Defender TD5,

Hi All,

I am looking at buying a TD5 defender. The one I have my eye on is from 1999. I now that these early ones suffered form a few issues. It has had the injector loom replaced. I have a cheap error code reader but nothing too fancy. will use that to see if there are any error codes.

Here is my check list for when I look at it have I forgotten anything?

1/ Plastic head dowels been replaced
2/ water/diesel in the coolant
3/ Fuel pressure regulator
4/ Check to see if the oil pump bolt has been
5/ Rust + Rear cross member (apparently it has been replaced)
6/ Oil leaks (inc steering box)
7/ General tests

Thanks!

As you've summarised all corrosion as 'Rust' in item number 5 I take it you are familiar with all the key areas to check.

cheap fault code reader wont work on a td5 as they are not OBD2 compliant

Sounds like a list of things that might go wrong with a TD5 to me. While you're underneath looking at the rust, try to wobble everything. Propshafts, suspension bushes, ball joints on the steering, that kind of thing. It's not a problem if they're loose, as it can all be replaced, but it gives you an idea how much work you're letting yourself in for.

The oil pump sprocket bolt will be a bit difficult to check if you're just casually looking at it on someone's forecourt as it is a sump off job!

Cheers for the quick replies! So would I need to get or borrow a Nanocom? Is it worthwhile?

Thanks.

If you're going to spend any length of time with a TD5 a Nanocom is very useful. Or a Hawkeye, or that new Lynx system that runs on a laptop. But some sort of diagnostics is very handy. Otherwise you're fencing in the dark.