The 2.7 TDV6 (276DT) powered the Discovery 3 and the first Range Rover Sport, and it is a tough engine — right up until the bottom end goes. These are the faults we see, and what each one actually means for you.
The faults, in order of seriousness
1. Crankshaft and bearing wear
The same story as its bigger brother the 306DT. A knock from the bottom end, or an oil-pressure light, means stop driving immediately. Continuing is what takes the block with it and removes the option of a rebuild.
2. Turbo failure
The turbos are fed by oil pipes that can restrict with age and carbon. Starve a turbo of oil and it fails — usually announced by a whine, blue smoke, or oil consumption. Replacing a turbo without addressing the feed pipe is how people end up doing the job twice.
3. Inlet manifold and EGR sooting
Carbon builds up in the inlet, restricting airflow. Symptoms are rough running, poor power and limp mode. It is a cleaning job, not an engine job — and it is worth ruling out before anyone quotes you for something bigger.
4. Oil cooler and EGR cooler leaks
Coolant loss with no obvious external leak often traces to a cooler rather than a head gasket. Misdiagnosis here is common and expensive.
Repair or replace?
| Symptom | Likely answer |
|---|---|
| Bottom-end knock | Reconditioned engine (or a rebuild, if it was caught early) |
| Whine / blue smoke | Turbo and oil feed — a repair, not an engine |
| Limp mode, rough running | Diagnose: inlet, EGR, sensors |
| Coolant disappearing | Diagnose: EGR/oil cooler before assuming head gasket |
Is the 276DT worth keeping?
Yes, generally. A Discovery 3 or an L320 Sport with a good body and a sound gearbox is worth a reconditioned engine — you are buying years of use for a fraction of the cost of replacing the vehicle.
Next steps
Full fitment, rebuild detail and options: 276DT 2.7 TDV6 engines. For a price against your actual vehicle, enter your registration.