Not the worst Diesel Engine on the Planet ? Ford Lion V6 - Land Rover TDV6 SDV6 / S4-Ep24

In this episode, we do a tear down of our Ford Lion TDV6 Diesel Engine of our 2006 Land Rover Discovery 3 after 270000 km, just to check out in what condition it is - with an unexpected result. The Lion V6 Diesel Engine is known for various dramatic engine failures but is it possible that it can last as long as a Toyota Engine?
We are not liable for any harm you do to your car, your engine, your surroundings or yourself. Use the information given in this video at your own risk.
We hope you enjoy this video and thanks for watching,
Vera & Christian
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[@highwayman1769]

As the old saying goes “oil is cheaper than metal”. Perfect demonstration of the importance of regular maintenance

[@mdshovel]

In the 50 years I've been stripping engines (as an amateur) .. that is the best condition used engine internals I have ever seen! Everything is even, consistent wear, as "should be" expected at that mileage - but rarely achieved. Perfect original build followed by perfect care & servicing/maintenance. That would be a potential 300k miles engine without major surgery - and there are some out there. You kind of hate pulling it apart, but you'd never truly know otherwise. Sunday can start now 😄

[@simon-mouse8739]

Another great start to my Sunday. It's so good to see that the engine was in such good shape with minimal wear. With the rebuild and the chassis and under body protection work it will be good for another 270k 👍😁 I assume that Vera must have had her Weetabix for breakfast with the way she removed those bolts. Christian must have had pastries 😂

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Exactly!

[@DiHandley]

There’s no question that the subject matter is always fantastic. But it’s the presenters that always keeps me coming back for more! OMG 😱👍😃😃

[@Wolfie387]

Christian is absolutely on the money..5W40 is truly a top tip for sustaining your TDV6. Thankfully the engine wasn't assembled on a Friday afternoon, just before a Bank Holiday long weekend.

[@mattyb7736]

You must have the only one like that. They were all assembled on Friday at 4 pm.

[@Wolfie387]

@mattyb7736 Nope..mine's a Friday special too...😀

[@michaelwillis6824]

I just love the relationship between these two. I know nothing about cars but enjoy their banter.

[@Andrewpc2023]

Dear Christen and Vera, what teamwork and method. I am learning so much from you both. This is the best viewing for a Sunday evening. So much better than the cricket!! Just love the commentary. Like a night at the movies. Keep it up guys.😂😱👏🙏💕

[@richardwilliams8667]

Mine is 280k km and build date of Sep 07 so hopefully Dave also built my engine. Service interval average of 9,000km and now on 5W/40 in last years. It is so nice to see what might be the wear. Of course normally for any engine it is the head that will get tired first so hopefully you will refresh these completely and then the operation will be like new again.

[@rambleon2838]

OMG ... Vera's Mall crowler is barely broken in as we Cummings owners would say. My 2003 Dodge Ram is still running strong at 352,000 miles/566,489 km. That's with 15-w40 dinosaur oil and no pollution crap on the engine. Great how-to video.

[@R.Sole88109]

My Discovery 200tdi covered 229,00mi in the 10yrs I owned it before the body went the usual D1 route😢

[@PillSharks]

My 200tdi defender is on 320,000 miles now and in the 22 years I’ve owned it the only thing I’ve done on the engine is a head gasket. I’ve never had the sump off! Plenty of oil changes with good oil and it gets driven like a Land Rover should be and left to idle and warm up when cold and after it gets shut down. Bloody fantastic engine and in my opinion the best engine Land Rover ever made with the 2.25 petrol a very close second.

[@R.Sole88109]

@@PillSharks I totally agree. You're spot on with the operating method of your engine👍🏻 Although I reckon LR should've put the Cummins 6BT in the 90/110 back in the 80s cos as far as I'm aware Cummins Darlington started making it in 1984ish.

