DEFENDER2.NET - View topic - Noisy engine, low on power

↓ Advertise on Defender2 ↓

Home · FAQ · New Posts · My Posts · PMs · Search · Members · Map · Calendar · Profile · Donate · Register · Log In

Home > Td5 > Noisy engine, low on power

Page 1 of 1

Print this entire topic ·

hartleys

Member Since: 15 Sep 2025
Location: Wales
Posts: 2

Noisy engine, low on power

Hi all,

I have a 2003 TD5 110. It's my second defender, just bought it to replace my 90.

Since I've bought it it's seemed down on power, not hugely but enough. The oil level was high, there was diesel bypassing the injector seals, so they have been done and level is now steady. But, it's till a bit down on power and it is noisier than a "normal" td5, not hugely so, there is definitely a pronounced tapping noise.

There is a bit of a leak on the exhaust manifold - is that likely to cause the loss of power?

I've put a 1.2 ratio transfer case in (had that on my 90 and it's just much better). It also has a Stage 1 remap.

I've done lots of checks already. No faults coming up on the nano com.

Does anything jump out from the following live data read out?

Click image to enlarge

15th Sep 2025 3:42pm

DefenderCan

Member Since: 25 Nov 2023
Location: Canada
Posts: 23

I would spray, with MAF Cleaner the MAF & MAP Sensors.

Run a quality fuel additive.

Exhaust manifold leak will let you lose power.

17th Sep 2025 9:57am

hartleys

Member Since: 15 Sep 2025
Location: Wales
Posts: 2

Thanks for the reply.

I’ve fitted a new MAF and put and injector cleaner through. MAP sensor is clean and numbers seem ok.

17th Sep 2025 10:30am

Mr.Jimbo

Member Since: 20 Jun 2024
Location: Rugby UK
Posts: 24

If there is an audible ticking noise I expect you're not achieving correct levels of boost - Looking at the data (and assuming that's absolute, not gauge) I would say you're about 4-600kpa down on boost (I can't remember what the standard boost threshold is but from memory around 140-150kPa) and I suspect yours is around 8-900kPa

I'm making that assumption on the basis that 180-190kPa would be well into ECU limitations pulling fuelling to control, have you double checked the wastegate rod is moving correctly? If you're really seeing 180-190, could be a sign the wastegate is sticking closed

On mine, cyl 5 had notable soot leakage evident on the gasket. Worth checking the studs into the cyl head as well.

17th Sep 2025 11:21am

MadTom

Member Since: 10 Sep 2013
Location: Olomouc
Posts: 685

Check for air leaks between turbo and engine intake - like broken hoses or intercooler, try to make some pressure or smoke test from the turbo intake side.
Small leak on the exhaust manifold makes the engine dirty and noisy, but it will not have any big effect on the engine power.
Was it working before remapping to stage 1? According to my experinece, engine must be mechanically and electrically sound before remapping. Remap can hide some problems and make them harder to identify. It is good practice to switch back to standard map, when debugging the engine. "Drobek" = The Small One - Discovery 2, "Blufínek" = The Blue Thing - Defender 130, and for me at least Ford Mondeo

18th Sep 2025 8:29am

DefenderCan

Member Since: 25 Nov 2023
Location: Canada
Posts: 23

The turbo to the manifold looks to be ok. If the MAP sensor was faulty or there were splits the default value would be <100 or dead.

Generally, at 3,000 rpm you want to see around 220ish KPA which has not been achieved here.

From your readings, you have two readings both at 3,000 rpm, one shows 160KPA and another at 190KPA. the turbo modulator appears to not have moved for 160KPA. I agree that I would check to make sure the wastegate is not sticking. Locking pliers work best.

Following this I would sort out your manifold and order uprated studs and skim the manifold. I've seen some use a fine razor blade as a filler if this is not achievable.

As far as your readings, yes I can see why it is Limpy but nothing concerning, hope this helps

18th Sep 2025 9:33am

Page 1 of 1

All times are GMT + 1 Hour

Jump to

< Previous Topic | Next Topic >

Posting Rules

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You cannot vote in polls in this forum