New Member - 1st Defender

[JBirc0014]

Hi all,

I'm looking to get my hands dirty with my 1997 300tdi 90 and address some (hopefully) minor maintenance tasks. I dont have much automotive repair experience but part of the reason I wanted an older diesel was to learn. Last road trip was from Ottawa to San Diego and then on to Panama in a Toyota Corolla so I promised myself next time I'd be better prepared....which brings me to 1st Defender

I'd like to flush coolant system (maybe replace black resevoir with something more practical)

Replace the oil in front and rear differentials and gear box

Regular 1st oil and filter change (I've put roughly 2000km on it since Sept)

Perform a comprehensive check on everything else so I know what to look for going forward or figure out what I've missed so far.

So all that to say I'd really like to get involved in the process and am looking for a reliable member of the community to kind of show me the ropes or point me in the right direction. I've spoken with Art at UK Trek and Traction and unfortunately I dont think he's currently available. I'd really hate to waste the opportunity by just taking it in for maintenace at one of the LR shops so figured I would reach out and see if anyone is interested!

Thanks for your time and consideration. Looking forward to attending some of the upcoming events (if and when COVID is done doing whatever its doing)

Cheers!
J

[ANDYD]

Hi "J"

Congrats on your first Defender, I'm sure you wont regret it! The 300tdi is a very simple set up to look after but as you mentioned regular Oil, Oil filter, Air Filter, fuel filter changes are crucial, especially if you plan to use it up in the mountains where it will get exposed to a lot of dust, water, mud, potholes etc ..

A coolant flush is a good idea, that way you will know the coolant / antifreeze mixture and flush out any debris from the system ready for the upcoming HOT summer 8)

I changed my plastic reservoir tank for a aluminum one, you can find them online for under $100 (see photos). It was a simple bolt in 30min job, I kept the original plastic pressure cap.

Post up some photos of your 90, Where are you located, Lower Mainland?

Cheers
Andy

[JBirc0014]

Haha hey Andy, when I said practical replacement I was thinking something more along the lines of white or translucent plastic to better monitor level of fluid or appearance of 'strange substance' that is currently lurking in my reservoir (please see my post in technical q&a for pics) I like that aluminum swap you made though, looks sharp and guessing that would be a first and last. I'm in Vancouver close to English Bay if you think of anyone local willing to take a look or recommendations for where to source materials and parts please let me know.

I haven't had great luck with the attachments between phone/comp and site but here goes...

[rgallant]

Looks good

[ANDYD]

Yes, great looking D90, Is that your secret fishing spot!

If you look at the 'parts wanted' section of the forum, the top post has a list of local suppliers. Rocky Mountain in North Van stocks most parts for your 300tdi.

-Andy

[Arcades]

X2 on Rocky Mountain. Welcome, glad to see another 90 around.

[RobinS]

Very nice straight looking Defender. I have tried for years to get in touch with Art Vanderstar , never had any luck.