[@PillSharks]

@@R.Sole88109 I think the Cummins engine isn’t the best for a Land Rover personally… I think it’s just too heavy and large! Land Rover looked at making the V8 a diesel around that time called project Iceberg, they went into it with Perkins and would have been a great engine well suited to the Land Rover! It’s a Shame they didn’t make the Tdi a 3.0l but I suppose it’s the same old thing with Land Rover… they never just got it right but so close! Bigger bhp and more torque means an upgraded gearbox and then axles and has we all know, Land Rover we’re very reluctant to upgrade! Bloody shame

[@R.Sole88109]

@@PillSharks Fair one Legend. The Cummins 4BT would've been a comparable to the Perkins conversions and like LR Australia when they put the Isuzu 4BD1 and LT95 in the 110 to make the Perentie. I just look at how successful Toyota was with putting industrial engines in. Land Rover did build the Salisbury axle, which is a Dana designed one and for gearboxes, ZF, Eaton and Allison would've work. It's interesting seeing the LR conversions now and what could've been accomplished if things were different then.. It's been good talking with you👍🏻 Here's to another reliable 100k on your TDI🍻

[@DiscoGruffalo]

It's good to see inside a TDV6 of that age. Mine is a 2005 with 320,000km, all original except the oil pump, which did 300,000km, before I finally put the updated pump in. It has run on 5w40 for years, long before the LR time you tube channel informed the world about it. With a 20,000km or annual interval. It's a retired worker now, so it gets done annualy. I see no need to strip it down, especially after seeing Vera's internals😂. I still have 6 original and functioning glow plugs too.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

The dead glow plugs are the primary reason why we took it appart. The rough start in winter was concerning. I did not expect to find out-of-spec big end bearings. So I am pretty sure that it will run much longer after this repair now. I wish you would have taken such a clear side about the 5W40 when the guys on Facebook shot torpedos at us. There, I never read any statement from you in this regard. Thanks and talk to you soon. Christian

[@LukeNielsen]

Excellent video, very informative! Please keep them coming! :)

[@gmlover82]

Great way to start off my Sunday morning. You guys are great!

[@lifelong5425]

Amazing breakdown, and within spec. joys to behold. What a wonderful lesson in seeing how an engine is built....

[@daos3300]

great vid! that mill was in incredible shape, someone was looking after it very well.

[@jeffreywilkinson2679]

Thank you Christian and Vera. Fascinating to see this engine in good running condition. Very informative.

[@AW-Services]

Happy Sunday and another fantastic video Vera & Christian

[@janbauwmans7662]

Another great video, amazing how good the engine is looking after this amount of km's.

[@RichieRouge206]

Another great video. There is something very comforting about watching you work so efficiently on these and your great sense of humour. I loved the weather report from the time the crank was made! Attention to detail 🤣🤣

[@robinireland810]

Another enjoyable episode, watched on a slightly rainy Sunday afternoon, with a freshly brewed pot of tea and a couple of Digestive biscuits. Life is good.

[@tonyallen1953]

Another great watch Christian & Vera very clever stuff .

[@slypig24]

Your channel is entertaining, funny and very technical as well. Keep up the great work. Cheers from Australia 🇦🇺 🦘

[@ccconlan2670]

ITS LR TIME😊😊😊 what great entertainment.such dedication.your discovery was in great shape(not surprising) its going to be a super rebuild.cant wait for next weeks video.keep up the good work😊😊😊

[@leejordanful]

Vera’s huge smile at the end says it all. That’s a nice engine.

[@dazzameers1491]

I hope Christian & Vera outlast any Land Rover, I enjoy watching them so much. I also learn a lot too. Regards from Victoria, Australia.

[@stephendawson9947]

I am amazed at the great condition, brilliant job again!

[@martintraynor4595]

Excellent...love these guys. Very informative

[@lukakosir235]

Very informative and tons of fun yet again congratulations

[@allsearpw3829]

Hi , great work and thanks to Ford for keeping you both , fully engaged in your lives .🤔❤👍👍.

[@mrnathc]

👍I enjoy every moment with you guys

[@Shanes_Shed]

Very interesting to see the condition of an engine before its broken. Mines over 430,000km now so in my opinion the 2.7 is a little better than the 3L.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Yes, 3.0 L engines with more than 400k are rare. Christian

[@luckylars32]

Well my dad has a Citroen C6 with the 3.0 HDI wich just reached 350000 KM a few weeks ago. All services are and have been done at our Citroen dealer according to the Citroen service book. So it runs Total 5W-30 changed every 30000 km. The Car is mostly driven on country roads and the Autobahn, so no short distance drives.

