Is there anything actually good about the Tdci engines.?

This site contains affiliate links for which LandyZone may be compensated if you make a purchase.
If you want or need to be able to fix it yourself with limited resources or even find out what's wrong with it then a modern engine is a nightmare.

With just a box of spanners, yes. But with the right (not necessarily expensive) tools and a source of spares, modern engines are easier in most respects. You can get a lot of information from a simple fault code reader and a code book. On my old car I had an issue with rough idle and lack of power. Plugged in the reader which pinpointed the MAF as the problem. I bought the part, fitted it, cleared the fault code and good as new.
 
times and things do but it doesnt alter that 200 tdi was a great engine

The clue there is WAS :)

And it WAS no better than any other engine around at the same time.

Contrary to what they say...the ones who can rebuild an engine with a fag packet and a 9/16 open ender says...the 2.4 ford engine is a good engine and you wont have to rebuild it :) The gearbox is also a good gearbox...1000% better and more relaible than any lt77. The electronics are only complicated if your're skills amount to changing points every 6000 miles and all your spanners are imperial.

You can just imagine landyzone a hundred years ago....should I get some of these new fangled air filled tyres?.....oh no you dont want them, you might get a puncture, they'll never catch on :)
 
I didn't miss the point, I countered your point by stating my own, that being that unless you live in the UK (which I don't BTW!) 200Tdi engine parts are getting hard to come by, and not to mention the fact that good old fashioned machining and engineering shops and diesel specialists just don't stock anything for small mechanical injection engines, you got a truck or a tractor then fair enough but small stuff is getting real hard to get, and I don't have an abundance of space to hoard stuff.

I was looking for a repower solution that stayed LR and is still very much current with readily available parts supplies. With the 2.4 and 2.2 engines they were fitted to Transits, so parts supplies should long prevail right accross europe?

or is it a case of #### the trend of LR engine and find something else that will also be slagged off and hated by some one else :rolleyes:


Pretty sure 200 parts will be available for many years yet, theres a massive trade on ebay, Ive sold loads of 200 engine parts recently, quite a lot unsold as well so tells me over supply.
Lots being fitted to 40 and 50 year old series motors as well.
Got to run out of second hand parts some day as there cant be many disco 200 left running!
Biggest problem with the 200 is quite simply it isnt powerful enough.
 
At the time, it WAS one of the better diesel engines about.

Bear in mind I have one!

It may have been a marked improvement on the earlier 2.5TD & 2.5 NA engines but LR fell by the wayside with the slightly improved 300Tdi when Isuzu had their 3.1Tdi 4 pot, yota had their ever dependable 2.4 Tdi and then Nissan with their rather ferocious 4.2 straight 6, all from the same period and within a short span they all had much better engines and lets not talk transmissions :rolleyes:

I have no doubt the 200Tdi was the best in class back then, everyones choice for transplant into something else, series or Defender, but, there are better and more modern engines out there, of that I'm sure.
 
To the OP...as you can see from the replies "One mans meat is another mans poison" old but true saying.

The truth of the matter is, what might be a good engine one might not be for another despite the fact that one might be better than the other. Opinions will ALWAYS vary, its a human thing.

The facts are:

The 200TDI is a simple engine, easy to diagnose, easier to repair cheaper to repair, parts are still available and many purists love them still.

Compared to the TD5, its lower on power, more noisy, "can" leak oil which I think would be the main negative comments compared to a TD5

The TD5 is a more modern engine with more power, quieter and again the TD5 purists love them.

So to reply to your specific question, the above are the main facts. You have to look at the facts between the characteristics of the engines and YOU decide if the 200TDI is a good engine because it will be down to YOUR opinion.

A simple engine low on power might appeal to some and others might hate that and then there are people who love the power, quietness of a more advanced and sophisticated engine like the TD5.

What I can tell you, is that irrespective of brand, quality of any make is not the same as it used to be.

I still have fully function power windows and power locks working as it was new on my 1897 BMW325is with 378,000 Km, but I have already changed the power window regulators, power lock actuators, outside door handles TWICE on my 2005 BMW X5 with 120,000KM.

On my 2002 325i, I changed coil packs on all 6 cylinders and power actuators within the first 50Km under warranty.

They do not make em as they used to, cutting costs by using cheaper material and less labor has been quite evident without a doubt.

I hope this clears up all the back and forth and exchanges.
 
