1970 Series IIa

[yarborc]

Hello my name is Chad and I live in NC and am in the process of restoring a 1970 Series IIa and had a question about how it is currently running. This LR is all original and has 57,000 original miles and when the rover is and ideling it sputters a little and blows out white smoke when you rev the engine. What is this a sign of or how can I correct this issue. Thanks in Advance for any advice as I am new to the series Land Rovers. I have added some pics of my rover.

[LaneRover]

Is the sputtering an uneveness in the idle or is it spitting liquid out of the talepipe?

If there is a bit of liquid coming out of the talepipe and you haven't really warmed up the vehicle or REALLY ran it for awhile you could be blowing the condensation out of the exhaust system. Off the coast of Maine people who live out on the islands will sometimes have to replace a muffler every year because they don't drive enough to dry out the muffler so it stays wet and just rusts out.

If it is A LOT of white smoke and a really uneven idle then you could be looking at a head gasket issue. If it is a bit of white smoke and a pretty even idle is probably not serious at all.

Brent

[yarborc]

It idles for the most part smoothly but just has that spudering coming out of the muffler with no liquid, just a little white smoke and more of cours when you give it gas. How would I go about trouble shooting this more or do you think this is harmless/normal considering the age of the engine. Thanks for the reply.

[scott]

a bit of a sweet smell might mean antifreeze is gett'n in the cylinders, possible bad head gasket.

[TedW]

More photos please, Chad!

Interior shots, too.

[alaskajosh]

Interior shots, too.

Yeah. That's a good lookin' car!

[greenmeanie]

If you are worried about a failed head gasket do a compression test. Keep the throttle open and do a leakdown test to eliminate any ring blowby. Open your radiator cap and look for oil floating on top of the coolant. You can also look at the plugs and if one looks like it is getting steam cleaned you will know - the leak has to be pretty chronic before this will show.

Depending on your location as the days cool off and the mornings get damp (Oh how I miss autumn - I'm deserted out.) you will get moisture or condensation when you fire up in the morning. Take it for a drive and really warm through the engine at which point the condenstaion should disappear for the most part. If not a gasket reaplcement is nothing to be afraid of and will let you inspect the valves etc.

Cheers
Gregor

[SwampRat]

Chad, Where in NC?

[yarborc]

SwampRat,

I am located in Sanford, NC are you in NC?

I will post some additional pics of my Rover as soon as I get a chance to take some.

[SwampRat]

Chad,

I'm about an hour south of you, little town called White Oak.

What carb is on the truck? How long has it been sitting?

[yarborc]

SwampRat,

There is a Zenith carb on this rover. My dad bought it from the original owner in 1985, and has now passed it down to me. It has been sitting about 4 or 5 years and now I am trying to gradually do things to it. I've replaced the waterpump, fuel pump, gas tank, cleaned the carb and put a spin on oil adapter on it. It is all original except for what was metioned above. I have all the original paperwork including the documents/invoice of when it was ordered and shipped to the united states when it was purchased new by the previous owner. My dad payed $800 dollars for it when he purchased his farm from the previous owner in which the rover was used on. It runs good now for the most part but just want to facelift it a little. I'm not sure if I'm going to paint it b/c I think the paint job now adds character, but may choose to in the future. I plan on adding safari racks/roof tent in the near future. Here is a side view of the rover.

[Donnie]

I'm with U on the paint. My 67 109 rhd 2 door came from Calif & looks about like yours with original paint , frame has never been touched, colors are faded but it has much class IMO, anyway, I have no desire to paint it. I prefer the patina,??? 4 a more descriptive term.....Donnie

[SwampRat]

A rust free southern truck without dents, missing parts, and previous owner molestation for 800$.....your making grown men cry Chad. My son is restoring a 70 88, he must do the entire frameover. Good to see another series in the area.

My truck smokes until it gets to temp, may be nothing. I would follow greenmeanie's advice and do a compression check. It' will rule out a head gasket problem and give an idea of the engines overall health. Carbon on valve seats can also cause some symptoms. These things were designed for leaded fuel. Rev the engine and sprinkle water down the carb throat. I will sputter but don't let it die. Sometimes this will clean things up.

There is a group going to Uwharrie this weekend. I don't know any of them, but it's not far from you. You might could get some hands on help.

Good luck.

[BackInA88]

I'm with U on the paint. My 67 109 rhd 2 door came from Calif & looks about like yours with original paint , frame has never been touched, colors are faded but it has much class IMO, anyway, I have no desire to paint it. I prefer the patina,??? 4 a more descriptive term.....Donnie

I 2nd this!!!!
I don't care if my wife wants it painted I like it the way it is!!!

[badvibes]

that's what I'm talking about

Couple of nice looking trucks! I like a restored rig as much as the next guy but there's just something about a Series that still looks like it gets used, because it does, that gets my blood going.

J