[@jeffreywilkinson2679]

Thank you Shane. Your insights are always interesting. Best wishes. Jeff

[@michaelashby809]

Snap Shane, we're pushing 430,000 as well. Remind me to get you up to date on what I finally did with our brakes.

[@Shanes_Shed]

@@michaelashby809 awesome mileage😉

[@nelsyoung833]

Knowing the manufacturing code was amazing. You are lucky owner of the crankshaft built at the best time of the week at the prime of the worker's mental and physical condition. I wonder what date the broken crankshaft of the new mall crawler was. That must be made on Monday or last working hour of Friday. Thanks, looking for the next Sunday! 👍

[@davidlovatt2335]

It is really good to see Christian and Vera at work in this way. So informative and enjoyable. You seem to be suggesting that if well looked after the LR engines are as well engineered as Toyota. Is that fair to say ? Many thanks for the videos.

[@michaelwhyte3995]

Absolutely brilliant loving the attantion to detail

[@rover1683]

I'm tempted to drive all the way from Singapore to have Christian take a look at my engine... I've never seen a mechanic here treat an engine with more care and respect than he did.

[@jonathancooke542]

Another fascinating video. Absolutely worth opening it up and I’d say at just the right time, just as the wear parts are coming towards the end of life but not completely worn out. Unfortunately the mantra for most drivers is to only change things once broken not before.

[@davelock3166]

Great video, as always!

[@Trev350]

Your videos are the reason that sales of Sunday newspapers are in rapid decide in the UK. With such entertaining content, we simply don't need, or have time for, big fat newspapers any more! Who needs dial gauges when you can evaluate crank end float to under 2 thou, just by looking at it. I bow down to your engineering talent; another marvelous session of Sunday entertainment. Also, I trust the theory that "if something looks right, then it is right". But, the crankshafts in those engines don't even look right. They wouldn't look out of place in a petrol engine, but in a big diesel engine, it's no surprise about the failure rate. Can't wait for next Sunday guys!

[@dipladonic]

What is the failure rate of these engines?

[@Vera_and_Christian]

The crank looks like it could break when dropping it, for sure. Christian

[@jeffmitchell7529]

love your work, keep it coming.

[@grahamwest1079]

If any one is to take a good engine apart Christian, with Vera's valuable assistance, is the only person I'd trust to do it correctly. Can I bring my Defender 2.4tdci over its going fine but everyone says its the wrong engine 😂 Good to see its not an original Friday afternoon build and the weather wasn't bringing any one down, but particularly the engine builder, on build day.

[@mikeboone4425]

Now this is a propper Sunday morning coffee finally . Happy Trails

[@Rickwardful]

I have an 18 years old Discovery 3 with almost identical mileage/kilometres to yours. I’ll honestly say that despite having a younger Range-Rover Sport (3 litre), the Discovery is the most favourite vehicle I have ever had. Though I make sure it is looked after, it doesn’t get quite as much love and attention your D3 does, it wont get a rebuild and I will probably run it until the engine fails. It will be interesting to see just what distance it will have covered before that happens, despite the fact that it will be a very sad day for me. I’ll let you know when that happens. In the meantime we wonder what distance that might be?

[@Discoworx]

Forever 🤞

[@Vera_and_Christian]

It may last 600t km. There are early models out there with this on the original engine. Christian

[@deanwellman4744]

I came to this site because the same engine is used in my S type, and thoroughly enjoy their antics, they brighten my day, I've now upgraded from "dumbass 5w 30" to 5w 40 magnatec DPF, the old gent that owned my car from new changed the oil annually, (3500 miles per year, 60000 miles!) the engine is so smooth and quiet, that it gets mistaken for a petrol engine.

[@bobevansIW]

Great video, you two are the best! Obviously not a Friday afternoon engine 😉. Can't believe it's in such a good shape, just goes to show! Vera sounds very excited to be getting new parts, shame she has to wait till xmas to get them 😂. looking forward, as usual, to next week. Take care

[@terencesoutham4262]

And thanks for the weather forecast ❤

[@evanduggan431]

Love it..! What a great start to another week... 🙂

[@desmcdermott6090]

Excellent video and more evidence that well maintained Discos can go the distance. Looking forward to the next instalment.

