Rover 220 diesel

Hi folks,

I'm going to look at a couple of Rover 220 diesels tomorrow and wondered if
there are any model specific gotcha's to keep an eye open for? i.e.
servicing and cambelt interval, headgasket reliability etc.

I know about the dribbling PAS fluid reservior and the rust problem but what
about anything else apart from the usual checks (oil, coolant, brakes,
suspension)?

Chris

In news:UOWdnVX3nZWIboLbnZ2dnUVZ8qijnZ2d (AT) bt (DOT) com,
Chris Dugan <chrisdotdugan (AT) bloodyobvious (DOT) co.uk> wittered on forthwith;

Hi folks,

I'm going to look at a couple of Rover 220 diesels tomorrow and
wondered if there are any model specific gotcha's to keep an eye open
for? i.e. servicing and cambelt interval, headgasket reliability etc.

I know about the dribbling PAS fluid reservior and the rust problem
but what about anything else apart from the usual checks (oil,
coolant, brakes, suspension)?

I only have one question.

WHY?


--
Pete M - Using the Scouse Side of the Force -
Golf GTi Mk2 (2.0 transplant in progress),
Golf GTi Mk1 (For Sale)
OMF#9

Currently listening to The White Stripes

"Pete M" <pete.murray (AT) bogoffwithzepressedmeatblueyonder (DOT) co.uk> wrote in
message news:evosco$ehk$1 (AT) registered (DOT) motzarella.org...

In news:UOWdnVX3nZWIboLbnZ2dnUVZ8qijnZ2d (AT) bt (DOT) com,
Chris Dugan <chrisdotdugan (AT) bloodyobvious (DOT) co.uk> wittered on forthwith;
Hi folks,

I'm going to look at a couple of Rover 220 diesels tomorrow and
wondered if there are any model specific gotcha's to keep an eye open
for? i.e. servicing and cambelt interval, headgasket reliability etc.

I know about the dribbling PAS fluid reservior and the rust problem
but what about anything else apart from the usual checks (oil,
coolant, brakes, suspension)?

I only have one question.

WHY?

me to WHY ?

i spent two days this week rebuilding one, service, radiator, oil leaks
galore, suspension joints, door catches the list was endless & the customer
was happy !!!

i have to say the 220 diesels are the biggest piece's of crap going, the
petrol versions of the 200's would be a better bet.

"reg" <reg (AT) ihatespam (DOT) com> wrote

i have to say the 220 diesels are the biggest piece's of crap going, the
petrol versions of the 200's would be a better bet.

Disagree there, having owned two reliable models (a 200 and a 25), the
engine on these is very frugal and reliable compared to other offerings from
the same period. During the Labour Party induced fuel crisis I was getting
around 70mpg just by being light footed with the throttle and driving around
the 55mph mark. Pedestrian by todays standards the SDI non-common rail fly
by wire system when released on the R reg 200 series were good for the time
and very pokey, the non-turbo version was a dog. As with all things, it
depends on how the car is looked after and serviced. You thrash the
bollocks out of it then expect to get a bill at some point that you will not
like.

Weak points, the PAS bottle is a pain but cured with a proper jubilee clip.
The fuse box on the 25 model in the engine bay can be a pain. Usual
problems with hose degredation, all models (petrol or diesel) the rear wash
line where it passes into the tailgate is prone to failure. Lightweight on
the tires as well, having got near on 60k from a pair of front fitted
Conti-Ecos before they needed changing. Parts are reasonably cheap,
servicing is reasonably easy (even on the air con version, which I have). I
don't like getting under the car at the best of times so applaude the filter
and sump nut which are easily accessable behind the drivers side front wheel
which you will need to take off anyway when changing pads. Damaged acoustic
engine pan can be a pain to source and the MAP/MAF sensors have been known
to go out of operating range with the result that it feels like you are
driving in glue.

If buying, be aware that if the owner you are buying off of is a golden
oldie, the car will drive poorly until a couple of good motorway thrashes
clear the pipework out. Crap radio/cassette fitted, changed mine up for a
nice Alpine unit which interfaced with the steering flippers just nicely.

PDH

"Paul Hubbard" <jessnet (AT) ntlworld (DOT) com> wrote

"reg" <reg (AT) ihatespam (DOT) com> wrote

i have to say the 220 diesels are the biggest piece's of crap going, the
petrol versions of the 200's would be a better bet.

Disagree there, having owned two reliable models (a 200 and a 25), the
engine on these is very frugal and reliable compared to other offerings
from the same period. During the Labour Party induced fuel crisis I was
getting around 70mpg just by being light footed with the throttle and
driving around the 55mph mark. Pedestrian by todays standards the SDI
non-common rail fly by wire system when released on the R reg 200 series
were good for the time and very pokey, the non-turbo version was a dog.

*All* Rover 200 / 25 2.0 diesels have a turbocharger.

[snip]

--
The DervMan
www.dervman.com

"Pete M" <pete.murray (AT) bogoffwithzepressedmeatblueyonder (DOT) co.uk> wrote in
message news:evosco$ehk$1 (AT) registered (DOT) motzarella.org...

