Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Defender 200Tdi › Workshop guide › Timing belt, tensioner & idler

Land Rover Defender 200Tdi: timing belt, tensioner & idler

Engine · Defender (1990–2016) · 1990–1994

How often: every 60,000 mi or 5 yrs, whichever comes first. If the belt breaks the valves hit the pistons. This is the most expensive thing to forget on this engine.

Many owners change this belt sooner than the official interval, because a failure costs an engine.

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

Timing belt kit (belt, tensioner, idler) (buy a quality branded kit)
Crankshaft front oil seal
Timing cover gasket

Tools

Flywheel locking pin & injection pump timing pin
Crank pulley socket & breaker bar
Torque wrench

Step by step

Disconnect the battery. Remove the fan, fan cowl, auxiliary belt and crank pulley.
Remove the timing cover. Turn the engine to TDC on No.1 and fit the flywheel locking pin and the injection pump timing pin. Do not turn the engine again until reassembly.
Slacken the tensioner, remove the belt and inspect the cover backplate for wear where a belt has rubbed. On the 300Tdi, check the backplate and fit the later-type cover if the belt has been walking.
Fit the new tensioner and idler, then the new belt with no slack on the drive side. Tension it to the figure in your manual using a torque wrench on the tensioner or a gauge.
Remove the timing pins, turn the engine by hand two full turns, refit the pins to confirm timing, and re-check the tension.
Fit a new crank seal, refit the cover and pulley to the correct torque, and log the job with the belt kit brand.

More Land Rover Defender 200Tdi servicing

Engine oil & filter change every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Air filter element every 12,000 mi or year
Fuel filter change & bleed every 12,000 mi or year
Drain fuel sedimenter / water trap every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 12,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 3 yrs
Grease propshafts every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housings & seals every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 12,000 mi or year
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Change front & rear axle oil every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Steering & power steering check every 12,000 mi or year
Inspect pads, discs & brake hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Adjust transmission handbrake every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Suspension bushes, arms & dampers every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearings & hub seals every 24,000 mi or 2 yrs
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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