8 4.4s, all were decent and enjoyed and fab for getting around UK.
My D4 is best of them all by a margin, a real delight to drive, and free thus far from serious mechanical or electrical problems.
I am indeed conscious of the timing chain guide risks, hoping soon to find someone good with engines who can tell me if my V8 is one of the vulnerable builds.
This car ticks more boxes than any other I've had down the years, I intend to run it until the industry comes up with an EV 4x4 worth sniffing at - possibly 7 - 10 years hence.
Meantime MAYBE I should take a closer look at D5s - but they remind me of a thoroughbred crossed with Mr. Blobby; and the new Defenders just don't provide enough USEFUL SPACE above that pretty massive footprint !!!
So, yes, if you can afford the fuel, then go for your dream car while you can use it and enjoy it. Otherwise you'll just fret into the future that you missed out. After all, although fuel comprises a BIG element in cost of ownership, the BIGGEST chunk will always be depreciation; good psychology to bear that in mind when standing at the Costco pump !!!
(BTW my D4 is ULEZ compliant !!!)
Wishing you happy days ))
Can you (or anyone) recommend a dealer that imports from Japan?
I am also in the market for a V8 but not sure the best place to source them.
4th Jul 2024 2:41 pm
disco chris
Member Since: 25 Apr 2022
Location: London
Posts: 263
They seem to pop up most regularly with Jap Car Finder... they tend to have 1 or 2 for sale at any one time. I'm not seriously looking, just fantasising, but I'd be tempted to go to them and have a look around if I was thinking hard about it. They seem to have pretty good reviews.
4th Jul 2024 3:15 pm
KPTV8
Member Since: 05 Feb 2012
Location: Itinerant !! (Scotland/Donegal)
Posts: 168
Try sending p.m. to GARDENDISCO ))
5th Jul 2024 3:12 pm
Heliart
Member Since: 05 Aug 2017
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 33
Thought I would give you guys an update.
Picked up a Japanese import a few weeks ago.
67K miles on the clock, full service history.
Been running her just to try to understand any issues that need fixing.
On the face of it she is in really good condition, zero rust.
Nothing on the IIDTool scan.
There appears to be some chain slapping, but hard to determine how serious.
I had factored in the cost of doing the timing chains and cross over pipes before committing to buy.
Due to the lower mileage I was considering doing the official "zip tie" method of only changing the tensioners and guides. https://www.rangerovers.net/threads/5-0l-t...od.335252/
It's the same dismantle up to that point, so will decide once I get a look at the chains.
I started Friday. It's a lot to take off.
I removed the radiator to allow more access at the front, and also allow the official crank pulley puller to fit.
Not removed the crank yet, still waiting for the tool to arrive.
btw, job cost so far including tool costs is about £1000 cheaper than the quote I got from a good independent Jag specialist. But it's not all about the cost as I really wanted to do it myself from the off.
Watch this space.
11th Aug 2024 8:41 am
Heliart
Member Since: 05 Aug 2017
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 33
OK, job done.
All genuine Land rover parts.
New timings chains, sprocket, tensioners, seals, gaskets.
New water pump, new belts, new belt tensioner.
New cross over pipes (front and back), new thermostat and 60% of the coolant hoses.
New intake seals.
New spark plugs.
New injector seals.
Genuine Laser tools - Timing Tool, Crank Pully Tool, Injector removal Tool.
With a few other special tools, total cost was about £2800.
Best quote I had was about £3000 for chains only (none of the other good stuff to change when in there).
The job itself is more straight forward than you would expect. Lots of good guides on YouTube, but not one of them show every single detail. Following the workshop manual word for word is a must.
Job took about 3 weeks on and off. I did it on my drive outside with no access to a ramp or any cover.
Looking at the chain guides I removed they certainly show the indent - not as bad as some, and the chain itself was very loose on both sides when at TDC.
Click image to enlarge
I was going to do the zip tie method, but after getting so far it really makes no sense not to go the whole way and do chains and everything. Plus you get to set and be sure of the timing yourself.
After doing it once, I think I could get to the chains in a day if I put my mind to it.
Everyone will tell you that the injector removal is the worse part. All I did was soak the injector seats in PB Blaster for 2 days prior to pulling, and everyone popped right out with very little effort.
Just started her up today after all this. Had a couple of errors and engine light. After a bit of digging with the IID tool I found a connector at the back of the loom I forgot to reconnect.
Final word, is that I'm really glad I did the job. I'm certainly not a professional mechanic, but I do like to get my hands dirty. I now feel I know this engine fairly well, and having confidence in the chains and cooling system is a great feeling. She really runs so smooth - quiet with zero rattle now as you would expect.
Steve
12th Sep 2024 3:24 pm
Moo D3 Decade
Member Since: 13 Aug 2010
Location: Wiltshire
Posts: 14237
Nice write up.
Where / how did you import the car?New Defender L663 110 SE (known as Noddy!)
Sold Volvo XC90 R-Design (known as Basil)
Sold - D4 HSE (Known as Gerty)
No longer the Old Buses original owner
231,000 miles and counting
05 S manual owned from March 2005
D4 Face lifted
Still original injectors and turbo
V8 Front brakes
BAS Remap, Allisport Intercooler and deCat
EGRs blanked
T-Max split charge
Hanibal Expeedition rack
Prospeed ladder
Duratrac tyres
IID BT
BAS FBH control
12th Sep 2024 5:38 pm
G3Z
Member Since: 16 Dec 2018
Location: South Wales
Posts: 551
Fair play to you getting stuck right in. Pictures of the D4 would be lovely Defender 110 2.4 TDCi Utility Station Wagon.
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