1990-2016 Land Rover Defender 90 SUV Owner maintenance -> Engine compartment User Manual
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Owner maintenance -> Engine compartment for Your Land Rover Defender 90 SUV First Generation (1990-2016)

Engine compartment
86
Td5 - Left hand steering
1. Cooling system reservoir.
2. Brake fluid reservoir.
3. Clutch fluid reservoir.
4. Washer reservoir.
5. Engine oil filler cap.
6. Engine oil dipstick.
7. Power steering reservoir.
NOTE:
It will be necessary to remove the
access flap before topping up the engine oil.
WARNING
Ensure that sparks and naked lights are kept
away from the engine compartment.
Engine compartment
87
Tdi - Right hand steering
(non-air conditioning)
1. Diesel fuel filter.
2. Cooling system reservoir.
3. Brake fluid reservoir.
4. Clutch fluid reservoir.
5. Engine oil filler cap.
6. Engine oil dipstick.
7. Washer reservoir.
8. Power steering reservoir.
WARNING
Ensure that sparks and naked lights are kept
away from the engine compartment.
Engine compartment
88
V8 - Right hand steering
1. Cooling system reservoir
2. Brake fluid reservoir.
3. Washer reservoir.
4. Engine oil dipstick.
5. Engine oil filler cap.
6. Power steering reservoir.
7. Clutch fluid reservoir.
8. Radiator filler plug.
WARNING
Ensure that sparks and naked lights are kept
away from the engine compartment.
Engine compartment
89
Td5 diesel engine
ENGINE OIL LEVEL-CHECK & TOP-UP
Check the oil level at least every 400 km
(250 miles) when the engine is HOT and with
the vehicle resting on level ground.
Switch off the engine and let the vehicle stand
for five minutes to allow the oil to drain back
into the sump. Withdraw the dipstick and wipe
the blade clean and then fully reinsert the
dipstick and withdraw again to check the level,
which should NEVER be allowed to fall below
the lower mark on the dipstick.
To top-up, unscrew the oil filler cap and add
oil to maintain the level between the UPPER
and LOWER marks on the dipstick.
NOTE: On Td5 models, it is necessary to
remove the access flap before topping-up - lift
the release tab (see illustration).
Tdi diesel engine
DO NOT OVERFILL!
As a general guide, if the level on the dipstick:
• is nearer to the upper mark than the lower,
add no oil.
• is nearer to the lower mark than the upper,
add half a litre of oil.
• is below the lower mark, add one litre of
oil and re-check the level after a further
five minutes.
NOTE: If it is necessary to check the oil level
when the engine is cold, DO NOT start the
engine. Follow the procedure detailed above,
but re-check the oil level as soon as the
engine has reached its normal operating
temperature.
Engine compartment
90
V8 petrol engine
Oil specifications
It is essential to use an oil suitable for the
climatic conditions in which the vehicle is to
be operated. Precise specifications are shown
in ’General data’. If in doubt, contact your
Land Rover dealer.
4-cylinder petrol engine
Engine compartment
91
Td5 diesel engine
COOLING SYSTEM TOP-UP
WARNING
The coolant level in the reservoir should be
checked at least weekly (more frequently in
high mileage or arduous operating
conditions). Always check the level WHEN
THE SYSTEM IS COLD.
Never run the engine without coolant.
NEVER remove the filler cap or radiator filler
plug when the engine is hot - escaping
steam or scalding water could cause serious
injury.
Unscrew the filler cap slowly, allowing the
pressure to escape before removing
completely.
Tdi diesel, V8 & 4-cyl petrol engines
Top-up with a 50% mixture of anti-freeze and
water so that the surface of the coolant is level
with the seam on the side of the tank. Ensure
the cap is tightened fully after top-up is
completed.
DO NOT overfill. This may result in damage to
the radiator.
If the level has fallen appreciably, suspect
leakage or overheating and arrange for your
dealer to examine your vehicle.
NOTE: On V8 models, in addition to checking
the level on the tank, the radiator may need
topping-up - consult the procedure on the
following page.
Engine compartment
92
V8 models
On V8 models, as well as removing the
reservoir cap, carefully unscrew the radiator
filler plug (illustrated above), allowing
pressure to escape before removing
completely.
Top the radiator up, if necessary, with a 50%
mixture of anti-freeze and water to maintain
the level at approximately 12 mm (0.5 in)
below the radiator filler neck. Ensure the plug
is tightened fully after top-up is completed.
DO NOT OVERFILL!
Anti-freeze
Anti-freeze contains important corrosion
inhibitors. Ensure the 50% anti-freeze/water
solution is maintained and topped up all year
round (not just in cold conditions). Failure to
do so may cause corrosion of the radiator and
engine components.
The specific gravity of a 50% anti-freeze
solution at 20° C (68° F) is 1.075 and protects
against frost down to -36° C (-33° F).
Use ONLY ethylene glycol based anti-freeze
(containing no methanol) with Organic Acid
Technology (OAT) corrosion inhibitors.
In an emergency - and only if this type of
anti-freeze is unavailable - top-up the cooling
system with clean water, but be aware of the
resultant reduction in frost protection. DO
NOT top-up or refill with conventional
anti-freeze formulations. If in doubt, consult a
Land Rover dealer.
WARNING
Anti-freeze is poisonous and can be fatal if
swallowed. If accidental consumption of
anti-freeze is suspected, seek medical
attention immediately.
