The Accidental Smallholder Forum

Smallholding => Equipment => Topic started by: MiriMaran on November 14, 2009, 08:35:50 pm

Title: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on November 14, 2009, 08:35:50 pm
My 1969 IIa is a very reluctant starter in the morning and we've barely had a frost yet - God knows what it will be like when winter hits for real.  So, my question is how do I improve its starting ability.  The problem is when I drive the boys to school its a drive with alot of stopping and starting so the engine doesn't have time to warm up.  Nearly every time I have to stop I can't get my foot on the accelerator fast enough to get the revs up so it stalls on me, but if I keep the choke out then it just splutters to a stop!

Any advice would be great.
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: doganjo on November 14, 2009, 09:27:46 pm
Do you keep it outside all night?  You cruel mummy you. (http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Sad/crying-022.gif)  If so the poor thing is cold!  Give it a drink last thing at night - a rev up - and tuck it up in it's bed - a blanket over the engine making sure the rad grill is covered over.  Remember to take the cover off before starting up in the morning.  Oh, and buy a can of 'damp-start' to spray on the points if that doesn't work(http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Winks/b-wink.gif)
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Fergie on November 14, 2009, 09:40:59 pm
Hello,

I also have an old Landrover Series 2A, and the answer to poor starting is usually the same as any other old car with contact points - check the gap (16 thou), check the distributor cap condition and the HT leads.  It is also possible for the coil or condenser to give troubles starting, but less common.  A worn carburettor won't help, but is seldom the main cause if it runs OK after starting.  A good spark is important on a cold morning.

On my Landrover, the biggest improvement was by replacing the original distributor with an electronic one (from ebay), thus replacing the points & adding electronic ignition in one action.  It's been 100% reliable since - albeit other bits can wear out.

Good Luck,

John
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on November 15, 2009, 01:45:47 pm
Brilliant thanks for the advice.
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: candpdoyle on November 15, 2009, 07:08:22 pm
or your choke cable is not working properly ???   mine have always run too rich so dont need any choke, but occasionaly have come accross landies that dont run rich and they need choke until warm.. maybe just buy a weber carb..despite being the hayed they do seem better than the tired old zeniths ;)

Chris
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: doganjo on November 15, 2009, 07:54:00 pm
Ok, you got all that techno lingo, MiriMaran ?
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Norfolk Newby on November 15, 2009, 08:04:24 pm
1. Replace the thermostat in the cooling system. It will warm up a lot quicker. You should probably replace the antifreeze at the same time.

2. Thoroughly clean or replace the distributor cap. It will be mucky, damp, possibly cracked. After cleaning give it a good spray of WD40 inside and out.

3. You may be in need of new spark plug leads. Get a set from Magnecor or similar.

http://www.magnecor.co.uk/applications.htm

4. Clean the top of the coil and spray with WD40.

5. offer up a small prayer each morning!

Seriously, if you look at these bits and the are in good shape, it should start. Failing that, get a can of Barrs EasiStart and spray into the air inlet on the air filter. If all else fails, that will usually get it going. It's not wonderful for the engine but if you gotta go - you gotta go!!

The add-on electronic points for the distributor are a good idea if you can get a kit to do it. I still have one for when I get an old Mini or a Sprite to play with (old man's dream) but I don't know where you would find one these days.

NN
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on November 15, 2009, 08:16:19 pm
Well your all talking chinese! ;D I keep passing the laptop over to my OH to read!!!!  NN my OH says he's done all that except the thermostat and the cooling system.  Its finding the time to tinker with it is the problem.  To be fair to the Landy it does start OKish its the stalling that's a pain.  I'm just starting to worry about how bad its going to get when winter really kicks in.  I'm trying to convince my OH that we shouldn't buy Xmas presents for each other, but should spend the money on the Landy and getting a slapmarking kit for the next lot of pigs.
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: doganjo on November 15, 2009, 08:33:03 pm
Sounds good to me - my daughter and her husband are buying a HIP for each other (They just split their Victorian house in Stirling into two flats so need two of them) ;D
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on November 15, 2009, 08:39:30 pm
Ah, so romantic!! ;D  Maybe they should tuck some rose petals into it or something!
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Fergie on November 15, 2009, 08:51:09 pm
Hi again,

I agree with NN - the Landrover has a fairly basic engine which is very tolerant of minor faults, so if all the basics are OK then it should start.

