1997 Defender 300 Tdi Transmission

[micmitch]

Hi folks!
A little over a week ago I bought 1997 Defender 300 Tdi (90 wheelbase). After getting it out of town and driving a few mountain passes it has become apparent that the transmission is quite worn even though the vehicle only has 92,000 km on it. Clutch slip is increasing very quickly (Nearly didn't make it to Squamish and back last weekend for a climbing trip). Does anyone have much experience with this transmission? While I would be very interested in learning to work on the transmission myself I don't have the necessary experience or required tools. Is there anyone who would be interested in helping me with this project? I would also appreciate any recommendations that people might have regarding good shops where I could get the work done, or good sources for parts.

Thanks for your help!

[Arcades]

Was that the white one from Germany from a guy in north van?

British classic auto... Fifth and cambie... Owners name is Martyn. He can help you out if you need a shop... Tell him mark sent you...

[micmitch]

It is the one from Germany that the guy on the North Shore was selling. Thanks for the shop recommendation!

[Arcades]

I looked at that one... Seemed like a good buy... Welcome to the club!

[red90]

OK... You say the clutch is slipping. Is there any freeplay in the clutch pedal? If not, adjust as per the workshop manual (you can download it online). If there is no freeplay, it will be like riding the clutch pedal. Hopefully it has not been burned out.

If you do get the clutch changed, I would suggest replacing the whole hydraulic and actuation system at the same time. It is about a half day job with two people to get it all done. Maybe a bit longer if LHD than RHD.

Is there anything wrong with the gearbox itself? Sometimes people put in the wrong fluids which affects the ease of shifting.

[micmitch]

I think that there is about 1" of freeplay in the clutch so not sure that it is an adjustment issue. As it turns out Martyn from British classic auto did some work on this vehicle before it I bought it and noticed the clutch problems then. He thinks that there is a chance that a leaky rear engine gasket may have saturated the pressure plate with oil.

Mark: Thanks for suggesting that I contact Martyn at British classic auto.

[red90]

Then it is clutch change time. Not too hard with a friend and not that expensive if you don't pay someone to do it. Like I say, change everything from the master cylinder through to the pilot bearing and the crank seal..... Reinforce the pivot on the clutch fork at the same time. Almost everything has a limited life and it is much easier to do while it is out. If you do it all you will have a trouble free clutch for a very long time.