New Land Rover owner- need help/advice

[warrenperkinson]

Head gaskets. Ugh. On a landy they suck less than many others to replace, but they still suck. My condolences. The head gasket itself is not expensive at all, but you'll spend many hours dicking around with the engine, in pieces, on a tarp, on the floor. While you're at it, paw through the rest of the block and see what needs replacing. I'll bet you dollars to wingnuts there's at least one thing.

That's a bit harsh! I'm not familiar with the diesel but on the petrol models the head gasket replacement isn't that difficult. It helps if you can find someone who's done one before (your Dad, maybe?). But don't be put off, and the sIII will be way easier to do than a more modern vehicle. The tolerances on there old engines are pretty forgiving.

[runningandroving]

That's a bit harsh! I'm not familiar with the diesel but on the petrol models the head gasket replacement isn't that difficult. It helps if you can find someone who's done one before (your Dad, maybe?). But don't be put off, and the sIII will be way easier to do than a more modern vehicle. The tolerances on there old engines are pretty forgiving.

Yeah I can't imagine a head gasket is too hard. My Grandfather owns a Model T Ford restoration business (yes I understand those are wayyyyyyy different) and he doe gaskets all the time, so it's most likely the same basic concept. Dad's hasn't done Land Rover work before, but he used to build race cars and has owned a few 4x4s and trucks along the way, so I am sure that between them, and youtube, and people in the LR community, we can get it all sorted out.

[o2batsea]

If the diesel is running, then you probably don't have a head gasket problem. That doesn't mean it doesn't have oil leaks tho. Check the oil feed tube at the back pf the engine. this has copper gaskets that leak if not nipped up tight. Also the valve cover gasket is notorious, along with the rubber valve cover bolt washers. Keep in mind that the diesel runs at roughly 23:1 compression, so if the rings are not in good order it will blow-by something awful. That puts lots of air into the crank case. The venting for that is direct to the atmosphere so you can sometimes get what looks like a leak that is really accumulated oil mist. Ditto valve guides.
The Lucas-CAV diesel pump and injectors are the same as used on countless Massey-Ferguson tractors, Perkins diesels both marine and industrial, and just about every British Diesel powered anything from the 60-80s. Parts are easy to get and most diesel shops have all the parts you need.

[runningandroving]

If the diesel is running, then you probably don't have a head gasket problem. That doesn't mean it doesn't have oil leaks tho. Check the oil feed tube at the back pf the engine. this has copper gaskets that leak if not nipped up tight. Also the valve cover gasket is notorious, along with the rubber valve cover bolt washers. Keep in mind that the diesel runs at roughly 23:1 compression, so if the rings are not in good order it will blow-by something awful. That puts lots of air into the crank case. The venting for that is direct to the atmosphere so you can sometimes get what looks like a leak that is really accumulated oil mist. Ditto valve guides.
The Lucas-CAV diesel pump and injectors are the same as used on countless Massey-Ferguson tractors, Perkins diesels both marine and industrial, and just about every British Diesel powered anything from the 60-80s. Parts are easy to get and most diesel shops have all the parts you need.

Honestly, I am gonna have to pull out the dictionary for half of that. but, would any of that have any affect on how bad I am blowing smoke? Cus that is something that happens. a lot. particularly in reverse and first, I am blowing smoke. but it is also an old diesel. So any input there would be nice.

[o2batsea]

Diesels make smoke three ways. Too much fuel in the mix, too much engine oil in the mix and too much water (coolant) in the mix.
Color is black, blue/grey, and white respectively; the color of the smoke helps in the diagnosis. The older the engine the more those three start to intermix, which can make it hard to pinpoint what to try to fix first. You should have a compression and leak down test done by a shop so that you can tell how healthy the rings pistons and valves are. If they are reasonably close to being right then you are probably looking at dirty injectors or overfueling, assuming the smoke is black-ish.
If the smoke is blue or grey then you are consuming engine oil. That's worse as it means the rings or valve guides are worn out. Since you say it happens more at low speed that would be my first suspicion. Consider too that the thing probably hasn't been run all that much, so it may settle down some with more driving.
Off road, you just put the truck in low low, and let it walk over stuff, keeping your foot off the loud pedal. The Series diesels really benefit from at least a rear locking diff, as they tend to have enough torque but the tires break loose.
I suffered for ten years with one of those engines. I even rebuilt it, and it still was the slowest thing. Now running a 200tdi. All I can say is wow.