[@kumbirayinyabereka5190]

Wow. Another excellent video from you both. It is nice to be back on to the Discovery 3 engine. Not the Eneos or "Toyota" 😅. Looking forward to next Sunday and looking forward to the frame repair. Thank you both.

[@dainsookdeo7086]

I so love you two I have learned a lot and I believe now my 2012 3.0 tdv6 3.0 on my range rover will last longer with proper maintenance. I have also replaced my oil to 5w 40 and I can tell you the sound and performance much better I also recently deleted the egr and I can tell you the engine loves it its like a beast now on acceleration.

[@martindale7559]

Wonderfull, i am due to retire, i think ill buy an engine just to see if i can strip and re build it.😊

[@luckylars32]

I love how there is RIGHT "Zylinderkopf" and LEFT "Zylinderkopf" as well es Right "vorne" and Left "vorne" 😆.

[@andrewwilksch564]

Loving the videos! Here in Australia we have an 05 D3 with just over 400,000Km's that's never had any major work, a 13 D4 with just over 200,000Km's (no issues to date apart from split manifold) and I've just bought a 15 D4 with just over 100,000Km's as a project, it's possibly been overheated and is pushing combustion gases into cooling system. Fun times ahead... looking forward to the next video keep it up!!

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Good luck with the new D4! Christian

[@richardharker2775]

Maintenance: [noun] The process of keeping something in good condition. Excellent project Christian. At the very least you know that looking after your vehicles results in reliability and peace of mind.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Hopefully. Thanks. Christian

[@TheEulerID]

As the engine was built in Dagenham, then what would matter to the workers was how West Ham performed. If anything, Manchester United losing would be a cause of celebration. Any supporters of that club in Dagenham would likely keep it quiet for fear of being thrown into the River Thames. On the 30th March 2006, the workers would have been still happy from West Ham having won their last match against Wigan, which they'd won away, by two goals to one.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

That is a detailed evaluation of the Dagenham situation in 2006. sounds good. Christian

[@johnmoruzzi7236]

And maybe Spurs or Arsenal lost a midweek match too… Is there a German expression “If it ain’t broke, fix it anyway” ?

[@rikkiesix]

Loved the video. So funny. Can't wait for the next one :-)

[@dougwernham5209]

Excellent video very enjoyable, thank you.

[@johngould8002]

Great video again. Just interested in the glow plug removal. Hope you'll cover this in next video. Thanks again.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Yes. What a debacle 🙄. Christian

[@robpeabo509]

Seeing pistons go up and down or the valve train operating on an engine is always so very satisfying! Your engine certainly would have gone at least another 270,000kM, I have no doubt about that. It may have been ready for a rebuild by then, though I doubt it would have had a catastrophic failure.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

The big end wear could have caused a failure at one point in general. Thanks. Christian

[@johanndork5364]

Super teamwork, as usual and fun to watch. We’d all be happy with that engine at 270k kms, I did wonder if that poorly sealed injector would cause problems if left much longer? On D4D engines it’s worth pulling them at 100k to check or replace seals.

[@gordonbarclay6106]

Great video and content again..

[@gordonbritton3215]

Another brilliant informative and entertaining video thank you, a few years ago it was the suggested long oil change intervals were ok , clearly not I change the oil on my vw transporter every 5000 miles even so it’s always black with carbon!

[@R.Sole88109]

It's usually heat that turns the oil black.

[@simonbailey2151]

Yeah, oil in a diesel engine goes black pretty much instantly: it’s not an indication that the engine is in poor shape. Having said that, the manufacturer-specified oil change intervals of 30,000km are complete lunacy.

[@rufusjack666]

Good video. My Disco 3 is on the first oil change intervall with 5W40 (smartass) now. 322000 km on the clock. So far so good.

[@bunny10080]

Hi guys. I run a vw amarok in Australia. I run 10 50 in summer and 10 40 in winter, it loves it. And it has done the same kilometres as your motor. German 3.0l v6 diesel engines are awesome, and that's coming from someone who has owned 5 Toyota's. Keep up the great work. Cheers Jason.

[@mikego18753]

Your a good team! Thanks.

[@Discoworx]

I've been looking forward to this episode. I have an 05 so same motor.