Pretty sure 200 parts will be available for many years yet, theres a massive trade on ebay, Ive sold loads of 200 engine parts recently, quite a lot unsold as well so tells me over supply.
Lots being fitted to 40 and 50 year old series motors as well.
Got to run out of second hand parts some day as there cant be many disco 200 left running!
Biggest problem with the 200 is quite simply it isnt powerful enough.

The power is a problem, but, in my opinion, it is gear related, not enough ratio's in the gearbox to accomodate the low power, but this is a pretty common problem, not just Land Rover related.
 
Forgot to add MY opinion :)

I love both the simple old school engines. Still advanced for its time, the 1992 BMW 535i M50 is noisy but can deliver over 400HP turbochared on a bone stock engine, built like a tank.

On the flip side I can adore the sweet howls of a BMW e46 M3 with an SMG or 6 speed double H manual. It also has a vanos system with bolts that backs out and destroys the engine :)
 
The power is a problem, but, in my opinion, it is gear related, not enough ratio's in the gearbox to accomodate the low power, but this is a pretty common problem, not just Land Rover related.

Do you know many people can live with this "power problem" LOL

Its not a problem, its a choice, read my post. I am accustomed to speed, I raced and the whole nice yards, but yet I can appreciate the 200TDi for what it is.

If it was a problem, do you think it would have been a marketable vehicle still? Its all about opinions son and what each individual like and wants.

Just looking at the Defender right now new off the production line... do you know the amount of people who would turn up their noses at it????
 
This is all 200tdi vs TD5 vs TDCI engines... what about the 300tdi? Where does that fit into the discussion! And the R380 gearbox!

After going from an old 2.5 petrol with an LT77, the 300tdi is really nice. It can go up hills.
 
To the OP...as you can see from the replies "One mans meat is another mans poison" old but true saying.

The truth of the matter is, what might be a good engine one might not be for another despite the fact that one might be better than the other. Opinions will ALWAYS vary, its a human thing.

The facts are:

The 200TDI is a simple engine, easy to diagnose, easier to repair cheaper to repair, parts are still available and many purists love them still.

Compared to the TD5, its lower on power, more noisy, "can" leak oil which I think would be the main negative comments compared to a TD5

The TD5 is a more modern engine with more power, quieter and again the TD5 purists love them.

So to reply to your specific question, the above are the main facts. You have to look at the facts between the characteristics of the engines and YOU decide if the 200TDI is a good engine because it will be down to YOUR opinion.

A simple engine low on power might appeal to some and others might hate that and then there are people who love the power, quietness of a more advanced and sophisticated engine like the TD5.

What I can tell you, is that irrespective of brand, quality of any make is not the same as it used to be.

I still have fully function power windows and power locks working as it was new on my 1897 BMW325is with 378,000 Km, but I have already changed the power window regulators, power lock actuators, outside door handles TWICE on my 2005 BMW X5 with 120,000KM.

On my 2002 325i, I changed coil packs on all 6 cylinders and power actuators within the first 50Km under warranty.

They do not make em as they used to, cutting costs by using cheaper material and less labor has been quite evident without a doubt.

I hope this clears up all the back and forth and exchanges.

All very true, but I deliberately posted this here to engage a few views of those who are only just realizing that the old barge is dead this year and that there has been a few changes since the last 200Tdi rolled out of Sollihul in 1994.

I get the purists thing and also know that the stigmatic replies from those stuck in the past isthe main driver in sending owners of the more modern engined variants to more dedicated forums where they are pioneering the DIY approach to the modern engines, same on D3.co.uk, tons of guys on there with all the answers that don't come here as 200Tdi rules :rolleyes: just my opinion.

Same thread in two other forums, one yielding the same as here, the other more Defender dedicated and tons more Puma/TDCI traffic yielded some very encouraging replies.

Ultimately, my vehicle, my choice.
 
Just thinking and smiling... we should all admit that the Defender is really a boxy, non aerodynamic, noisy, rough and obsolite design peice of sh!t BUT we LOVE THEM and thats what count.

Dont care about what anyone say and see, we are proud frickin Kings when we sit on that upright, back ache inducing drivers seat in honking that 3.5 ton boxy piece of oil splattering ****e. LOL

Thats waht matters OP, what we like as individuals.
 
This is all 200tdi vs TD5 vs TDCI engines... what about the 300tdi? Where does that fit into the discussion! And the R380 gearbox!

After going from an old 2.5 petrol with an LT77, the 300tdi is really nice. It can go up hills.

