New the forum after lurking for a couple of years and learning about Defenders
I have a ‘97 D90 Carabinieri 2.0MPi
It runs really rich and recently it has been losing power when I hit the gas. To be more specific, in 2nd or 3rd gear, when pushing down accelerator, all power leaves and it feels as if the engine is getting flooded (I used to ride dirtbikes and this is as close to the feeling as I can describe). When I take my foot off of the gas, or lift the pedal to a sweet spot, the engine regains power, but I am unable to press the gas past that point or the issue happens again.
A couple other items. I keep losing coolant, but see no puddle under the vehicle in the garage. I took it to a mechanic and he noticed a coolant leak at a hose, but this was small.
The power issue was not a problem if I added Lucas Fuel Injector cleaner and lubricant in the gas tank. However, this no longer fixed the issue.
As the problem got worse, I was recently stranded and unable to get the engine to turn over after I ran an errand. I drove for 20 mins to my appt with no issue (2cans of Lucas). After my 1hr appt I was unable to get the engine to turn over. Sat for an hr and tried intermittently, then finally it started and I limped home with the power issue
My fear is that it is a head gasket leaking coolant into the engine and the lucas detergent was getting rid of the collant, allowing for a better mixture to run normally. This leak has gotten worse and now I need to replace the head gasket, which I have struggled to find the parts/kits. Atlantic British said that they do not have the kit for the engine. Others too.
I noticed a sizable 2.0mpi community here (at least 3 owners here and 1 guy did a full engine refurb) and thiught that this would be my best bet before throwing in the towel on the engine
I have a ‘97 D90 Carabinieri 2.0MPi
It runs really rich and recently it has been losing power when I hit the gas. To be more specific, in 2nd or 3rd gear, when pushing down accelerator, all power leaves and it feels as if the engine is getting flooded (I used to ride dirtbikes and this is as close to the feeling as I can describe). When I take my foot off of the gas, or lift the pedal to a sweet spot, the engine regains power, but I am unable to press the gas past that point or the issue happens again.
A couple other items. I keep losing coolant, but see no puddle under the vehicle in the garage. I took it to a mechanic and he noticed a coolant leak at a hose, but this was small.
The power issue was not a problem if I added Lucas Fuel Injector cleaner and lubricant in the gas tank. However, this no longer fixed the issue.
As the problem got worse, I was recently stranded and unable to get the engine to turn over after I ran an errand. I drove for 20 mins to my appt with no issue (2cans of Lucas). After my 1hr appt I was unable to get the engine to turn over. Sat for an hr and tried intermittently, then finally it started and I limped home with the power issue
My fear is that it is a head gasket leaking coolant into the engine and the lucas detergent was getting rid of the collant, allowing for a better mixture to run normally. This leak has gotten worse and now I need to replace the head gasket, which I have struggled to find the parts/kits. Atlantic British said that they do not have the kit for the engine. Others too.
I noticed a sizable 2.0mpi community here (at least 3 owners here and 1 guy did a full engine refurb) and thiught that this would be my best bet before throwing in the towel on the engine
