What to Keep or Replace - Engine Rebuild - SDV6 Diesel / S4-Ep14

In this episode, Christian explains which components we keep and which ones we replace during our engine rebuild after a crankshaft failure on our 2016 Land Rover Discovery 4 SDV6 engine - after only 64000 km.
We hope you enjoy the video.
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.
Thanks for watching,
Vera & Christian
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[@rotax636nut5]

I am a retired professional engineer with decades of personal experience in repairing and modifying problematic automotive engines and I have found that Christian is completely correct in his theories and how to proceed with this repair. Thank you Christian and OMG Vera for making your videos so interesting, entertaining and downright funny

[@nickb5391]

totally agree

[@samrodian919]

I too agree with Christian and the OMG Goddess!

[@pj4433]

I’m not a retired engineer but I have worked for OEM automotive factories. 100% correct new is not automatically better or in spec.

[@phillipbridge5009]

"OMG Vera" made me laugh. My dad was a Ford trained mechanic and he would have concurred.

[@tmdavid1332]

"why would you glue yourself to the road when this exists" absolutely cracked me up. I've only just found this channel after buying a discovery 4 myself. You are a wealth of knowledge and I'm loving going through this series currently!

[@OrdinaryJoe12]

'There's no laughing in my video', 'how can you glue yourself to the road if something like this exists'. Love this subtle humour, you guys are hilarious.

[@malcolmvanhilten125]

So true, his sense of humour is a mic of German and Brit,. so extra dry! Love it!

[@malcolmvanhilten125]

mix.. faking autocorrect.... its never Duck!

[@BenMitro]

Many years ago I studied and then applied Reliability Theory. Everything you said about that Christian made perfect sense to me, for whatever that is worth.

[@Thanos.m]

A friend of my dads is a jaguar land rover specialist and I worked at his shop for 2 summers that's probably going back just 10 years now so I've see a fair few TDV6 rebuilds. His philosophy was very similar to yours as to what he should be replaced and what shouldn't and when it came to parts he would never replace original parts unless they were out of spec he would even prefer used original parts within spec rather than going for new aftermarket ones. Suffice to say his customers were very happy with his work and never really returned with the same problems.

[@lindsayrixon7402]

I have to reiterate my earlier comment, “this is without doubt, hands down, the best car channel on the internet”. 👏👏👍🏿 Regards from Straya 🇦🇺 Love ur work!

[@thewayibuiltit6083]

You guys have inspired me. Just bought my first Land Rover. 2014 Discovery TDV6 320,000kms on the clock. It’s going to tour Australia over the years to come!

[@sweetfreedomGB]

You are very very brave, and possibly rich

[@stephenanderson439]

The fact that your engine has already done such high miles means you have a good engine,I have same year disco 4 with 125000 and runs faultless,I would be more worried buying a low mileage engine

[@jamesrebbechi5247]

280 very well maintained relatively trouble free km’s on my 2010 2.7 and my retirement plan for her is Ballarat to Solihull overland to drop the keys back. 💪

[@Discoworx]

​@@jamesrebbechi5247 be sure to do a KZbin video on the travels!

[@Discoworx]

I have an 05 D3 with 290k and intend for it to go forever. Maybe also around Australia. Knock on wood.

[@paulgerard5413]

Christian and Vera, I look forward to your videos every week. I cannot argue with your logic at all Christian, introducing new parts introduces many new potential failures. It seems to me, that many after market parts places are only selling used parts. Keep up the great work, you both embody the superior engineering for which Germany is renowned and loved.

[@admranger]

I'm not afraid of heights like Christian. I'm afraid of gravity. Great video and explanation of the bathtub curve. I remember that from my reliability engineering class 40 years ago.

[@larrysimon1]

Absolutely 100 % correct in your analysis of what to renew and what to reuse, I've built 100's if not a couple of 1,000 engines in a 40 year mechanic career and I would do exactly the same as you have.

[@mikeprice4566]

I really enjoy your videos. Your humour, technical approach and decision making are very interesting and entertaining. Keep up the great work and content!🧐👍

[@PetervanderLinden]

This is the most astonishing and educational series of videos - a masterclass in engine analysis and repair. Thank you for creating and sharing an amazing resource, Christian and Vera.