If it keeps stalling, maybe increase the idle speed a bit?  If the choke is out, a small cam on it should temporarily increase the idle speed, and it is adjustable.

If it stalls when hot & will not restart until cooled down, suspect fuel vaporisation, but this is not usually a problem in Winter!

An electronic conversion similar to the one I fitted (but cheaper than I paid two years ago!) is on ebay at the moment:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/LAND-ROVER-SERIES-2-3-DEFENDER-ELECTRONIC-DISTRIBUTOR_W0QQitemZ270480682297QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item3ef9e7ad39

or just search for item number 270480682297

I assume you have a workshop manual, but if you need one just PM me with your email address & I'll send one, but it is 24Mb for the pdf file, so might be too big for your email.  Actually, if you Google for a Landrover Series workshop manual, you'll find a few sites which have pdf files for download, some broken down into sections.

Good Luck!

John


Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: doganjo on November 15, 2009, 10:54:05 pm
Ah, so romantic!! ;D  Maybe they should tuck some rose petals into it or something!
Very droll! ;) ;D ;D  Home Information Pack  Not a plant! ;D ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Fergie on November 16, 2009, 10:29:58 am
Following my last post, I found this site:

http://webspace.mypostoffice.co.uk/~micheal1970/Teflons/0_Lo_100_Library_000.htm#03_Series

It has a lot of information on Landrovers, both old and new, including copies of the owner's manuals & workshop manuals.

Regards,

John
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: carl on November 16, 2009, 11:49:42 am
You should be able to get Landie spares from Paddock motors at matlock, but most old fashioned garage mechanics should be able to help. fergie and newby seem to know what they are talking about. I got rid of a series II earlier this year and that was a notorious bad starter, partly because it was rarely used and never dried out. You can always find what you need to keep landies going, and can rebuild them in any shape you like. They can be very frustating if unreliable, but a little tlc helps.
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on November 16, 2009, 07:54:13 pm
This Landy is the car of my dreams - I've been wanting one for 21 years - I love it! :love: :love:  You're right it needs TLC, but we are struggling to find the time and I can't bear the idea of it going off the road and then I'm stuck with the horrible Ford Mondeo! :P

Carl. my OH has been to Paddocks a few times - we have also heard of a Landy breakers yard near here (Heanor or Ilkeston), but can't find out where!!!
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: carl on November 16, 2009, 09:09:24 pm
theres a landy place in chesterfield. the guy is neil biggin and knows all there is to kow. give him a call, he might be able to point you in the right direction.
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Womble on November 16, 2009, 11:15:12 pm

Mrs Womble and I are very jealous of you, even if it won't start!

We were at the dealer's eyeing up a lovely wee 90 at the weekend, but got the shock of our lives when we found out the price - £6500+VAT for a W-reg in pretty average condition, and 100K on the clock!!   :o
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: doganjo on November 16, 2009, 11:55:05 pm
That's landies for you  ;D - a jumped up truck with prestige, although goodness knows why - they never start,are always breaking down, they are alcoholics and parts cost a bomb.  I'll stick to my good old pal Zaffy.  (Vauxhall Zafira)  so so so versatile - even little kids in adverts drive 'em (http://smileys.on-my-web.com/repository/Happy/happy-060.gif)
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: chickenfeed on November 17, 2009, 06:47:43 am
 :)we had a landrover td5 just loved it swapped it for another 4x4 and miss it so much looks like a trade in coming in the new year ;) they can handle every aspect of life even the police used to give us a knock for its services when motorists came off the road in bad weather.
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Fergie on November 17, 2009, 08:53:59 pm
I'm delighted to say that my Series 2A Landrover passed its MOT once again today, without needing any attention.  I was cautiously optimistic, since I wasn't aware of any problems, but still very relieved after the event.  This is the third MOT since the last major work (overhauling the brakes).

