[dickyboy]

I talked to a reputable Rovers shop today about replacing my 3.9 to an R2-8 Cummins in my 1995 NAS Defender 90. I wasn't at all shocked at the price ( as I thought it would have been much more actually ) and think it would be a world of difference over all . My questions are : 1 would this help the reliability level . 2 would it decrease the value or increase the value of my truck ? I'm guessing from what I've scene increase? This would allow it to be a life long drivable vehicle without having to lay under it. They would also while its apart treat the frame . Feedback would be appriciated .

 

[Red90]

Why is your truck not reliable? A Rover V8 is as reliable as anything.

It will hurt value. It makes more sense to start with an imported truck.

I would go with Uncle Doug if you want to do it. That is his main business.

 

[dickyboy]

Why is your truck not reliable? A Rover V8 is as reliable as anything.

It will hurt value. It makes more sense to start with an imported truck.

I would go with Uncle Doug if you want to do it. That is his main business.

My 3.9 has had the same repeated issue for 7 years . It has 128,000 miles on it which I'm guessing is the reasonable life span for this engine? I've tried having mechanics fix the issue of my truck drying out intermittently , but still no success. By putting in a decent motor and drive train this should make the truck more reliable to use on a more regular basis. Is yours a 3.9 ?

 

[dickyboy]

My 3.9 has had the same repeated issue for 7 years . It has 128,000 miles on it which I'm guessing is the reasonable life span for this engine? I've tried having mechanics fix the issue of my truck drying out intermittently , but still no success. By putting in a decent motor and drive train this should make the truck more reliable to use on a more regular basis. Is yours a 3.9 ?

If anyone knows a great Land Rover Defender shop in Baltimore Maryland I'd be grateful.

 

[Angus]

I understand your frustration, but these are 25+ year old trucks (and electrics). 128k is not uncommon for these engines and they easily run twice that if properly maintained. It sounds like you have a minor issue with both your engine and your mechanic's competence. I have a rebuilt 3.9 in my truck and it is as reliable as an anvil. I pulled the old engine at 140k to find the only real problem was a badly worn timing set (I do no like nylon timing gears). If the compression is good, and not burning oil, I would fix whatever minor issue you are having. If you are hard over on a R2.8, do as @Red90 suggested and call Uncle Doug.

 

[dickyboy]

I understand your frustration, but these are 25+ year old trucks (and electrics). 128k is not uncommon for these engines and they easily run twice that if properly maintained. It sounds like you have a minor issue with both your engine and your mechanic's competence. I have a rebuilt 3.9 in my truck and it is as reliable as an anvil. I pulled the old engine at 140k to find the only real problem was a badly worn timing set (I do no like nylon timing gears). If the compression is good, and not burning oil, I would fix whatever minor issue you are having. If you are hard over on a R2.8, do as @Red90 suggested and call Uncle Doug.

The first day I got this Defender 8 years ago it shut off on the highway on my first drive . I had it fixed $1200 later.I felt it was my first true Land Rover experience. Lol Its always had this intermittent issue of sudden power loss then it immediately recovers however all the Land Rover guys locally can't figure it out. They feel the issue driving it but its the same old repair ( rotor and cap ) that works for 500 miles then its back to the usual.If it can't be fixed then I'd rather put a drive train in that works . I drive it hoping it completely breaks down so they have to find the issue. I can't drive the Defender out of my town in fear I'll never get to wear I'm going. I haven't attended a Rover event but one knowing I probably won't make it! Lol Its frustrating

 

[dickyboy]

The first day I got this Defender 8 years ago it shut off on the highway on my first drive . I had it fixed $1200 later.I felt it was my first true Land Rover experience. Lol Its always had this intermittent issue of sudden power loss then it immediately recovers however all the Land Rover guys locally can't figure it out. They feel the issue driving it but its the same old repair ( rotor and cap ) that works for 500 miles then its back to the usual.If it can't be fixed then I'd rather put a drive train in that works . I drive it hoping it completely breaks down so they have to find the issue. I can't drive the Defender out of my town in fear I'll never get to wear I'm going. I haven't attended a Rover event but one knowing I probably won't make it! Lol Its frustrating

I'm guessing most guys trailer these to events? To try and drive one would be to risky .

 

[Angus]

I'm guessing most guys trailer these to events? To try and drive one would be to risky .

Perhaps some do, but I know folks who drive some pretty "well worn" trucks half way across the country to attend events and use them as daily drivers. These are old trucks, and old electrics can be troublesome. Fuel pumps, ignition modules or any for a handful of sensors could go bad and cause problems. I chased a intermittently bad TPS for a while before finding the issue. Find someone who knows these V8 engines. A modern Land Rover mechanics will not be familiar with these engines unless they have been doing this for a very long time. There is a thread on this site that discusses mechanic recommendations for old Defenders your area.