In news:UOWdnVX3nZWIboLbnZ2dnUVZ8qijnZ2d (AT) bt (DOT) com,
Chris Dugan <chrisdotdugan (AT) bloodyobvious (DOT) co.uk> wittered on forthwith;
Hi folks,

I'm going to look at a couple of Rover 220 diesels tomorrow and
wondered if there are any model specific gotcha's to keep an eye open
for? i.e. servicing and cambelt interval, headgasket reliability etc.

I know about the dribbling PAS fluid reservior and the rust problem
but what about anything else apart from the usual checks (oil,
coolant, brakes, suspension)?

I only have one question.

WHY?

It could be because although somewhat cramped inside, they're "pleasant" to
drive. Not inspiring, but not old shape Passat tedius, merely, pleasant.
Decent ride, the diesels are a little nose-led, but, not uncomfortable.

All models are frugal, the 2.0 diesel is perfect for tight gits like me.

--
The DervMan
www.dervman.com

I only have one question.

WHY?

Why ask that question? If you have problems with the car tell me that is
what I am here to do... find out information on faults to look for.

It could be because although somewhat cramped inside, they're "pleasant"
to
drive. Not inspiring, but not old shape Passat tedius, merely, pleasant.
Decent ride, the diesels are a little nose-led, but, not uncomfortable.

All models are frugal, the 2.0 diesel is perfect for tight gits like me.

That is one reason, also they fall nicely into my price range at the moment.
I like the sound of a 220 SDi near me owned by an air stewardess ;-) gonna
see that one on Monday.

Chris

Disagree there, having owned two reliable models (a 200 and a 25), the
engine on these is very frugal and reliable compared to other offerings
from
the same period. During the Labour Party induced fuel crisis I was
getting
around 70mpg just by being light footed with the throttle and driving
around
the 55mph mark. Pedestrian by todays standards the SDI non-common rail
fly
by wire system when released on the R reg 200 series were good for the
time
and very pokey, the non-turbo version was a dog. As with all things, it
depends on how the car is looked after and serviced. You thrash the
bollocks out of it then expect to get a bill at some point that you will
not
like.

Weak points, the PAS bottle is a pain but cured with a proper jubilee
clip.
The fuse box on the 25 model in the engine bay can be a pain. Usual
problems with hose degredation, all models (petrol or diesel) the rear
wash
line where it passes into the tailgate is prone to failure. Lightweight
on
the tires as well, having got near on 60k from a pair of front fitted
Conti-Ecos before they needed changing. Parts are reasonably cheap,
servicing is reasonably easy (even on the air con version, which I have).
I
don't like getting under the car at the best of times so applaude the
filter
and sump nut which are easily accessable behind the drivers side front
wheel
which you will need to take off anyway when changing pads. Damaged
acoustic
engine pan can be a pain to source and the MAP/MAF sensors have been known
to go out of operating range with the result that it feels like you are
driving in glue.

If buying, be aware that if the owner you are buying off of is a golden
oldie, the car will drive poorly until a couple of good motorway thrashes
clear the pipework out. Crap radio/cassette fitted, changed mine up for a
nice Alpine unit which interfaced with the steering flippers just nicely.

Thanks for the info

I did have a look at an R reg one a couple of weeks ago and promptly walked
away: needed driveshaft (cv boot gone for an unknown time), brakes didn't do
anything until you were about 80-90% of the way through the available pedal
travel even though there was plenty of brake pad, the front bumper wasn't
secure and left a 1" gap between it and the bonnet. There were other minor
probs that I could have sorted over time (heater blower not working on lower
speeds - power resistor blown, damp boot and needed it a service and engine
mounts) but with the state of the brakes and the bumper I left it for
someone else to take a chance on.

Chris

"Chris Dugan" <chrisdotdugan (AT) bloodyobvious (DOT) co.uk> wrote

I only have one question.

WHY?

Why ask that question? If you have problems with the car tell me that is
what I am here to do... find out information on faults to look for.

Chris, I didn't ask the question, somebody else did...

It could be because although somewhat cramped inside, they're "pleasant"
to
drive. Not inspiring, but not old shape Passat tedius, merely, pleasant.
Decent ride, the diesels are a little nose-led, but, not uncomfortable.

All models are frugal, the 2.0 diesel is perfect for tight gits like me.


That is one reason, also they fall nicely into my price range at the
moment.
I like the sound of a 220 SDi near me owned by an air stewardess ;-) gonna
see that one on Monday.

Excellent. There are few things I like more than a cold diesel on a frosty
morning those precious few seconds after start up. It's better if you
accidentally spill diesel on your trousers and shoes, so everywhere you go,
there is Eau d'Derv...

--
The DervMan
www.dervman.com

"DervMan" <thedervman (AT) gmail (DOT) com> wrote

*All* Rover 200 / 25 2.0 diesels have a turbocharger.

Two types, push rod throttle operated L series lump with Rover type ecu
(around N reg) and the later SDI Bosch fly by wire version which went on to
the 25 series.

PDH