I've read a fair bit on here about issues to watch out for on the TDV8 and wanted to check my understanding of the "biggies" to be aware of on a prospective purchase:

3.6 - turbos are a potential issue. Maybe linked to EGRs though not clear how? There are precautionary measures you can take to minimise the risk of early failure but there's no check you can do on a prospective purchase to determine if they're on the verge of going. If they do go, it's potentially disastrous as it could take other bits with it.

4.4 - turbo drain mod. Symptoms are excessive smoke and / or DPF issues. No way to (easily) check if this has been done on a prospective purchase and you're looking at a big job if it subsequently does need doing.

I'd really appreciate verification (or correction / elaboration) of the above. I'd like to go into it with my eyes open.

Thanks

Post 4 on this thread implies the oill drain mod can be identified if you know what to look for

Study it's service history too. Ring the dealer who's been servicing it.
That's what I did when I bought mine and they were helpful and the told me everything that was done since it's delivery new.

Go for the 4.4 Prices are really reasonable at the mo. 700nm pulls like a freight train.
. Cheers, Greg
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
2011 Vogue SE 4.4 with lots of toys in Stornaway

I can see the bottom of mine's turbo and parts of the twin drain when kneeling on the ground in front of the bumper looking up at the left side of the engine.

Click image to enlarge

You wouldn't buy without a test drive so floor the 4.4 above 2500 RPM and look in the rear mirror - you will soon find out if the mod is done.

Tell the seller first in case they accuse you of breaking the car  405 AB exec seats Baltic and Cirrus
93 RR Classic efi

Remember it's easier to get forgiveness than permission!

Gone in order:
4.4 TDV8 SE - gone to a good home
93 Classic hard dash Plymouth Blue
03 L322 Oslo Blue
2000 Disco TD5 ES Epsom Green
98 P38 Rioja Red
89 Classic Cairngorm Brown

My car doesn't have the mod and doesn't smoke either.
My mate had a tdv8 which also didn't smoke.

I wouldn't worry about weather the mod has been done unless it actually smokes. Too many toys, not enough time

2011 4.4 TDV8 AB Black

Mine is another (2011 TDV8) that doesn't produce smoke even when revved over 2600 rpm. It hasn't had the drain mod, I'm fairly sure. I seem to recall reading that the following were all likely to keep the turbos in good order:
1) regular oil changes with proper spec oil
2) occasional revs as above to get the second turbo working
3) keeping the ECU standard i.e. avoiding a remap
4) avoiding DPF clogging up, and ensuring EGR is working properly.

That^

No drain mod on mine and no smoke.......

Regarding the 3.6, I BELIEVE the main issues are the intercooler to turbo hoses breaking down internally sending bits into the turbo- OEM hoses are cheap or can be replaced with silicone- and the oil feed for the turbos runs across the top of the engine- the heat causes slugging, starving the turbos of oil- replace or re-route.

As for the EGRs, I would think a good blast every week or two would keep them clear.

Mike
I have a MY08 3.6 and I love it, as it’s such a lot of car for the money. Mine has 275,000km.

From what I’ve read and my own experience I agree there seems to be thing that can be done to reduce the risk. Australian delivered L322 3.6s don’t have a DPF. I’m not sure if that helps or not. What seems to help is:
• disabling the EGR.
• Regular servicing with correct spec oil. Mines been serviced every 10,000km.
• engine oil flush.
• keeping an eye on the top intercooler hoses.

I don’t know much about the 4.4, other than the interior style is more modern, the electrics are improved, everyone says they have heaps of grunt and very reliable. ______________________________
Vogue tdv8 08MY poverty pack - wow

Many thanks for all the replies. I've now got a better idea what to look for. Just have to find the right car (and wait for the weather to improve!)

one more unmodified 4.4 TD here - never had a smooke problem.

regards
heppsen 2017 MB V-Class
2016 Q7 (gone)
2012 FFRR TDV8
2012 Smart Pulse Turbo
1986 MB W126
1965 LR Series 2A
1961 LR Series 2

The 4.4’s don’t all smoke all of the time!

The smoke usually starts by smoking once every now and again! Then every so often etc etc etc until it happens every other time you accelerate hard! Then, customers enquire “what can be done please”

Giantlandyman wrote:

Regarding the 3.6, I BELIEVE the main issues are the intercooler to turbo hoses breaking down internally sending bits into the turbo- OEM hoses are cheap or can be replaced with silicone- and the oil feed for the turbos runs across the top of the engine- the heat causes slugging, starving the turbos of oil- replace or re-route

Not heard that theory before, but sounds entirely credible

If you keep starting and stopping the engine and running it without the second turbo cutting in, oil will build up in the second turbo. When you do eventually put your foot down, you can get a bit of smoke, but it will just clear itself out and all will be normal. I just try and get my foot down at last once every time I take the car out. The way I see it, is at least the second turbo gets well lubricated.

Agreed TOF, they used to call it the "Italian tune up". Trouble is, you floor it and you're soon way over any sensible speed - at least round here on Hampshire's congested roads. But you're right, if all my driving is bimbling around then I'm heading for DPF / EGR / second turbo problems at some point.