Help please.

HI all, Recently brought a cheap V reg 2.od L series Freelander with a noisy top end. Not stripped as yet, suspect either cam or follower. Is this a common problem? also had a quick look on the internet, Camshafts don't seem to be available? (if it is cam)
Is there an online parts supplier that you would recommend? (reasonable price/reliable)
Would probably change cam belt/pump belt at same time, are replacement idlers a requirement?
Vehicle also seems to be dogged by coolant leaks over the last few years. again is this common?

Would appreciate any feedback and pointers. Thanks in advance,
Bill.

Are you sure its abnormally "noisy" - the injector pump makes quite a rattly racket and its a noisy engine anyway - especially when cold! Are you familiar with diesels?

If you don't know the age of the belts, you should change all 3 - cam, fuel pump & aux. I'd suggest changing the idlers & tensioners as well while you are doing it. Be especially careful of the aux belt tensioner - it goes/siezes and throws the belt which then gets wrapped round the main pulley and pulls the cam belt off. Its the biggest killer of L Series engines.

Most common coolant leak is probably the heater matrix underneath the dash - you would notice dampness on the passenger footwell and its a dash out job to replace it. If you can't see any visible signs of leaks - check the coolant bottle, they craze and crack to let the coolant escape. I've also heard of people changing the core plugs because they are weeping/leaking - TBH I don't even know where they are.

I love my L Series - fantastic old plodder that just runs and runs and returns a smidge under 40mpg - maybe 36 round town. I lose coolant in mine, but never very much. It seams to empty the coolant bottle plus a little bit - but never any more. I'm pretty sure its the heater matrix, but I'm reluctant to pull the dash out to get to it. Its nights like tonight that I worry because I'm not to careful on how I top it up - eg water/antifreeze mix and its probably getting down to -4 or -5 tonight!