[@hedydd2]

I don’t know the history of hundreds of SDV6 engines but do know the people, three of them, that had very early crank failures, well within warranty period and less than 30,000 miles. That’s a significant proportion of all the failures I am aware of.

[@DiscoGruffalo]

This video was the main contributor to my decision to buy this Discovery when it came up for sale. I agree completely with Christian's analysis of the failure distribution and owner profiling.

[@weaton25]

Yours has to be one of the most informative and enjoyable instruction videos on youtube keep up the good work both of you.

[@deniscb3244]

Replacement con rods - we should have in mind the immortal words of Eric O from South Main Auto, who said "There are 3 types of car parts - good parts, bad parts and new parts. And just because it's new, doesn't mean it's good". Never a truer word was spoken !!

[@samrodian919]

Never were truer words uttered!

[@julesviolin]

Totally agree. I operate this policy and it has not backfired on me yet. ⚠️

[@bobrose7900]

Totally agree with your decisions... this was otherwise a virtually new engine, that had been cherished. Disappointed with the after market con-rod tolerances, this would make me look elsewhere. Looking forward to net week, OMG!

[@samrodian919]

Britpart seems to have dumbed down since Covid, maybe many of their suppliers went to the wall during that time and all Britpart can source now is Chinesium crap, but their quality control when the parts get to the UK needs improving considerably so that the out of spec parts are weeded out. Maybe say to the slitty eyes that they won't pay for said parts until inspected.

[@MrDrz400s]

Well, guys, thank you as always. I think I have watched most of your videos, I have converted two things since being on your channel, I bought a gap iid tool and I now run 5w40, please keep up the good work as I love my car. 😂👍

[@RichieRouge206]

Christian you are totally correct with the Bathtub Theory! And I believe it is even MORE accurate with the current falling standards of falling engineering and also the crappy aftermarket items that are becoming a BIG problem. Awesome video

[@julesviolin]

I blame it all on CHINA 🤬🤬

[@hyung-kiha1633]

Now I look forward to seeing you every Sunday. Fortunately, in Korea, the LR4 diesel engine is subject to recall, so if there is a problem with the engine due to a crankshaft problem, the engine is changed. Of course, we have to go through Land Rover's complex procedure to change the engine. As a Budget owner, I am relieved to know all the history of the first owner's effort in maintaining this car. Looking forward to the next episode.🙂

[@fearnsey8800]

Are you talking about LR4 that is still under Warranty...? They finished making them in 2016 so I doubt land rover have any Warranty claims anymore on the LR4 unless the law is different in Korea ? Would love to know

[@jonathancooke542]

Another great video you two. If I had lectures like Christian when I was doing my electrical and electronics qualifications I would never have missed a second and got the highest grades. I’ve been watching all your back catalogue and loving the road trips. I’d love to hear your views on airing down tires, I know it seems trivial but I recon Christian will make it exciting, informative, no nonsense and factual 👍 Keep up the great work guys.

[@samrodian919]

Yes I would like to hear your views on that subject too Christian, Vera of course will only add OMG a good few times!

[@maythe4thbewithyou59]

Its good that Christian is putting the sticker next to Vera - "The pretty lady" . Romance and Landrovers ...... perfect !

[@tedbell9878]

Thanks for your videos. I always come away with a smile on face. Your lighthearted yet concise technical approach is so refreshing.

[@free2chasehappy]

This is absolutely amazing video! Always a joy to see Christian do the philosophies on the car repairs.

[@desmcdermott6090]

As always, an excellent analysis and very entertaining - Christian and Vera. Really looking forward to the next episode and hope it all goes smoothly.

[@ericlello2135]

Hi Vera and Christian Skills , technique , decisions , intelect , very rarely seen , in the motor industry . Absolutely on target with your reason to reuse and replace parts .

[@Mocconagames]

thank you guys for making this day brighter =)

[@jeffreywilkinson2679]

Great work Vera & Christian. I look forward to your new video each and every Sunday. Thank you.

[@GavinEarnshaw]

Nice description of the Bathtub failure model. It is necessary to conside the overall impact of the failure on the rest of the parts. I worked at HP back late 80's optoelectronic division. We understood MTBF, bathtub etc. Disco failure can't be because of steering wheel on the wrong side given how this happens in the USA 😛

[@stephendawson9947]

Great statistical analysis of the failure modes and probability of future failures. i can't wait for the next installment.

