2.5d lifespan + rebuild cost

Genus Coffea · Nov 5, 2015

My 2.5d has done between 150000 to 180000 miles and has been reasonably well maintained. How many more miles could I expect it to last? I want to completely rebuild it in 2-3 years time when I have the knowledge to do so, (am apprentice engineer), am doing around 12000 miles per year. Only experiencing small leaks, occasional oil pressure light at idling so far, no excessive or blue smoke. Also how much would a rebuild cost, aside from boring of cylinders, grinding of crankshaft etc, I want to do all of it myself, so just parts. Assume by this point most components are buggered.

Thanks.

zeaphod · Nov 11, 2015

If it's in reasonable condition now, another 36000 miles aren't going to bother it much. I would get an oil pressure gauge soonish if the light is coming on when idling. If it reads low, then a replacement oil pump would be a good idea. Also worth checking compression. Don't assume most parts are buggered, these engines can last a long time with regular maintenance.

Genus Coffea · Nov 11, 2015

Thanks. With regards to the oil light it only comes on after around 20 mins driving, and even then it will only appear when stationary. Moving at any speed or or slightly revving the engine gets rid of it. I have noticed the coolant is quite dirty and will replace it, could a part of it be off coolant leading to quick temperature build up at lower speeds? The car actually cools down at 60mph. Will check pressure anyway though thanks.

zeaphod · Nov 15, 2015

I think they are over cooled for kicking around in/light driving, mine also gets colder as soon as I get over 30mph. I assume your temp gauge isn't reading above 1/2 way when the oil light comes on? Also don't forget these engines were designed in the days of 20/50 oil, if you're using more modern thinner stuff, if may affect the oil pressure too, especially with a worn pump.

jamesmartin · Nov 15, 2015

feel the rad when engines hot it should be hot all over, a new stat might help ,it will need a rebore and new pistons ,cam bearings , crank if done in time might well come right with a machine crank polish, about 800 for a fully rebuilt unit including a rebore,new pistons,new oil pump, cam etc etc depends how many parts you need or want to change

Genus Coffea · Nov 15, 2015

zeaphod said:
I think they are over cooled for kicking around in/light driving, mine also gets colder as soon as I get over 30mph. I assume your temp gauge isn't reading above 1/2 way when the oil light comes on? Also don't forget these engines were designed in the days of 20/50 oil, if you're using more modern thinner stuff, if may affect the oil pressure too, especially with a worn pump.

I normally use 15w40 so the thinner oil argument is valid. The temp gauge is nearly always at 1/4 way and it only ever came to halfway after being stationary for 20mins on the m4. After I check the pressure and compression and find they are low I guess I will replace the oil pump as a temporary measure until rebuild time and use 20w50. I flushed and replaced the coolant (it was completely orange) and the oli light came on much later. Oil pump is around £30 off Dingocroft so plenty of time to save for rebuild. From what I've heard 12j models are tough old beasts and I couldn't care less for the swap to a 200tdi argument I see all the time. Thanks again.

jamesmartin · Nov 15, 2015

Genus Coffea said:
I normally use 15w40 so the thinner oil argument is valid. The temp gauge is nearly always at 1/4 way and it only ever came to halfway after being stationary for 20mins on the m4. After I check the pressure and compression and find they are low I guess I will replace the oil pump as a temporary measure until rebuild time and use 20w50. I flushed and replaced the coolant (it was completely orange) and the oli light came on much later. Oil pump is around £30 off Dingocroft so plenty of time to save for rebuild. From what I've heard 12j models are tough old beasts and I couldn't care less for the swap to a 200tdi argument I see all the time. Thanks again.

tough in that they will run when worn out, bore wear is far more pronounced than a tdi

Genus Coffea · Nov 16, 2015

jamesmartin said:
feel the rad when engines hot it should be hot all over, a new stat might help ,it will need a rebore and new pistons ,cam bearings , crank if done in time might well come right with a machine crank polish, about 800 for a fully rebuilt unit including a rebore,new pistons,new oil pump, cam etc etc depends how many parts you need or want to change

Can you recommend any good machinists around tbe Berkshire/Oxfordshire area? The rebore, new pistons, new cam and reground/polished crank are all I want done. Everything else I wish to undertake myself, I want to renew most components anyway to achieve a "like new" engine. After a complete rebuild would you feel confident in saying I should get roughly as many miles as are already on the clock if not more? Thanks?

jamesmartin · Nov 16, 2015

not in your area in general they are becoming fewer ,but done well should be good for a very long time, the crucial part is the honing to piston size after boring,some are known to bore to size then just hone a cross hatch on removing little metal , a high detergent oil helps

2.5d lifespan + rebuild cost

Genus Coffea

Member

zeaphod

Well-Known Member

Genus Coffea

Member

zeaphod

Well-Known Member

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

Genus Coffea

Member

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

Genus Coffea

Member

jamesmartin

Well-Known Member

Similar threads