Engine Swap - The Legalities
 

Having recently updated my Patrol project thread saying that I'd been able to source a 3rd engine, the worst thing that could have happened, happened.........

Having now scrapped 2 heads on two RD28's now after trying to remove the glow plugs cold, I decided to try and be clever, and asked the guy that was removing the engine, if he'd be kind enough to get the engine up to temperature and remove the glow plugs from the engine before removing while the engine is up at temp.

What happened........ he snaps the first glow plug and didn't want to touch the other 5 in fear of doing the same. I just can't justify spending cash on a 3rd scrap RD28 engine.

Whilst I'd love to go for something like an OM606 or an M57 etc etc, realistically, I'd be out of my depth if I needed to get anything machined up etc and quite frankly I just couldn't afford a conversion like that :eek:

I do have another idea I'm toying with at the moment which could work out well for me if it's as straight forward as I think it could be :naughty

I know of a LWB 3.0 Patrol that runs but is totally dog eared bodywork wise, it's an 06 plate with a 3.0 that runs well engine and box wise and is an SVE spec with the black leather interior etc.

I was hoping I could pull the engine , box, wiring the whole lot and transplant it into mine and take any other updated goodies into mine that might fit from the newer one :nenau

Should this all be achievable, what is the process with the DVLA and has anyone been personally through and and had first hand experience of this? The DVLA website states to just make the changes and contact them to let them know what you have done and they will then let you know if your vehicle needs a retest :confused:

To be honest, I'd like to know exactly what's involved and what costs are incurred etc before I start to even consider the transplant. I don't want to spend thousands to find out I can't even use the thing again on the roads.

Discuss boys................ :splif

You might have to take it for an IVA test.
Not 100% sure tbh.
All i did with mine was change the engine number but as mine was a like for like swap that's all that was needed.

Zac, sorry I can’t help you. But have you enquired how much it would cost if a machine shop removes the broken glow plug? Surely this is cheaper than replacing the whole engine with a 3.0?

I have just requested a quote from a local engine reconditioning shop. Will let you know when I have an answer.

I've rang a few near me and nobody wants to take on the job :doh

Craig (BigBunny) has offered to have a look at the one I've got removed from the original engine but I don't hold out much hope of a successful removal

Oh that is a bit frustrating. I take it the job is too small for them? They will only do it as part of a complete engine or head rebuild?

I contacted Reconditioned Engines and awaiting a reply. If they don’t play ball I will ask “my” mechanic if he has a recommendation.

Don't know the laws in the UK, but over here the swap from RD28 to TD27 is very usual on Patrol owners.

Zac, give Dave’s Engine Centre in Studley a ring if you haven’t already. 01527-854968. Recommended to me by “my” mechanic.

You're a gent!!!! I'll be calling tomorrow

Tell him that Robin of Stanton Automotive send you his way!

Good luck.

Any luck Zac?

Not rang yet mate, I'm still umming and arring as to what to do :nenau

Cheers Zac, I know the feeling! :o

When I worked at MB Derby they always used the local Diesel Specialists to remove glow plugs & seized injectors. The success rate without taking off the cylinder heads was very high. When our Jeep WJ injectors started leaking the local garage used the same firm who do a mobile service as a lot of their work is on commercial vehicles. I have had all 5 injectors removed with seals & stretch bolts replaced. None of the injectors were damaged. They had a minimum call out charge of £100 plus around £50 per extra injector removed - they fitted the units back with bolts & seals included. Mine were replaced in two goes a couple of years appart. Pretty sure this type of specialist firm exists in your area.

Zac, Dave’s engine centre charge £47.50 (an hours wage) to drill out a broken glow plug. I dropped the head of today and can collect again tomorrow. They are in Studley, just off the A435.