[@A-world-of-My-Own]

Spoken like a true engineer. 100%

[@richardsheil5289]

Christian is a very knowledgeable and thoughtful engineer. A gem.

[@Nick4Gaming]

Excellent video, its videos like these that give me confidence to take the leap into LR ownership after hearing so many issues with them.

[@dabay200]

I like your reasoning for not replacing everything and the bath tub failure curve

[@dustcommander100]

Your logic is solid! You have a wonderful scientific way of analyzing situations.

[@WaldosWorld]

I think your logic is good on the "while you're in there" stuff. When I was working on my 5.0 AJV8, I found that Land Rover doesn't sell parts like bearings and pistons, so I had to go aftermarket. If you need those parts, LR's answer is to buy a new engine for $17,000 🤣

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Yes, every part of the lower block is a debacle to get. I got now some low quality conrod installed. Christian

[@Fabsterix]

Hi Christian, since I have learned from you many times, I feel obliged to advise you against the assembly of a weak replacement, which is the mentioned connecting rod. This is one of the most important parts of a rotating assembly. I will be happy to share with you information regarding new original connecting rods. I'm sure you'll get them right away. Of course if it's not too late. You have made another great material, thank you for your input.💪😎👍

[@Vera_and_Christian]

@@Fabsterix We were not able to source OEM conrods, including US. If you know a source, please send me an email (you'll find it in the About page, I can't share it here in the comment section).😀👍🙏🙋‍♀Vera

[@samrodian919]

Yes Land Rover just take the piss out of owners these days . All they want to do is sell you either a new engine or a new car!

[@lakesidesecurity3845]

You are absolutely correct. Don’t replace items that introduce more potential wear or wear in for the engine. The engine suffered one catastrophic failure and the other items that show no wear are suitable for continued use. I’ve run JLR vehicles for over 2 million kilometres total in my life, mainly Range Rovers but some Jags too. Apart from the obvious crank issue with this engine, a very structured service regime keeps most of the problems at bay. Thanks for the excellent videos. Love your work!

[@AJ-yw5zy]

Christian is entirely correct in his assessment & path forward. I’ve worked on many aero & gas turbines, I follow the same approach to forced outages and failures. Well done commons sense is still alive & well. Just a shame Britpart let you down, the blue box of death!

[@peterrayden8357]

Brilliant video! Love the humour, the advice... everything!

[@andymercer8092]

Great video. Love how much detail you give

[@williamwicklow5192]

Loved the video guys a very educational and well put together video, fantastic 👏👍

[@dn0682]

Very educational video, well done guys for the smart approach in keeping the already proven parts in the rebuild. Regards Dorin.

[@alexshapley8331]

Fascinating analysis and excellently communicated. As always, many many thanks. I will be sharing part of this video re the Bathtub Reliability Graph with a client (even though what we do is nothing to do with LRs or any vehicle) as this is the best explanation I've ever seen. Already looking forward to next week. Keep up the good work (and sod off to the trolls and keyboard warriors).

[@mattcartwright8272]

"I wanna see the crankshaft seal, please." Said no wife. EVER!. Except Vera. What a gem! Definitely a keeper Christian.

[@alhit007]

Another brilliant video guys 👌master LR Machanic Christen and stand up comic 😂 Vera behind every great man is a superior Woman and equally brilliant, you both explain and inspire with such ease and clarity. What you explained in relation to the bell curve was 100% correct and as a one time Machanic myself I totally agree..

[@struanrobertson3417]

100% agree on your logic about what parts to replace. 👍

[@Hancock_nl]

Must admit, i kinda like these lectures. Thank you Christian 👍

[@sokoletto]

Another great video, congratulations, and thank you for making me more confident with my old 215k. km baby.

[@darrelldavison3876]

Totally agree with Christian great explanation cheers

[@geoffsperring4372]

I appreciate your logical approach, great stuff

[@markrobertson1488]

Informative, engaging and enjoyable. Love this channel

[@TheDaf95xf]

Good evening Vera & Christian. Really enjoyed that schooling on the LR engine and I’m sure it’ll be absolutely perfect 👍🏻 Looking forward to the result and putting the sceptics too sleep lol 😆 We’re on our way to Brugge for a wee holiday 😃 Can’t wait for next week already 🤩 Cheers Stevie 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Big kiss for Vera X

[@raycollington4310]

100% agreement here. So refreshing to see some common sense thinking on display for once. Thank you both for the great video.

