How to keep a 200tdi running indefinately?

Hi there, this is my first post and a bit wordy so bear with me!

I have a 1992 110csw 200tdi which has now covered 160,000 odd miles. I have had it for 2 years now and I know these engines can do big mileages, but what I really want to know is what can I do to keep the engine healthy and plodding along?

It's history before me is unknown, the previous owner used it for his canal boat business so presumably it has done some heavy towing in its time. I'm about the 10th owner so its been through several pairs of hands! In the time I have had it I have had to had the rear crossmember with extensions replaced, as well as the front dumb irons, I have also had to replace the starter motor, fan, diesel lift pump, battery, fuel tank and rear door and more so with the ammount of work that has needed to be done I am concerned for the overall state of the engine which I want to prolong as long as possible.

Since I have owned it it has only really had short runs once a week or less (not healthy I know!). I have recently had a full service with new oils and filters etc. including a new cambelt. Asides from regular servicing what else can I do short of a full blown rebuild? I am intending to keep this Land Rover hopefully for the rest if my life, circumstances allowing! I realise I will have to go down the rebuild route at some stage but in the mean time what can I/the garage do which is a bit more 'serious' than just regular servicing?

Thanks for making your way through all that waffle!

The only thing that I can suggest is keep it well serviced which you obviously seem to be keeping on top of. Make sure you keep the oil level in-between the marks and perhaps change the oil and fuel filters up to three times a year - they're dirt cheap and for the sake of 5 minutes work it's well worth the bother, especially if you happen to clean your old filters out and examine all those little bits of crap that have been caught which could have damaged your engine.

I've just rebuilt my 2.5 N/A diesel which has 161,000 miles on the clock. De-glazed the cylinders, 4 new pistons with new rings and new bearings all round, cost £250 for the bits (which I could have got a little cheaper online) and a good weekend to get it done. Runs a hell of a lot better for it. There's probably no chance that your engine has really had any work done on the cylinders / piston side of things, and if it does feel a little bit sluggish new rings, a de-glaze and new bearings will have it running for another 100,000 miles or so. You've got to consider that your engine has done 160,000 miles and thats a lot of wear on the rings.

It depends on how you look at it - an engine wont last for ever but it will last a lot longer depending how well you look after it, and a little bit of work over a weekend can have back to brand new condition. Not much to it either - rocker off, head off, sump off, pistons out - simple! If it's running sound with no oil leaks or loss of power, don't worry about it.

Keep the uj's well greased
-Pos

You can keep a land rover defender type indefinately, as long as you are prepared to replace the bits as they need it.
I would be saving up for a replacement galvanised chassis, by the sound of the one you have, this will give you a good base , The bulk head will probably be the next structural item , if not doors.
The engines can be rebuilt ad infinitum, as once they have reached the rebore limit they can be dry sleeved back to standard. All other wearing surfaces are replaceable. You could also take the opportunity to upgrade as you replace. e.g. to 200/300 tdi.
Thats why they are the most eco friendly vehicle built, going on whole life carbon footprint , if thats a concern

Thanks for the speedy replies guys, very helpful and I have a good idea of the sort of preventative measures needed now. Sorry, if this is a bit of a newbie thread, thanks for being patient!

Any more suggestions? Thanks!

As you only do short journey's by the sounds of things, definately change your oil more regularly, cheap compared to problems it prevents. If the chassis is reasonable why not give it a good coat of underseal, and if you want inject it with some waxoyl.

adseybear said:

, definately change your oil more regularly, cheap compared to problems it prevents. If the chassis is reasonable why not give it a good coat of underseal, and if you want inject it with some waxoyl.

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Thanks, from what everyone else has been saying I will probably halve the service intervals now, or do it 2 or 3 times a year, whichever comes first. I think the chassis is in pretty good nick now that the rear crossmember and front dumb irons have been replaced, I was considering getting the chassis waxoyled by "Before 'n' After" to get the best possible job done, but a quick search on this forum has thrown their reputation into doubt... but I think I will probably go for it as I'd have more peace of mind from a professional job.