Prevent anti-freeze coming in contact with
the skin or eyes. If this occurs, rinse
immediately with plenty of water.
Anti-freeze will damage painted surfaces.
NEVER top-up with salt water. Even when
travelling in territories where the water
supply contains salt, always ensure you
carry a supply of fresh (rain or distilled)
water.
Engine compartment
93
WINDSCREEN WASHER TOP-UP
The windscreen washer reservoir also
supplies the rear screen.
Check the reservoir level and top-up with a
mixture of water and an approved screen
washer solvent to approximately 25 mm (1 in)
below the bottom of the filler neck. In cold
weather, to prevent freezing, use a screen
washer solvent containing isopropanol.
Operate the washer switches to check that the
nozzles are clear and properly directed.
WARNING
DO NOT use an anti-freeze solution in the
washer reservoir. Anti-freeze will damage
painted surfaces.
Engine compartment
94
FUEL SEDIMENTER - Tdi diesel engines
(if fitted)
The sedimenter is located on the chassis side
member, near the rear wheel.
To drain:
Slacken off the drain plug (arrowed in
illustration), to allow any water to drain off.
Retighten the plug as soon as pure diesel is
emitted.
FUEL FILTER - Tdi diesel engines
The filter is located at the front of the engine
compartment.
To drain:
Slacken off the drain plug (1), to allow any
water to drain off. Retighten the plug as soon
as pure diesel is emitted.
Engine compartment
95
CLUTCH FLUID TOP-UP
Wipe the filler cap before removing, to prevent
dirt from entering the reservoir. Check the
fluid level and top up if necessary, maintaining
the level approximately 10 mm below the top
of the reservoir, using fluid meeting FMVSS
116 DOT 4 specification. Ensure dirt does not
enter the reservoir while filling.
Use only new fluid from a sealed container
(old fluid from opened containers, or fluid
previously bled from the system must NOT be
used).
DO NOT OVERFILL!
If significant topping up is required, a leak is
indicated - consult your dealer immediately.
WARNING
Clutch fluid will damage painted surfaces;
soak up any spillage with an absorbent cloth
immediately and wash the area with a
mixture of car shampoo and water.
Take care not to spill fluid onto a hot engine
- a fire may result.
Clutch fluid is highly toxic - keep containers
sealed and out of reach of children. If
consumption of fluid is suspected, seek
medical attention immediately.
If clutch fluid should come into contact with
the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of water.
Engine compartment
96
WARNING
Contact your dealer immediately if brake
travel is unusually long or if there is any
appreciable drop in brake fluid.
BRAKE FLUID CHECK
The fluid level will fall slightly during use as a
result of brake pad wear, but should not be
allowed to fall below the ’MIN’ mark. Any
substantial drop in fluid indicates a leak in the
system, in which case the vehicle must NOT
be driven and you should contact your dealer.
With the vehicle on level ground, check the
fluid level at least every week (more frequently
in high mileage or arduous operating
conditions). Check the level visually through
the side of the transparent container without
removing the filler cap.
Topping-up
Wipe the filler cap clean before removing to
prevent dirt from entering the reservoir, then
top up to the ’MAX’ mark using FMVSS 116
DOT 4 fluid.
Use only new fluid from an airtight container
(old fluid from opened containers, or fluid
previously bled from the system must NOT be
used).
DO NOT OVERFILL!
WARNING
DO NOT drive the vehicle with the fluid level
below the ’MIN’ mark.
Brake fluid will damage painted surfaces;
soak up any spillage with an absorbent cloth
immediately and wash the area with a
mixture of car shampoo and water.
Take care not to spill fluid onto a hot engine
- a fire may result.
Brake fluid is highly toxic - keep containers
sealed and out of the reach of children. If
consumption of fluid is suspected, seek
medical attention immediately.
If brake fluid should come into contact with
the skin or eyes, rinse immediately with
plenty of water.
Engine compartment
97
POWER STEERING TOP-UP
ONLY check the fluid level with the engine
switched off and the system cold, and ensure
that the steering wheel is not turned after
stopping the engine.
Wipe the filler cap to prevent dirt from
entering the reservoir.
Remove the filler cap and, using a lint-free
cloth, wipe the dipstick clean. Refit the cap
fully and remove it again to check the fluid
level. Ensure the fluid level is between the
UPPER mark and the end of the dipstick. If
necessary, top up with a fluid meeting
Dexron II D or Dexron II E/III specification,
ensuring no dirt enters the reservoir.
DO NOT fill above the UPPER mark on the
dipstick.
NOTE: The colour of the specified power
steering fluid may differ from that used to fill
the system during manufacture. This is not
cause for concern.
Emergency operation
Any large or sudden drop in the fluid level
must be investigated by a qualified dealer.
If it can be established that fluid loss is slow,
then the reservoir may be topped up to the
upper level mark to enable the vehicle to be
driven to the nearest dealer for examination.
If the fluid level has dropped below the lower
level mark, top-up the reservoir before starting
the engine, or damage to the steering pump
could result.
WARNING
Power steering fluid is highly toxic - keep
containers sealed and out of the reach of
children. If consumption of power steering
fluid is suspected, seek medical attention
immediately.
If power steering fluid should come into
contact with the skin or eyes, rinse
immediately with plenty of water.
Do not spill power steering fluid onto a hot
engine - a fire may result.
Power steering fluid will damage painted
surfaces: Soak up any spillage with an
absorbent cloth immediately and wash the
area with a mixture of car shampoo and
water.

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