 

[Red90]

I'm guessing most guys trailer these to events? To try and drive one would be to risky .

Good lord no. Long distance expeditions is what they are best at.

You have one little problem and an incompetent mechanic. That is not a reason to install a completely new engine.

The solution is to find a competent mechanic and have your issue fixed.

 

[dickyboy]

Good lord no. Long distance expeditions is what they are best at.

You have one little problem and an incompetent mechanic. That is not a reason to install a completely new engine.

The solution is to find a competent mechanic and have your issue fixed.

I drove my Defender to the beach one time ( 3 hour drive ) . Scariest trip ever! Still can't believe I made it ! You're the only guy I've ever met who thinks these are great for long trips! Lol You're are talking about a 3.9 GAS engine correct?I guess I need a new Michanic but not sure where in Baltimore County . I appreciate your confidence and encouragement .

 

[Red90]

Sure. We do multi week expeditions regularly as does everyone else I know. Nothing wrong with the V8s other than using a lot of fuel. The are Buick engine designed in 1959. You sound like you are having a problem with the EFI or ignition system. Both are basic systems and as reliable as anything else.

Modern engines are extremely complicated and, in the end, less reliable because of it than older engines.

 

[erover82]

I drove my Defender to the beach one time ( 3 hour drive ) . Scariest trip ever! Still can't believe I made it ! You're the only guy I've ever met who thinks these are great for long trips! Lol You're are talking about a 3.9 GAS engine correct?I guess I need a new Michanic but not sure where in Baltimore County . I appreciate your confidence and encouragement .

If it’s scary to drive because of handling then your suspension and/or steering need attention. It should only be uncomfortable due to wind noise, rain leaks, and lack of adequate heat - the classic experience. That said, they were never designed for hours of miserable American freeway driving, or safety at those speeds. Crash in a Defender at 70mph and there’s a good chance you’re done for.

Which cap and rotor are you using? There’s only one good option anymore. The guys here will recall the name.

 

[Wolf Fabrication]

Mid-Atlantic Rovers in Columbia or Independent Rovers in Bethesda.

As what others have said, what you’re experiencing just needs a good mechanic. Please don’t swap the motor.

 

[Mirra]

If the shop can’t properly repair your 3.9, they will
Never be able to do a proper tdi conversion. There was a white NAS tdi conversion for sale recently and it was a NO SALE at $77k. Plenty of ROW tdi trucks available in the 30-40k range. IMO, best to buy a completed truck in the configuration that you want. Labor rates are $$ crazy and you’ll have a lot of downtown time waiting for an engine swap. Good luck!

 

[S.H.F]

I feel sometimes we live in a negative feedback loop where reliability is concerned. The rest of the world considers these trucks work horses. When I lived in England I had an old D1 with a 300tdi that I bought for around £2000. This was before I was an enthusiast. It have about 175k on it. New timing belt? Nope. Regular oil changes? Nope. I just filled it up and drove the hell out of it. We drove that thing all over Europe. Once for two months camping with a pregnant wife and 3 year old daughter. It never even crossed my mind that it might not be reliable.

 

[dickyboy]

The shop that repairs mine won't do any conversion for me. Not their thing. The diesel motor in the non NAS Defender is much better then a 3.9 Gas.( so I'm told ) The 3.9 isn't great by any means. My trucks are all Cummins and NEVER an issue ever ! My Defender has never been towed but has been stubborn to say the least. Always drive with my fingers crossed! I've never met a truly happy 3.9 owner bragging about its reliability and 250,000 miles of joyful travels! Lol.

 

[Francois]

The shop that repairs mine won't do any conversion for me. Not their thing. The diesel motor in the non NAS Defender is much better then a 3.9 Gas.( so I'm told ) The 3.9 isn't great by any means. My trucks are all Cummins and NEVER an issue ever ! My Defender has never been towed but has been stubborn to say the least. Always drive with my fingers crossed! I've never met a truly happy 3.9 owner bragging about its reliability and 250,000 miles of joyful travels! Lol.

PM sent

 

[Angus]

I've never met a truly happy 3.9 owner bragging about its reliability and 250,000 miles of joyful travels! Lol.

I am very happy with my warmed over 3.9 and would drive it anywhere (other than 12mpg and getting wet when it rains even with the top on). As well as my truck runs, I would not consider a motor swap. Plus, it passed smog.

 

[dickyboy]

I am very happy with my warmed over 3.9 and would drive it anywhere (other than 12mpg and getting wet when it rains even with the top on). As well as my truck runs, I would not consider a motor swap. Plus, it passed smog.

Is smog like the emissions test we have here in Maryland? I have Historic Tags on my defender so no Emissions test for me.

 

[Angus]

Mine is also registered as a historic now. You may not care about smog (now), but the next owner might.