Unless your timing is irregular (if so, why?), I would start by looking at the injectors. The nozzles are easy to remove and clean. I did mine in an ultrasonic cleaner after a gentle scrape with a piece of hardwood. If no improvements, start...
I would recommend buying a new hub that has the sensor already fitted. The gap between the reluctor ring (inside the hub) and sensor is critical. By all means try a replacement sensor, but be aware that the gap may require some adjustment.
A new set or rings, a cylinder hone and injector service might sort it. If you do take the head off, it's quite common to find cracks in cylinder heads and pistons on the 19J. I wouldn't worry too much about either, as long as you don't intend to...
..one thing I forgot to mention- if you do keep it, it may be worth removing the breather feed to the air cleaner and routing it to a seperate catch tank- sometimes these engines breath heavilly and deposit excessive oil in the air filter...
In my view, that is a well considered summary of the 19J from 300bhp/ton. When I bought my 90 it was fitted with its original 134k 19J and I have to say that it was a very pleasant engine. A little low on power for towing heavy loads on the road...
This is a very good question. And I'd say it is a bit of a mixed bag. I don't think such an engine will ever be worth the most. And I'd guess the majority of pre-Defenders where fitted with these over the V8. But just look at how crazy people go...
Have you been driving at extreme angles, maybe off-road? My engine is very healthy, but also does this intermittently. The 200 TDI seems to be very oil level sensitive and I avoid running it at the highest level- somewhere between the two seems...
As it is an iron head, it's not as likely to warp than an aluminium head, so as others have said, test for flatness first. Chances are it's just fine. Do cover with grease if you store though- don't use WD40 as I have tried in the past- it...
Get a written diagnosis - not an 'opinion', a proper diagnosis, then contact the warranty co. yourself, ask them which part of the proposed repair they will - and won't cover. The wording of the diagnosis is crucial, it's not possible to say 'the...
Have a chat with MSJ headliners. I did my 90 with a 4-way stretch fabric and it went on well, but it isn't the original colour or material type and I am hoping to do my D2 with something more authentic.