common disco td5 problems

[Big Kev]

I have a 300 tdi but I am going with my uncle to look at a disco td5 it is a 2000 w reg and a 7 seater limited edition with the half leather interior with suede inners, it has done 73,000 miles and has sevice history , has anyone got any info on the kind of things I should be cheking with him, I am aware of the problems with the oil running down to the ecu and that I should check the red plug for any signs of oil , is it ok to disconnect this plug from the ecu without it logging any faults etc, also has anyone got any info on the head problems that I have been advised of with the fuel getting into the cylinder head through the casting?

any specific places to check for the rust etc?

any help would be appreciated asap if ou could.

thanks
Kev.

[Yeti]

check everything electrical works, unless the head gasket has been done it's probably got plastic dowels as you say there's the oil in loom syndrome. is it an MMLE (Millenium Limited Edition)?

[Big Kev]

yes mate it is an MMLE , is there anything I should be specifically looking out for.

Kev

[Yeti]

Had mine for 4 and a bit years had a new fuel pump, just fitted a new rad and the injector loom is letting by a little bit so it's on the list apart from that it's an excellent motor I'm well chuffed still. oh and I de-EGRed it a couple of weeks back and the difference astounded me

[Big Kev]

thanks for that mate, what about rust problems?

where do I check the loom for oil and is it ok to unplug the ecu to check for oil.

[Yeti]

the red plug on the ECU just dis battery and take the screw out then you can remove the plug an have a look, as regards rust just have a damn good look and have a torch with you

[lynalldiscovery]

use 10mm socket and remove the battery earth lead from the inner wing this gives you enough room to lift the ecu out which is held in with one screw you will also have to lift out the jack to make access easier.

Takes less than 10mins to remove and refit ecu, new injector loom only cost £38 so why worry.

TD5 does not rust like TDI:D

Check all buttons and air con etc.

If it starts on the button and theres no oil and fuel leaks on the floor and does not misfire (inj loom) on the test drive the engine will be okay.

Like the TYDI engine runs better when warmed up.

Very easy to stall compared to TDI once used to it, its no problem, quieter than TDI inside and out.

Same ****ty gearbox R380, if its auto there should be no delay between reverse and drive.

Transfer box does not wear like TDI


Lynall

[lynalldiscovery]

Oh yeh the suede seats always ruck up and look bad.


Lynall

[Big Kev]

Thanks for the replies, I went with him today and the car looked ok, no oil leaks and no signs of rust engine run well, but a lot of cosmetic problems with cracks and rips and although we were told it had full service there was no stamps in the service book and we were givern the usual salesmen patter like, the original owner would not pay so much money for that sort of car and not have the services done on it, but that does not help 2-3 years down the line if you want to sell it and cant show anyone else proof of serviceing and it was priced very high for what was on offer so he is still looking for the right car.

thanks everyone .

Kev.