Series 3 with Dead Diesel engine - Thoughts ?

Hi ,
Have been offered a Series 3 Diesel , described as excellent body , chassis & bulkhead , but dead engine for approx £2k - described as the Cam belt snapped - strange as it has a timing chain not a belt .
I,m not really an engine person , but am tempted , and have a few thoughts in my head , just was keen to get a few more experienced thoughts .
1. Would a timing chain snap ?
2. If it did snap , what are the likely consequences ? , some engines Like my old ford Capri - no issue , others I know it's a terminal issue .
3. Is there something else that could go that would give a similiar result ?
4. Even if terminal what is the likely cost to replace with S/H engine.

Am going down later this afternoon to have a look , just to check the so called excellent quality of the body. Any thoughts or guidance would be much appreciated .
Cheers Steve

condition of vehicle is more important than engine which is easy enough to replace or rebuild,effects of chain or belt snapping are generally less on engines with push rods rather than over head cam as there is something to bend rather than valve and piston crown

Hi James ,
Thanks , thats the line I was going down , however , just going through some posts , trying to do a bit of research , and stubbled upon the "Low Emission zone issue " - checked the Reg & guess what - 1983 Diesel is " Non Compliant " - which would be a bit of a challenge . I live in SE London - I think that basically sinks this idea . Real shame as it appeared really smart , had alot of the bits I wanted - new tilt , 109 wheels , deluxe bonnet , one piece moulded rubber mat , It really seemed good & local , The owner was keen to shift - could be good for someone outside London .
Cheers
Steve

what about petrol , a 2.5 petrol would make it a very nice vehicle to drive beter than the diesel and easy swap

Mmmm, Now thats a thought ... However I'm pretty inexperianced when it comes to engines , would have considered taking on a like for like swap , however a complete change I fear may be be a challenge too far. Still an interesting thought
Cheers
Steve

look it up ,theres very little difference between the 2 engines, just an idea

I reckon a 2.5 petrol would be great in a series- a bit more power than a 2.25. They turn up fairly cheap from time to time as everyone wants a tdi.

If you see a 2.5 petrol let me know - I've been on the look out for one for ages!

FlyingPete said:

I reckon a 2.5 petrol would be great in a series- a bit more power than a 2.25. They turn up fairly cheap from time to time as everyone wants a tdi.

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I had one In my series 3 a few years back, swapped from a 2286 to 2.5 90 unit. drove great and didn't scream too much actually very quiet and not bad on fuel or towing. in fact I may sell my 19J now I never thought of the 2.5

nah stick a nice chevy v8 in it

I think you can be granted an expmption from the LEZ. Someone I know managed to do it with a 1993 Defender 90 as the logbook said the max gross weight was 3499kg. This puts it at 1kg under the 3500kg cutoff.

As far as I know, the LEZ applies to all diesel commercial vehicles made before 2001 unless you apply for the exemption for vehicles under 3.5 tonnes.

As James said a 2.5 is not hard to fit and it would go really well. Not many about mind, I looked for a while I think most scrapped from old 90s putting in 200 or 300 tdi. A 2.25 petrol is a good 2nd choice and more about maybe? Very easy swap can do it over a weekend for the major jobs?

Is it actually a 2 and a quarter in yours or a 2.5? 2.5 diesels had a belt

Well - Have bitten the bullet - today bought the series 3 truck cab - with dead engine , and also a 2.5 petrol from ebay - now the fun starts .... may be asking for a bit of advise over the coming weeks.
Cheers
Steve

stag888 said:

Well - Have bitten the bullet - today bought the series 3 truck cab - with dead engine , and also a 2.5 petrol from ebay - now the fun starts .... may be asking for a bit of advise over the coming weeks.
Cheers
Steve

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why?
why not a 200di?

The Mad Hat Man said:

why?
why not a 200di?

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Easier to do a 2.5? Plus a bit different to a tdi and more authentic? More interesting than a tdi

The Mad Hat Man said:

why?
why not a 200di?

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petrol doesnt come under the lez ?

If you use the 2.5 twin choke carb, I think it needs a couple of electrical connections to open the fuel flow, also an electric fuel pump. You'll prob be able to tell from the donor vehicle from what they've done. It might have a 2.25 carb and manifold on, wouldn't be getting the best from it then though.

+1 The Weber DMTL 32/34 will run ok on a mech pump except for vapour lock problems - buy a facet fuel pump. There's two versions of the DMTL (slightly different jetting), the 2.5 jets will work on a 2.25 but not too well on a 2.5 apparently.

Progress report ..... 2.5 engine fitted , runs really well , however am still waiting for the DVLA to process the engine change & update the V5 , so that I can drive within the M25 , however not a big issue right at this moment , as getting the engine running enabled me to discover the gearbox is not so good , sounds really noisy once you get up into 3rd & 4th , so I think some time will be spent on addressing that problem before it gets taxed & hits the road .... Steve