No, that's where the whole fight fight started, the OP question is

" Is there anything actually good about the Tdci engines"

He never asked about any comparisons. All he needed was the GOOD about the TCDI engines, not a pi$$ing match about which is better than the other.
 
All very true, but I deliberately posted this here to engage a few views of those who are only just realizing that the old barge is dead this year and that there has been a few changes since the last 200Tdi rolled out of Sollihul in 1994.

I get the purists thing and also know that the stigmatic replies from those stuck in the past is the main driver in sending owners of the more modern engined variants to more dedicated forums where they are pioneering the DIY approach to the modern engines, same on D3.co.uk, tons of guys on there with all the answers that don't come here as 200Tdi rules :rolleyes: just my opinion.

Same thread in two other forums, one yielding the same as here, the other more Defender dedicated and tons more Puma/TDCI traffic yielded some very encouraging replies.

Ultimately, my vehicle, my choice.

Nothing wrong with either forums, again..its about who likes what more. Here it might be more 200 and 300 tdi related. It simply demonstrates that this crowd in more into the old school engines than those of D3.co.uk.

It ALL comes down to taste and opinions, we have to agree to disagree.

IMO, its better to have different forums supporting and reflecting different aspects of Landys..this way we know where to go when looking for something specific. Its better for different guys who share common interests remain in one group.

After all I wont go to a fishing forum to look for deer hunting advice, correct?

.
 
Last edited:
The tdci 2.2 is a pleasant drive. Makes a fender car like. Cant give higher praise than that surely?
 
All very true, but I deliberately posted this here to engage a few views of those who are only just realizing that the old barge is dead this year and that there has been a few changes since the last 200Tdi rolled out of Sollihul in 1994.

I get the purists thing and also know that the stigmatic replies from those stuck in the past isthe main driver in sending owners of the more modern engined variants to more dedicated forums where they are pioneering the DIY approach to the modern engines, same on D3.co.uk, tons of guys on there with all the answers that don't come here as 200Tdi rules :rolleyes: just my opinion.

Same thread in two other forums, one yielding the same as here, the other more Defender dedicated and tons more Puma/TDCI traffic yielded some very encouraging replies.

Ultimately, my vehicle, my choice.

Ha! That's quite amusing in a slightly twisted sort of way :p

You asked and got some opinions but insult those that disagree with your unstated opinion with the whole stuck in the past thing.

Reread my first post. The best engine for you is the one that suits you best.

I'm driving a borrowed Tdci and can appreciate it's refined nature, I'd prefer to be driving my 2.25 petrol :p

Doesn't make either of us right or wrong. It's not about being a purist, I've put Tdi's into Series' and would love a Tdci if I had the knowledge/money to diagnose/maintain/fix it.

Post Tdi is a different game, not better or worse, what suits you best depends on your circumstances. If you know what you want why do you need to ask on 3 different forums?
 
Post Tdi is a different game, not better or worse, what suits you best depends on your circumstances.

Exactly. When you get into ECU controlled engines, the approach has to be different. You can't maintain them and solve problems efficiently without the correct tools, but said tools are usually readily available. Are TDCi (and for that matter, the TD5) engines a better engine than the older 'mechanical' ones? Obviously, but they are more complex as a result and so need a different approach to maintenance. It's up to you whether this suits.
 
I like my tdci!!! :crazy_driver:

Might even like it better than my 300tdi


:bolt:
 
Ha! That's quite amusing in a slightly twisted sort of way :p

You asked and got some opinions but insult those that disagree with your unstated opinion with the whole stuck in the past thing.

Reread my first post. The best engine for you is the one that suits you best.

I'm driving a borrowed Tdci and can appreciate it's refined nature, I'd prefer to be driving my 2.25 petrol :p

Doesn't make either of us right or wrong. It's not about being a purist, I've put Tdi's into Series' and would love a Tdci if I had the knowledge/money to diagnose/maintain/fix it.

Post Tdi is a different game, not better or worse, what suits you best depends on your circumstaneces. If you know what you want why do you need to ask on 3 different forums?

Your reply was one of the most encouraging BB ;)

Some of this is also aimed at encouraging discussion not just finding what suits me the most for my given application.

I threw in the other threads as a tale teller that I am happy to canvas as many opinions from as many other sources as I can in a bid to reach the best conclusion.

In a round about sort of way, this has put me back with my old ways, big white board with a pro's and cons section under bullet points and random spider diagrams of the idea in hand.

either I quit drinking too soon or the lack of sun is affecting my ability to be decisive in old age.
 
Back
Top