[SafeAirOne]

I'm still not clear on whether the engine is a 2.5 diesel or a diesel engine originally from a series IIA (or a series 3 for that mater); Terms which are mutually-exclusive, as I don't believe the 2.5 was ever installed by the factory, in a Series rover...

Series 3 2.5L Diesel (which I recently discovered is from a SIIA)

[o2batsea]

A pic will tell all.

[runningandroving]

Diesels make smoke three ways. Too much fuel in the mix, too much engine oil in the mix and too much water (coolant) in the mix.
Color is black, blue/grey, and white respectively; the color of the smoke helps in the diagnosis. The older the engine the more those three start to intermix, which can make it hard to pinpoint what to try to fix first. You should have a compression and leak down test done by a shop so that you can tell how healthy the rings pistons and valves are. If they are reasonably close to being right then you are probably looking at dirty injectors or overfueling, assuming the smoke is black-ish.
If the smoke is blue or grey then you are consuming engine oil. That's worse as it means the rings or valve guides are worn out. Since you say it happens more at low speed that would be my first suspicion. Consider too that the thing probably hasn't been run all that much, so it may settle down some with more driving.
Off road, you just put the truck in low low, and let it walk over stuff, keeping your foot off the loud pedal. The Series diesels really benefit from at least a rear locking diff, as they tend to have enough torque but the tires break loose.
I suffered for ten years with one of those engines. I even rebuilt it, and it still was the slowest thing. Now running a 200tdi. All I can say is wow.

I think that you are right about the oil consumption. The smoke does tend to be bluish and grey. I don't know if I have the funds for a compression test just yet ( Next semesters tuition is due soon) but if I can, I will try and find a shop. I also know that you are right in saying that it has just sat for a while, I was told by the previous owner that it was.
I definitely want to get the 200tdi conversion, but again, currency is important for the exchange of goods and services.

I am gonna go pop off a quick photo for you guys, but based on what I have read, and what I was told, and the research I have done, it is a 2.25 Series IIA diesel engine.

[runningandroving]

I'm still not clear on whether the engine is a 2.5 diesel or a diesel engine originally from a series IIA (or a series 3 for that mater); Terms which are mutually-exclusive, as I don't believe the 2.5 was ever installed by the factory, in a Series rover...

that was a typo. totally meant 2.25

[runningandroving]

here ya go.
so full engine compartment view
down below the oil fill tube, where there is a build up of oil
Top of motor, right side, more oil
Again, forward lower left, more oil

[SafeAirOne]

To me, it looks like your typical valve cover leakage. In fact, I'd be happy if mine looked that nice.

Using the old "trial and error" method, you may be able to clear up much of the smoking by adjusting the injector pump timing. Just need to find that sweet spot between smoking and knocking.

[runningandroving]

To me, it looks like your typical valve cover leakage. In fact, I'd be happy if mine looked that nice.

Using the old "trial and error" method, you may be able to clear up much of the smoking by adjusting the injector pump timing. Just need to find that sweet spot between smoking and knocking.

Alright, I will put that on the list. Thanks much

[triumphtr7guy]

Can of Mystry Oil or two can do wonders for stuck rings!!! run for a while with a couple of cans in, making sure to subtract from the oil pan accordingly, run for 500 or so miles then do an oil change and see if anything changes

[Les Parker]

Clean ! The HRC # would usually mean it's an early 2.25 Defender head, though it's interesting it has the early style glow plugs in it.

[tkneese]

you couldn't have picked a better vehicle than a series rover! its the summer, take the top and doors off! mine barely has any paint but it can fit a whole bachelorette party... they all have their issues but get her going and worry about the cosmetics later. I've been very frusterated and down at times but just work your way through it and you'll be glad you did