3.6 TDV8 diesel — AJD-V8 "Lion"

Last updated: 18 June 2012

For 2007 the six-cylinder diesel was replaced by a 3.6-litre twin-turbo V8 developed by Ford and Land Rover at Dagenham and Gaydon. Making 272 hp and a hefty 640 Nm at just 2,000 rpm, it cut 0-60 mph to about 8.6 seconds despite a 2.75-tonne kerb weight, and is widely praised as one of the most refined diesels of its era. It does, however, have a few well-known weak spots that demand preventive care.

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Photo: 3.6 TDV8 diesel engine bay

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ENGINE QUICK FACTS

Engine code	AJD-V8 'Lion'
Type	3.6 V8 twin-turbo diesel
Power	272 hp
Torque	640 Nm @ 2,000
0-60	8.6 s
Years	2007-2010
Gearbox	ZF 6HP26
Verdict	Refined; coolant pipe watch

WATCH OUT The plastic coolant crossover pipe under the inlet manifold can crack and, at worst, lead to hydrolock?Hydrolock: coolant (a liquid) enters a cylinder; because liquid can't compress, the piston can't complete its stroke and the engine can be destroyed. and a destroyed engine. A pre-emptive upgrade to the metal pipe is strongly advised.

AT A GLANCE Refinement: ●●●●● superb · Reliability: ●●●○○ needs prevention · Economy/towing: excellent

Strengths	Weaknesses
+ Smooth, strong, refined V8 diesel	– Coolant crossover pipe can crack
+ 640 Nm; great for towing	– Turbos are an engine-out job
+ Good economy for the weight	– Eats alternators; chain tensioners

Specifications

Engine code	AJD-V8 ("Lion" V8)
Configuration	90° V8, twin-turbo?Twin-turbo: one turbocharger per cylinder bank, so each works a smaller volume — less lag and strong low-down torque. diesel
Displacement	3,630 cc
Power	272 hp (203 kW) @ 4,000 rpm
Torque	640 Nm (472 lb-ft) @ 2,000 rpm
0-60 mph	approx. 8.6 seconds
Top speed	approx. 124 mph
Gearbox	ZF 6HP26 6-speed automatic
Years in L322	2007-2010

Performance & economy

Manufacturer / period figures; real-world economy is typically lower. Petrols were often LPG-converted to cut fuel costs.

0-60 / 0-62 mph	8.6 sec
Top speed	124 mph (200 km/h)
Economy	~25.4 mpg (combined)
CO₂ emissions	~294 g/km
Kerb weight	~2,710-2,770 kg
Displacement	3,628 cc
Power	272 PS / 268 bhp / 200 kW
Front brakes	ventilated 360 mm; rear 354 mm

Power vs the L322 range

This engine	272 hp
Range span	177 hp (Td6) ——— 510 hp (5.0 S/C)

Design & technology

The AJD-V8 (also used by Jaguar and in the Range Rover Sport) is a compact-graphite-iron twin-turbo diesel V8 with common-rail injection. In the L322 it brought a transformative jump in torque and refinement over the old Td6, all while returning similar economy. Its 2007 arrival coincided with Brembo?Brembo is a premium Italian brake manufacturer; the 2007 cars adopted larger, stronger Brembo front brakes. front brakes, revised suspension and Terrain Response.

Performance

640 Nm from 2,000 rpm gives the 3.6 effortless, wave-of-torque progress ideal for towing and long distances. It pulls the heavy L322 to 60 mph in 8.6 seconds yet cruises quietly and economically — the combination that made it a favourite (Jeremy Clarkson famously ran a TDV8 Vogue and called it the best car in the world).

Reliability

Mechanically strong but with a defined set of weak points. Lifespan is commonly quoted at 100,000-160,000 miles before major attention, and "the TDV8 rewards paranoia". Change oil early, upgrade the coolant pipe early, and high mileage is achievable.

Common faults to check

Issue	Symptom & notes
Coolant crossover pipe	Plastic pipe under inlet cracks; coolant loss, white smoke, risk of hydrolock. Upgrade to metal.
Turbochargers	Engine-out replacement (15-40 hrs labour). Failure often from no cool-down after hard driving.
Timing chain tensioner	Plastic tensioner; TSB mandates metal upgrade.
Alternator	Known to fail and take the battery with it; hard starting, flickering lights.
Oil cooler seals / water pump	Leaks and wear; watch coolant level and temperature.

Maintenance notes

Change oil early (many run ~8,000-mile intervals) to protect turbo bearings.
Pre-emptively fit the metal coolant crossover pipe (around 80k miles). Cheap insurance against a destroyed engine.
Idle 2-3 minutes after hard/motorway driving so the turbos cool before shut-down.
Confirm the metal timing-chain tensioner upgrade (TSB) is done.
Flush coolant on schedule to limit pipe and seal corrosion.

Verdict

VERDICT One of the finest diesels of its day and a brilliant L322 to drive and tow with — provided the preventive jobs are done. A 3.6 TDV8 with the metal coolant pipe, chain-tensioner upgrade and a careful oil history is a gem; an unloved one can deliver a five-figure bill.

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