New Project Rover – Brakes Repairs & Low Compression
Hi Folks,
I'm a new member, although I;ve been reading the posts for several months now. I just purchased my first series rover, a 1971 Series IIa SWB (it’s my 2nd Land Rover, I also have a 2000 Discovery II). I hope to get some pictures posted of the “new” rover soon.
The first thing I’ve done so far was a brake inspection and a compression test.
Brakes: the brakes need a complete overhall. New shoes, cylinders, rubber lines. The drums are smooth inside but look pretty old on the outside (surface rust). Should I leave the drums as is, get them resurfaced, or replace them? What’s the minimum drum thickness? How do I test the vacuum booster? I thought I saw a post on this before but can’t find it now.
Compression test: cylinders 1, 2, 4 (numbered from front to back) were at 160 psi. cylinder 3 was at 90 psi. I squirted oil into cylinder 3 and retested and it still came back at 90 psi. this indicates a leak at the valves and not pistons, correct? Does this mean that I need a complete valve job? Or is there a way to clean the valve (assuming that carbon buildup is the problem)? should I even be concerned with this, or should I run it as it?
Also, I just purchased the Haynes Restoration Manual & Haynes Service and Repair Manual. Are there any other useful manuals that I should consider?
Thanks
Valve adjustment and Green Bible...
I would suggest doing a valve adjustment and tuneup then checking the compression again. If you are holding some compression, it might be the valve is too tight and leaking or some carbon build up. An easy way to clean out carbon assuming the engine runs is remove the everything above the carb, warm up the engine, with a spray bottle and just water bring the engine up to a reasonable running speed, shoot a few squirts of water down the throat of the carb, the engine will lug then pick up again, repeat, I usually do a complete spray bottle. Its engine steam cleaning, be sure the exhaust it pointed in a safe direction so you dont paint your garage with carbon guk.
I would suggest you get a copy of the Green Bible, much better than any other manual. You can find an online copy: Here
Do you have a problem with the brakes? I would replace the fluid and adjust them, if the fluid is black/creamy/rusty or you have leaks I would start tackling that problem. Again refer to the GB.