This refers to my manufacturing year 2008 RRS TDV8.

When the gearbox oil and filter change service was first done by a long-established transmission specialist a couple of years ago they recommended the gearbox metal sump conversion on the grounds that any future servicing would be made more convenient because the metal sump is easier to remove than the original plastic sump with integrated filter. So I went along with it.

Recently during some routine servicing by my local independent it was noticed that the metal gearbox sump was leaking slightly both from the sleeve where the wiring is connected and at the sump gasket. (I suspect by the way that this was probably caused by poor re-fitting by another gearbox specialist who overhauled the valve bodies in the mechatronic).

I sourced a replacement gasket and filter and the independent had the sleeve in stock.

The sleeve, gasket and filter were fitted yesterday so hopefully no more leaks for a while.

However, the boys reported that the metal sump did not make the job any easier and they found it necessary to drop the crossmember and undo a few other things to gain sufficient clearance to remove and refit the sump (as it would be for the original plastic version). They didn't like the metal sump at all, finding it less easy to get a good seal because the gasket is easily distorted and the bolts have smaller heads those used in the original plastic sump. I think the technical terms is 'pig of a job'.

So - it seems be true that whilst for a TDV6 the metal sump confers the advantage of easier servicing this is not true for the TDV8. Next time around I'll get them to fit the plastic sump which has a much better seal incorporated into the design.

For the record these boys really know their stuff; both were originally Land Rover trained and one is a Master Tech. Now running their own garage. Every job they have done on my RRS in the past has been done properly first time and given no further trouble. Prices are reasonable. Every time I go along the workshop looks busier than the last time so think their reputation is spreading. Good luck to them. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

I've decided against the metal pan becuase, with the filter change itself achieving so little, I won't be doing it at all often (fluid will be done anually though), so would rather not have the reduced fluid capacity (albeit only minor).  Visiting from DISCO3.CO.UK
2006 Discovery 3 TDV6 Auto HSE Zambezi Silver

interesting, as I have also had my replaced when the gearbox failed, however mine has never leaked, been 18 months now. The new style of pan has an inspection hatch for filter replacement, no need to remove crossmemebers or anything like that. The whole point of these new style of pans is that they have the inspection hatch, I can not understand why yours does not have it.? 07,TDV8,Black, Black Heated leather all round, Rear Entertainment with Headpones & Remote, TV, DVD, Pure Dab Digital Radio, Sidesteps, Adaptive Headlights, sunroof, now working fuel burning heater )))

Have not heard about the new style with an inspection hatch. However I don't think it would have helped in my case because the sump was leaking round the gasket so needed to be removed to fix. Hopefully all will be OK for a while now but having seen how much better the seal design is on the plastic sump that's what I'll be fitting next time around. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

I have heard of a few steel sumps leaking, but as above, never heard of one with an inspection plate...

I also only fit the plastic sumps when replacing them

hmm, ok I will take a picture of it when it goes for its next service in March, or sooner if it ever stops raining 07,TDV8,Black, Black Heated leather all round, Rear Entertainment with Headpones & Remote, TV, DVD, Pure Dab Digital Radio, Sidesteps, Adaptive Headlights, sunroof, now working fuel burning heater )))

I'm about to do a gearbox oil change,and I'm looking to do the conversion with the metal sump.

Disco Mickey,your technical advises are always very valuable,but now I'm not sure I understand what you mean
You said:
"I also only fit the plastic sumps when replacing them"

You mean there are also plastic sumps available for this conversion with separate filter etc like the metal sump kits?I had never seen one of these kits for sale.Do they look like the OE?Do they fit better?

Or did you mean,you keep the existing oe sump?

Please tell us why the plastic over the metal sump

I haven't changed from the plastic sump to the metal one but I have all the parts to do the job. The only real advantage I can see is that the cross member does not have to be removed to remove the metal sump where it does with plastic one - looking at the cross member it does not seem to be all that time consuming or difficult.

What I don't under stand with the metal sump is why they did not design it with a "hatch" that could be undone so the filter could be removed without removing the sump.

So the only advantage for me of the metal sump over the plastic sump is that you do not have to remove the cross member but that does not seem to be such a big deal on the TDV6. Looking at some Youtube vids might be different for the petrol engine models.

Garry 07MY RRS TDV6
Arctic Frost
Aspen Interior

Is more involved than just the cross member.

The engine has to be lifted up, and also part of the exhaust removed.

It guess it depends on what engine is fitted. I know the petrol V8s are more complex as I guess the TDV8s are, but the TDV6 is straight forward. 07MY RRS TDV6
Arctic Frost
Aspen Interior

Paddi,or anyone else,please explain

When you fitted the metal sump on the first place,I reckon you did not have to remove any of the parts you described.That is what the metal sump conversion is intended for,to save us the trouble.
So why when you had to remove the same sump had to go through the long process?You have the separate filter and a metal sump that should had slide in position when was installed.

Also I did not see any different sumps sold for 2.7td and different for the 3.6td

Just read the first post in this thread. Don't think I can really add anything further. 2008 MY Java Black TDV8 HSE

But to that post I'm referring to.