Never lend it to a 'friend'...

Hi all - long time no post! ;-)

I recently lent my 1992 Defender 110 200tdi to a 'friend' whilst his van was off the road - all been fine up till yesterday when it broke down on the way back from a long run down to Eastbourne.

I've not seen the vehicle personally yet, and he isn't very mechanically minded so all I call tell you is what he has told me...

He reported to me that the engine had been running hot, and he had been topping up the water. On his way back from Eastbourne he broke down and called the AA. Bloke arrived and said there was hardly any water or oil, and when you start it, it belches out jet black smoke constantly for a few seconds and then dies again.

That's all the information I have at the moment - I'd appriciate any ideas as to what's going on? I'm thinking head gasket maybe, plus rings, and maybe over-injection of fuel which is overloading the pistons causing it to conk out?

I don't know how fast he was driving - he says 45/50mph tops, but I have seen him driving round town and he thrashes it like a complete plonker!

We did agree any repairs whilst he has it were his responsibility, but he's going back on that now unfortunately!

not much of a friend then.

why lend ya mota to someone you know thrashes their cars? :doh: :doh:

No, not much of a friend and unfortunately I didn't know he was thrashing it till I saw him doing it, and not had a chance to give him a slap about it.

I would say that your motor is running hot and needs some oil, the 200tdi is a tough motor so you may be lucky.

get it back off him as soon as ...no ifs or buts.. you want it back NOW! .. then tell him to fook orf

yer mates a right kunt, get em te pay for all the repairs, then fook im off.
Still lesson learned i hope. Good luck.