[@michaelwhyte3995]

Brilliant both - thanks for the very informative update

[@dunec4039]

Brilliant. I took the same approach with my old BMW R80 G/S rebuild.

[@stuartbell7078]

Excellent theory, once again. One thing to check when refitting the turbochargers; make sure the control-side of each unit (linkages, cams, actuators, etc.) is all moving 100% correctly. You have just had a crank-failure, and you do not want another one if an "overboost" condition occurs intermittently, but not enough to flag a DTC. Airpath actuation and control is a weak-spot on all the 3.0 Lions, so it is something to check before reusing parts on a failed engine.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

I will check all this and put it in the assembly video. Thanks. Christian

[@raymondsweeney8073]

Fascinating and very educational , great video 👏👏👏👏👏☘️

[@gordonbarclay6106]

Awesome as usual, keep up the good work..

[@oliverhilden2492]

Hi guys thank you for the video iv learn so much from you guys I cannot wait for the engine rebuild video so looking forward to that keep them coming guys

[@danielsadowski9180]

Christian und Vera, Sonntag mit Euch bringt mich zum lachen gleich erfahre ich sehr viele Informationen, ich hoffe mein Mechaniker schaut eure Filme auch, dass ich Zeitnah mein Disco fahren und genießen werden kann. Gruß Daniel

[@johncowie3092]

Excellent as usual

[@alanadair2367]

Another fantastic video 👍

[@dougwernham5209]

Excellent video,very entertaining thank you.

[@johnlydon533]

Love your videos. Very professional. Enjoyed watching. 👍🏼👍🏼

[@OSmith-yq5vb]

Omg you are like a professor ❤❤❤❤ the lecture are informative 👏 👌 👍

[@1967AJB]

Fascinating and brilliant.

[@ajshearinggardenservices]

Great video as always love it 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@1960livvy]

Excellent video - Many Thanks

[@paulwalker427]

excellent video thankyou for the update

[@Discoworx]

Completely agree on the failure period/ replacement theory and I've been repairing industrial machinery for over 20 years.

[@bigadefourfiveonezeroseven4063]

Love your thoroughness on every aspect....as regards to britpart I wouldn't even use any on my 2006 L320 ....ps thanks for the patch and sticker I've recieved👍

[@srd8228]

Brilliant stuff!

[@eddieMurphy11111]

I agree about the oil changes so many people do not take oil changes as a necessity to keep their engines sweet thanks for the video

[@andrewbaron8713]

Just a bit of background, I was before I retired two years ago a manufacturing Engineer for Rolls Royce aero engines, plus a diy car tinkerer. As with all things in life there is a normal distribution curve as I am sure you know. Any conrods undersized would be able to be recut and any oversize made by the OEM, they will have an extended spec, these can get sold to places like britpart. So I am not surprised they are out of spec. I would not replace the pistons either but would gap check the rings on one piston, if they are well in spec , I would not check the rest. I assume your putting in new shells in the conrods . I also agree on the other items your not replacing.

[@ceescorner]

Another great video

[@cristianmorar5558]

This Christian is a very wise man ! 👍

[@pascalhumphrey]

Very well explained.

[@bishen67]

Christian, you have my greatest respect as an engineer and teacher. Vera, your use of English is sometimes a bit naughty, but quite funny. If I ever ( highly unlikely) bought a 3 or 4, I would be tempted to drive over to you, and have you recondition all the common failure items, engine included. Whatever you charged would be worth it , knowing it was all repaired correctly.

[@harveysmith100]

I know nothing about Land Rovers. I do however love the channel.

[@misscrabstick]

It's a low miles engine, you inspected the piston rings, you inspected the pistons, they are fine, they aren't due to wear out for another 150k's at least, I support your plan.

[@HybridGt2052]

Another great detailed video, "i am almost 250% certain" made me chuckle.

[@GusMontoyadaisosasen02]

I Llked and subscribed. I love your logic and reasoning!

[@faniebasson4717]

you are exactly correct on keeping the good parts, way to many new parts are fitted that only loads the repair bill.