I agree with Doganjo that they are very thirsty (approx 17mpg) but parts are very cheap (from Paddocks), insurance is almost as cheap as you can get (£130 fully comp) and road tax is free, due to its age.  This makes it an economical vehicle to own, especially since I've owned it over ten years.  On the other hand, it's not my main car, so I don't use it for long journeys - a Ford Galaxy does motorways etc.  The Landie is perfect for hauling logs, bales of hay across fields, water bowsers etc.  Almost a tractor.

Horses for courses comes to mind.

John
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on November 20, 2009, 07:47:11 pm
Thanks for that Carl I'll let my OH know.

Fergie. we were very lucky with our IIa - it was advertised for £1,100 in the admag.  An old bloke had bought it in May and then had to spend £700 to get it through its MOT and then found he didn't have the strength to drive it.  We bought it off him for £700 in June - we got a fab deal, but feel a bit sorry for him.

It has been fiddled with alot.  It was originally diesel, but now has a petrol engine and it looks like it originally had a canvass top and tailgate, but now has a hardtop roof and normal door.  The chains for the tailgate are still in the back and make a right racket when I go over speed bumps!!

Just on more question from you IIa boffins!  Should my Landy have old style number plates? 
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Fergie on November 20, 2009, 08:58:25 pm
£700 was a bargain for any half decent Land Rover with a legitimate MOT!

Reflective number plates are a requirement for any vehicle registered after 1973 (I think).  Prior to that date (and any Series 2A will be prior to 1971) you have a choice - if you prefer old style black & white or pressed aluminium, then you are quite free to fit them.

John
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on November 20, 2009, 09:16:27 pm
I do!  Where do you get them from.  I think its white writing on black for the front, but is it for the back?
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Fergie on November 21, 2009, 01:41:46 pm
yes, white (or aluminium) on black for both front & back.

The easiest way to get plates is mail order - look at the adverts at the back of a classic car magazine, here is an example just in case you don't collect old car magazines:-

