Camshaft timing question - help please

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Bill_H

New Member
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14
Location
SOuthampton area
Hi all, we have a Defender TD5 (05 plate) that looks as though it has the famous cracked head problem, been reading all the entries on the forum here and really great information - so hoping someone can help with this question.
In the process of removing the head and Ive locked the camshaft in position. When I came to locking the flywheel through the access hole in the transmission, the Haynes manual says use a special tool or a 5/16 drill bit - well although I can see the locking slot in the flywheel its not in perfect alignment with the hole, obviously so- so the 5/16 drill wont fit in the slot. I'd say the crank needs to turn by about 5 degrees for it to line up.
How can this be? The engine was running just fine except for the sump full of diesel, so can the engine run 5 degrees out? Worried like hell that if I move it when I reassemble the head the valves will hit the pistons.
By the way - this engine had the remapped software load and a higher ration final drive done by a main dealer before we bought it - I have the receipt so it was definitely done. Would this make any difference? That is do they alter the camshaft timing for the software change?
Cnt see it myself but worth a mention
 
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also - further question.
What is the socket required to remove head bolts?
It like nothing Ive seen before - looks a bit like Torx, but the slots are bigger
 
Sometimes you need to move the flywheel a tad to get the locking pin in as you need to take the slack out of the timing chain. 5 degrees sounds a lot though.

The head bolts should be TORX E14 size. You can get a set of the sockets needed to take the head off at Halfrauds for £16 and they come with a lifetime garantee.
http://www.halfords.com/webapp/wcs/..._productId_176391_langId_-1_categoryId_165572
Just been down my shed and checked an old head bolt for size so am 100% sure.
 
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As Shifty said they are E14 for the head bolts. Make sure you get 1/2" drive version along with a decent 1/2" Torque Wrench

Cheers

T
 
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Thanks for the repsonses - E14 Torx it certainly was. Halfords lifetime version.
On the subject of the cracked head - now almost fitted the new Turner head, and just dropped a bolt down the timing chain ...... can hjust see it balanced on the bottom sprocket - wo getting a telescopic maget and hopefully can retrieve it. WHy ooh Why didnt I stuff a rag down there!!! If magnet doesnt get it i suppose its timing chain cover off .
When the Defender had uncontrolled acceleration when my daughter was driving, I cant bear to think of the consequences, suppose there had been atraffic jam in front ?
So I thought this is a question for VOSPA the vehicle inspectorate,
Had a call back from them this morning, they are interested in this problem from a safety aspect, they have told Landrover who seem surprised at the problem, and want to investigate - will I make the old head available to them - sure.
I also asked VOSPA if they wanted any feedback from other TD5 owners who have had the problem - cracked head filling sump up with Diesel.
Indeed they do.
I will open a new Forum thread to ask for other sufferers - any idea how we can exchange names / addresses / emails without making it too public?
 
Landrover are well aware of the problem but the company has changed hands several times and the new owners are not interested. LR changed far too many heads under warranty claims to deny there was a problem. Those out of warranty were left swinging in the breeze.
 
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