Has anyone attempted the twin oil drain pipe modification on the 4.4 TDV8 themselves?

Reviewing the topix Technical Bulletin, although potential for a costly mistake is reasonably high, given it requires drilling into the sump to tap the new drain tube into, the procedure to that point seems relatively straightforward? biggest headache would appear to be the casually referenced 'remove the front subframe' which I'm guessing is where most of the quoted 8.2 hours (!) is spent?

Am I barking mad to even consider a DIY on this???

I'd say unless you are VERY competent mechanic with all the correct quality equipment this is one job too far.

Don't you have to tap a new hole into the block or something similar.

i for one would shudder at that for a DIY.? 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

TBH I'm less concerned about drilling & tapping the thread for the additional drain tube to screw into, its an alloy sump so aside from catching / removing all the swarf (which is also covered in the TB) shouldn't pose a problem. Its the stripping down to get that point I'd be keen to hear if ayones tackled.

I'm sure i've read many a post about removing the front subframe for welding on older cars, so a search my reveal what you are looking for.

Personally, the thought of introducing swarf into the crankcase and the problems that would cause if not done properly would have me reaching for the MD''s number.

Not only that, but at least you have some recourse if they did it wrong.

Mike

Are you thinking of this because you have a problem now or just as a preventative.

If the former then it's worth doing although I personally wouldn't do it myself even though I'm a pretty competent mechanic.

If the latter then I wouldn't bother until it becomes an issue, just make sure you do regular oil and filter changes. 2021 D350 Fifty Edition - Carpathian Grey
2017 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography (2021-2024) - Santorini Black
2012 4.4 TDV8 Westminster (2016-2021) - Santorini Black

It's in relation to a potential purchase (not yet road tested) and working on the basis it hasn't had the modification completed, I'm factoring in the cost depending on if realistically achievable at home (consensus seems that it's not) versus using an indy or MD. £1k to £1.5k?

I'd assumed they all suffer as an inherent design 'oversight' but if driven with spirit regularly, the symptons are minimised?

Pretty sure mine has t had it done before I owned it. Spirited driving and getting the revs over 2700 regularly seems to keep the symptoms away.

Not one to attempt at home, the chances for getting swarf into the engine bottom end are fairly high. There is a special tool for the drilling too. Give the liability to someone else.!! There is nothing that can't be fixed with a hammer😜😜
FFRR 4.4 SDV8 Autobiography Santorini Black.
Fiat 500x 1.4 multiair Lounge 2015
2010 LR D4 Commercial 2.7 TDV6

I would definitely get it done, MD or Indy, but preferably by someone who has done one before.
Mine was a really heavy smoker, probably because I only rarely get it over 2500rpm, but now it is smoke free and hasn't used any oil since last service, >5 k miles. G reg 2.5VM Vogue Portofino red 1991- 1999
V reg 2.5td P38 Rioja red 1999- 2006
53 reg td6 Vogue Oslo blue 2006- 2015
11 reg 4.4 TdV8 Vogue SE. Baltic blue 2015- date.
https://www.fullfatrr.com/forum/topic56162...tty+affair

Hmm, mixed opinion then! - does anyone have any actual examples of total cost / where it was carried out?

i believe its around £1k..... ... - .- -.




Y. O. L. O.
.

Mine was £950 15 months ago at at Team Valley Landrover, an independent in Newcastle

Thanks Cass, I was assuming around the £1k mark so that confirms what I should be expecting to pay, if required.

Viewing the car tomorrow so will check paperwork and for excessive smoke when accelerating hard, also I believe you can check for the extra drain pipe from under the front left hand side.

I suspect this oil burn can contribute to a premature death of the DPF.

Hi, I got it done on my 2012 by the one and only authorized dealer/service in Budapest. During the procedure I was permanently around with the bulletin in hand and asking for step-by-step conpliance. Although they managed to convince me that removing of the front subframe is not necessary. And actually they could complete the job very nice and tidy without SFrame removal. Witnessing all the activity I would not judge this task as too complicated, or calling for huge expertese. Only thing required is patience, and slow drilling, with grease on the bit to remove metalic particles. And of course you need the kit. 4.4 TDV8 Vogue Buckingham Blue MY12
from Hungary

Well I went ahead & bought the car yesterday (2011 4.4 TDV8 Autobiography, black with ivory) and was unable to confirm if the new drain pipe had been fitted by looking from under the front right wheel arch area up into what yo can see of the engine block / sump and nothing in the comprehensive paperwork, I'll crawl under again today armed with a telescopic mirror / torch to definitely confirm.

With this said, there was no smoke whatsoever when pushing the revs well beyond 3k (and that was after driving like a grandma for 50 or so miles on the way home) so fingers crossed, no issue to deal with presently in anycase.

Interesting point if the job can infact be carried out without removing the front subframe, perhap this just provides much better access for the drilling (...or provides the MD's with justifucation to charge additional hours not strictly needed ).