Project Defender 110 - We need to get the ball rolling!

Hi all,

A newbie to what looks like an action packed and exciting forum...but please forgive the request for help on our first post!

We are new to the Defender world and our project has been sat with us for some 12 months now but momentum has come to a grinding halt.

We have a Defender 110 Commercial which started out life as a MOD example and we have spent a pretty penny on it getting it to look the way we want.

However, when we finally tried to use it we were told it needs major mechanical work due to issues with the engine, diff and rear axle.

We are not mechanics, therefore we would like to know if there are any kind forum members who would be interested in helping us with our project, for which we will be happy to pay for.

We are based in Birmingham, West Midlands and look forward to hearing from you with any advice...

Right now we are just at a stumbling point so any help would be appreciated

Some more pictures for those who are interested...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd...._=1430948396_c8fd0dd09449078df5867362ee2eab60

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/h...=40513dfd5bf253fea0d6715985e90dec&oe=5591361A

https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd...._=1431052069_79b85a8a3a77143351c2b0f490b34f33

https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd...._=1435246408_a6c4ccf3c2ebc31b5d9a6ae03abd22c7

Hello and welcome.

I can probably help out if you are really stuck, but am no pro

Your best bet would be to buy a cheap Land Rover Discovery that has failed it's MOT on rust, then transfer axles and engine into your 110. That way you get a vastly superior engine and newer running gear with rear disc brakes.

Hopefully some people who have more experience will be along to help!

Excellent, thanks for the early reply

We would love to hear from anyone who knows more about this or better still someone with a Disco for sale that would be suitable!

Here's another picture of her now...sat in a corner :frown:

https://scontent-lhr.xx.fbcdn.net/h...734_1573362736236367_163243710304314710_o.jpg

What are the actual issues with the engine, axle and diff?

If it is ex MOD it looks like it's already had an engine swap for a TDI.

Also the Disco rear axle isn't rated for the 110.

Jam1 said:

What are the actual issues with the engine, axle and diff?

If it is ex MOD it looks like it's already had an engine swap for a TDI.

Also the Disco rear axle isn't rated for the 110.

Click to expand...

That's true, forgot that. I couldn't make out the engine from the pics, it isn't a tdi is it?

Edit: ahh, I can see the head on the last pic

What exactly are the issues with the engine and axles?
Who told you? Some people who don't really know old lr's can get it wrong sometimes, and it may not be a major expense to repair.

looks like a 200tdi
what was the problems they told you about,,

Welcome. Lots like you have already got your knuckles bloody so are well initiated

Again without really guessing what are the problems.

Is the vehicle running?

Is it MOT'd?

We are all happy to borrow our own ideas in if you let us know what is wrong.

Who told you it was the bad, we're they scaremongering to get you to spend money?

A Landy is quite happy with worn transmission and will keep going for years with tlc

Although it's painted green and the army used it, it actually doesn't look like an army spec but rather a civvie spec. The civvie doors, lights, lack of side lockers and missing fixings along with a tdi engine give it away. What have you done to it in the last 12 months?

Hi Guys,

Well we had a guy look at it who felt the following:

1 - The engine has very little power and to put this into real terms he said the beast struggling to even drive over a kerb! (Although I have driven it over 6 months ago and it felt ok(ish) albeit slow!

2 - There is a leak coming from the engine somewhere and this needs sorting

3 - There is a "problem" with the rear diff

4 - There is practically no brakes whatsoever

Sorry to be so vague but we are not mechanics by any means and that workshop is a friends bodyshop.

Hearing all this has been quite devastating as we had big hopes for this beast and now she spends most of her time sat in a corner with a sad face.

I'm going to post a pic up of what she looks like now to give some inspiration...

Again, if you guys have some spare time and want to get your hands dirty, please get in touch and we could send some pocket money your way!

I guess the initial challenge is to confirm which engine it is as we honestly don't know at the moment!

Any thoughts?...

Hi Guys,

Well we had a guy look at it who said the following (and I would like a 2nd opinion):

1 - It does run, however it has very little power and to put this into real terms he said the beast struggled to even drive over a kerb! (Although I have driven it over 6 months ago and it felt ok(ish) albeit slow!

2 - There is a leak coming from the engine somewhere and this needs sorting

3 - There is a "problem" with the rear diff

4 - There is practically no brakes whatsoever

Sorry to be so vague but we are not mechanics by any means as you can tell!

Hearing all this has been quite devastating as we had big hopes for this beast and now she spends most of her time sat in a corner with a sad face.

I'm going to post a pic up of what she looks like now to give some inspiration...

Again, if you guys have some spare time and want to get your hands dirty, please get in touch and we could send some pocket money your way!

I guess the first thing we need to do is to identify the engine!

Anyone know what engine this is folks?!...

It's a 200tdi by the look of it.

If you're not a mechanic then you need to get a competent landy mechanic to look at it and diagnose the issues. Engine power could be something as simple as a blocked fuel filter or bad lift pump. Brakes could just need bleeding. Not sure about the diff without knowing more. If the vehicle is generally sound (chassis, bulkhead) then it's still a good one.