[@jamesray3920]

Thanks vera / Christian for the sticker & patch I was surprized when I went thru my mail , I be gone 7 weeks working life of a truck driver . as I stated I got transmission rebuilt but still have transmission fault I watched. A video where other people had same issue and they said check the transfer case module under hood behind battery to see if it's has corrosion if if yes this will give you a transmisson fault , I just checked all 3 plugs connection has corrosion now I but new one and clean the plugs ... See u next Sunday

[@alexshapley8331]

👍 fantastic - hope it works just as well when reassembled...

[@ciarancarty6186]

Another fab video! Thanks. The o-ring for the oil cooler is a Viton BS211. I've noticed some Disco3's seem to have a brace on each of the injector hard lines, just like your, and others, like mine don't. The braces don't seem to be on LR's parts catalogue. I wonder what is going on there...

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Yes, the lines are mounted very rigid. Unusually solid. I think it has to do with vibration from the injector pulses. Christian

[@jonathanbiggar4973]

Well that puts a few myths to bed, well done great content and camera work .

[@samrodian919]

270000km in miles is 168000 miles approximately, that's barely run in lol. No wonder there is no wear on the main bearings and only a little on the thrust side of the big ends. The engine is in very good condition. I wouldn't replace the main bearings either Christian, and like you only replace the big ends ( crank pins ) Vera definitely had the easier side head bolts to undo lol. When Christian undid the first side I thought no way could Vera produce that amount of torque required to loosen them, as she doesn't have enough body weight to do it ! But the other side seemed to be far less tight than the first. Vera those bores DO need to be honed otherwise the new piston rings will not bed in and seal properly. So let Christian hone them !! Great episode guys!

[@Vera_and_Christian]

I agree that on Veras side the bolts were not tight. No other way. If OEM main bearings would be available I would replace them just in case. But I think installing after market is not really an improvement over the OEM ones installed. Christian

[@naturshoot8448]

@@Vera_and_Christian Didn’t someone comment on your D4 rebuild that had some OEM bearings?

[@muth7148]

@@naturshoot8448 No, I checked up on that comment back then and of course the did not have a link. We have researched every single option. That actually is a huge time factor on an engine rebuild, or any car repair, researching parts. 🙋‍♀

[@luckylars32]

​@@Vera_and_Christian It seems like they are available in the US for the 3.0 power stroke but not in EU jet. If you search for JL3Z-6333-A throu JL3Z-6333-F you gonna find plenty of US shops that sell them as OE Ford. With that said as the new Ford Ranger 2023 and the VW Amarok 2023 are using a advanced version of the AJD-V6 / TDV6 /DT20c the might be available in the EU soon...

[@Vera_and_Christian]

@@luckylars32 they are not available for the 2,7 L and for the 3 L also when we needed them. Always out of stock. Believe me, we did our research at the time when we needed the bearings. We go all out when we do our projects and know most likely everything there is to know. 🙋‍♀Vera

[@flodurpups9846]

It makes sense, i replace the intercooler horse to the blue silicone andd the airmassmessure to new. The power is expressive more and we see tve fuel consumption goes down. We observe how much. Thank you for videos and tips

[@josteinatlejrgensen6962]

It would be fun if LR-TIME started repairing an L320 or a Disco with petrol V8. There is so much knowledge at LR-Time. Thank you for another great video . Jostein L320 2,7

[@Vera_and_Christian]

They are really hard to cone buy here in Germany. 🙋‍♀️

[@hallyfella]

Perfection, love you two ❤

[@banyuvilla8997]

Hi chris… i have the same passion as you did to your car.. mine audi tdi 3.0. Plan to own my discovery soon

[@naturshoot8448]

Champions League on Tuesday/Wednesday nights, so Thursday could be a bad day if Bayern beat Manchester United… great to see your engine looking good! 👏

[@niklaskhathutshelo]

From South Africa 🇿🇦🌍😂 Funny old man, definitely will be great to work with someone with such a humour ❤😅😂😊

[@sashapuschkarenko7840]

Приятно вас смотреть когда когда подходите к работе добросовестно и профисионльно да и с позитивной Верой .

[@YouNameItGaming]

Great video!