[@simonjz05]

This could not have come at a more perfect time. I am just in the process of beginning the assembly of my 306DT. Thank you so much! (From a V8 Land Cruiser owner 😊)

[@tonwhelan]

"How can you glue yourself to the road if something like this exists" 😂. Brilliant. Subscribed. Excellent content.

[@mack1541]

i totally agree with you Christian, if the origional parts are in good condition with no signs of wear and are in spec especially on such a low mileage engine use them. the same goes for the piston rings, i would check each one in the bore and measure the ring gap and if they are in spec use them.

[@LandRoverLR3]

Great video 🎉❤

[@christopherterry5831]

Christian and (the lovely Vera), Just found your site. I do not have a LR but I do enjoy your vids and banter. keep it up ! Chris GB

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Thanks. We do this for entertainment. Glad it worked in your case. Christian

[@edwardpigg]

Another excellent video and perfect for a Sunday afternoon.. looking forward to the build and picked up your comment about Grenadier oil change and possible warranty void. Ineos seem to be happy for owners to self serve and also note they have a five year engine and drivetrain warranty.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

We talked to the rep, and in Germany, will most likely have to fight for your right, if you have a failure down the road. Don't know how they handle it in other countries, but here, you better read the small print in your contract. 🙋‍♀️Vera

[@daos3300]

excellent stuff. i concur regarding not replacing perfectly good parts, your early failure theory makes a lot of sense. those out of spec rods are a joke - plenty of people build engines without checking specs, they can get themselves into serious trouble. also, elring seem really good, i've bought decent parts from them for my old aircooled vw.

[@Vera_and_Christian]

Absolutely right. We get so many messages where the rebuild only lasted 10000km.👍🙋‍♀️

[@rh3223]

Absolutely superb ! As a consultant engineer in the aerospace sector this makes perfect sense but with a 250k mile TDi Defender I’m also in the “passion” zone…

[@samrodian919]

Long may you stay there sir!

[@paulriley7523]

Gréât vidéo as always!!!!!

[@rufusjack666]

I agree with your philosophy. I would never chamge good original parts with aftermarket on a low mileage engine. Good job.

[@rnish2958]

I've done RMA (Reliability, Maintainability, Availability), for NASA projects. Great failure mode and "while we're in here" talk. I catch "comments" because I replace seals and o-rings while I'm in there. Little over a year ago I picked up a VW TAOS. Fussy electronic 1.5 L turbo. I still need to find a VW channel. However, you guys are entertaining.

[@ianmenai]

Christian. I totally agree with all your comments. Did you think about buying a very cheap completely trashed 3.0 TDV6 engine for the odd part, like a con rod, given the supply of decent OEM parts is hard to come by? It would give you a supply of single use main, big end and head bolts! One thought, chains don't like being stopped suddenly,.so possibly renew the two camshaft chains? Just idle thoughts, as the expression goes 'if it ain't broke don't fix it'!

[@adamfletcher4262]

Completely agree with the piston rings !!

[@bobevansIW]

Great video guys! I'm with Christian on which parts to replace and which not to. Can't believe you have a dodgey rod from Britpart, normally very good with their parts. I have used them a lot and have never had any problems, must be a one off!! Looking forward to this engine being refitted onto the chassis and then to see how it runs, I bet it'll be like a sewing machine......Nice work Vera on the videoing 👍

[@samrodian919]

It can't be a one off if they bought three of them and one was poorly machined, one out of spec and one only just in spec on top limit. That means a crap manufacturer and sweet FA quality control which we know always seems to happen in Chinese manufacturing. As I've said elsewhere here Britpart seem to have gone downhill as far as quality is concerned since Covid and perhaps some of their major non Chinese suppliers have gone bust during Covid and all they can find to manufacture for them are crappy engineering concerns in China

[@threeboardsfour]

Britpart parts are cheap for reason. Unfortunately in some instances they are the only supplier available. Out of spec is more the norm than an exception for Britpart.

[@umm4134]

You're absolutely right. The piston should not be changed

[@nrcs1972]

Really educational! Tnx

[@scousepie2]

Love you guys... even the wife loves your Channel !!

[@oliverallen5324]

Tbh I love white board presentations. Subscribed!