[@dadgarage7966]

That crankshaft is like Vera: short, but well-made.

[@cristiana1373]

Wonderfull like always! 👍👍👍👏👏👏

[@paulwalker427]

great video - thankyou

[@adventureswithrusty2012]

Fun watching Vera with the ratchet. But I think in addition to the o-ring, there is a new yellow puff jacket coming for Christmas!

[@Okierover]

New fancy lights! I have not noticed those before this video.

[@mauritztoivonen1070]

Thank you.

[@davidmallia628]

You two, are amazing!

[@redguard2529]

Vera on the cylinder head bolts 💪!

[@jeremyaustin9103]

Christian Hello from the UK. My opinion is being hard on an engine cold and being tight with oil changes and folk moan about issues Meanwhile.. great channel... sticking to my Benz

[@rogerjeck9281]

As always, love u2 and a touch of fun/joy each week!...but, I have heard/understood that wd-40 contains a fair amount of water, so wish you would use a german brand fogging oil to protect those minty looking freshly exposed to the world cylinders/block etc. carry on! with gratitude ~ Roger

[@Vera_and_Christian]

You heard wrong, Roger. Christian

[@jdenmark1287]

And the title for toughest client of Christian the mechanic …..goes to Vera!!!🎉

[@manuelcalderon1659]

I have this engine in a citroen c6 with 150000 kms and I am thinking of removing the engine. Lot`s of thanks from Spain.

[@dan8789]

How long have you owned that Discovery & from what mileage? When did you start using 5w40 oil & at what intervals do you change it? What oil brand do you use? Fully synthetic? Keep the great content coming I don’t even own a LandRover but you two just make such interesting & educational videos 👍

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Thanks, we answered these questions in the last 100 videos 😂😂😬. We change oil every 10000 km. Christian

[@josephp5058]

Great video

[@skylarkfieldfarm]

It’s either the worst diesel engine in the world or the best, depending how careful or lucky we are. Mine is economical ,powerful smooth, reliable and 16 years old. God be with me.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Yes, you got a good one.

[@OboteOjok]

love the channel, I always chuckle and think you must have a Toyota, hidden somewhere in that garage that you love😁😁😁

[@Paul-45-70]

There is a channel on KZbin from an Australian engine reconditioning firm , it is interesting viewing. He specialises in Toyota D4D and the V8 diesel. The channel is called Engine Care.

[@timothyhargreaves5273]

Vera supprisingly strong OMG.....👍.....still the BEST !

[@anthonywilson4873]

Interesting thing with glow plugs, on a lot of engines they are used for starting and when the engine first starts to help warm up cylinders and meet emissions. If a glow plug fails, when the engine is starting from cold that cylinder is not as efficient. That causes torsional vibration when cold and that can damage your Dual Mass flywheel Arc Springs. Learned that from a LUK tech support. Makes sense.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Thanks. It does make sense. The engine was running very rough after a cold start in winter and this is why we took it appart. All glow pugs are seazed badly but I got them out now. Christian

[@nickb5391]

We need Christian to do weather reports especially after checking our weather when Vera's crankshaft was made, he must have been watching Matt's off road recovery, they give good weather reports 👍, you didn't check if there was a football game that days, oh i forgot we don't mention football to the Germans, they're still trying since 1966! 😂

[@raycollington4310]

I would put the condition of that engine down to your maintenance standards, 10w-40 & empathetic driving and use of the car. A lot of owners will be relieved to see this tear down. It will tell them, take care of your vehicle and life may be good. Thank you both.

[@hughmarcus1]

Another great video. It does show the importance of good maintenance. Do you think the lower power of the early 2.7 is a factor too? I’ve wondered if the extra power of the SDV6 engine adds to the chances of a broken crankshaft.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Very likely. The SDV6 has 600 Nm and the 2.7L „only“ 450 Nm. That is quite a bit more for basically the same size crank. Christian

[@Pesmog]

Always a miracle that Vera gets oil & grease on her hands, legs or face but never her yellow jacket ! Would it be worth investigating why the glowpugs on one bank of the engine have failed and not the other? Could there be an electrical gremlin causing this?

[@Vera_and_Christian]

I hope not. I did not check the wiring in much detail... I´ll find out. Christian