http://www.chestnut-registrations.co.uk/vintageplates.aspx

John
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on November 24, 2009, 09:21:40 pm
Thank you
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Wizard on December 31, 2009, 09:39:14 am
 ;D G'day Having read most of your replies I will add my 3pennyworth' You have not said why it wont start! Q1 Does the starter motor whizz the engine over at full cranking speed? No!  Because the battery voltage at the coil will be low also so it is unlikely to go properly.So remove the earth wire from the chassis and wirebrush and Emery the mating joint faces and replace tightly,remove the + battery terminal and do the same to both faces (now don't reconnect the earth wire to the battery)Remove the - terminal and clean both halves and replace and tighten follow the cable to the solenoid switch and dismantle the wires and clean pay particular attention to the nut on the solenoid that the wires tighten up to clean the holding nut and then reassemble the wires on the solenoid bolt.Check if there is a earthing cable from the engine to the chassis and clean both ends and replace it nice and clean and tight. Now whilst all this is going on charge the battery you should have 13-14 volts and if you can borrow a drop test meter the battery should maintain a drop of 900-1000 amps for at least 30 seconds when fully charged.Only drop test with the - (earth wire) disconnected from the battery.If the battery is good then reconnect the earth wire and see how fast the starter will crank the engine if it cranks fast the engine will fire up if you have done all the above checks Don't use Easy start it is not a cure at all.Q2 Does it crank fast now if not there is a problem with the starter motor .Remove the - Neg wire from the battery this is important if you are unsure of what you are doing.Its a good thing to do even if you do know if the end of the wire from the starter drops and rests on any metal it will cause a dead short and all sorts of horrible things can happen.To check the solenoid contacts are not burnt out is quite a problem for the home mechanic but this is the easy way connect your ohm meter across the two big bolts where the battery wire and the wire into the starter is and you should get a no circuit reading.connect a wire securely to the starter frame and - on the battery and another wire from + to the solenoid actuation terminal the solenoid will close (Its a good plan to fasten the starter in a vice to do this because the starter will hopefully jump when the switch closes with a good hefty kick.Whats the ohm meter read?  I t should read 000 if its perfect but it may read a lot of ohms if the switch is defective and dirty.May I suggest you get a replacement known to be good You can repair it at home but its a bother.(when you have removed all the nuts that appear to hold the plastic cover it still wont come off DONT FORCE IT the solenoid activating bolt has a wire soldered through it )heat up the bolt with a soldering iron and pull the cover away then you will find all burnt and dirty contact bolt heads and a burnt contact ring the ring can be turned over if someone like me hasn't beat you to it  and the contact bolts pushed out and filed up like new.Reassemble and test.While you have the starter off have a look at the brush gear and change them if they are down to half an inch long.Again reassemble and refit the starter and the - battery terminal wire and try the cranking it will now spin properly and start.If you have carried out the point cleaning etc as described above.This operation has only cost you time and at worst a brush pack.You can of course fit a new replacement starter at some £140 Its worth the time Good Luck George
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on December 31, 2009, 01:37:47 pm
Thanks for all that Wizard - I'll pass it onto my husband.  The Landy is currently off the road for a clean downd waxoyl.  Also I think the alternator needs replacing as the new battery is not getting charged up.  I just hope that things get fixed ASAP as I am missiong it madly - I'm stuck with my OH's Ford Mondeo! :(
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Wizard on January 02, 2010, 02:59:45 pm
 ;Hello Miri again I've been to bed and had a sleep and a ponder You say Landi has a new battery.Was it fully charged? Has the other half any test equipment? No.So before you rush out and splash some 140 sovs try to find out what is wrong with the alternator.Remove the wires from the alternator Insulate the large one its live from the battery all the time the battery is in circuit Having done this remove the unit and give it a wash in a drop of petrol when its clean let it dry the petrol evaporates quite quickly Dont forget petrol is highly inflamable so no smoking or naked lights near by or a Supasur type heater.Carefully dismantle it you may find the energizer brush is worn out.You can make a new one from the carbon rod out of a "D" type dry cell file it to shape and it wants to fit snug not loose and wobbly not tight so it jams.Clean the ring where it runs on and reassemble refit and test This very often works and it has cost nothing but your time.Refit the wires after cleaning them to make a good contact Start the engine and check the charge rate.Oh sorry no test equipment.So let the engine tick over and switch on all the lights.Get someone to stand in front and gently rev the engine to half speed and see if the lamps brighten They should if the alternator is charging.Hope this fixes it its just saved enough to treat mam to a fish and chip supper and well over a 120 sovs in your pocket Good Luck George.ps black and white/ali numbers ceased in 1973 after then they were and are still white front and yellow rear with black letters and figures
A true story I should have told you on the earth story A long time ago when the in thing was a Ford 100E an apprentice took the radiator out after draining it and removed the front engine mounting nuts and the earth strap unscrewed the bell housing bolts and all the wires etc Pulled off the engine and fitted a new clutch and cover plate and release bearing.Refitted the engine into the car and built it up.I heard it crank poorly and start up."What have you done to it Kieth I asked" "Changed the clutch"" Well it started properly when it came in so you have done something wrong" I went over and said stop it and he did "Start it up so he pulled the start knob and the choke cable started to glow like the element in an electric fire He had omitted to replace the earth link from the engine to the chassis.with as you can imagine disastrous results the choke cable was welded solid and could not be pulled put Such a simple mistake could have caused a lot of bother if the vehicle had been returned to its owner.Always double check your work on electrics mistakes can be very costly George
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on January 05, 2010, 07:27:08 pm
Thanks Wizard, my OH has printed off this thread and has been tinkering in the garage every now and again.
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Wizard on January 08, 2010, 10:03:23 am
Hello Miri Has any of the offered advice got Landie going properly? Just to cheer you up Subaru has had a little fit she says its to cold I want all my heat my self and isn't letting any warm into the cab.Ive threatened her and said if she don't behave I'll tek her down to Potts and have her crushed.She didn't seem to care so I think I shall have to drain her coolant properly and refill her properly instead of my slovenly way of letting 1/2 a gallon of water out and replacing it with antifreeze.Some I win but this one I lost.Oh dear means I will have to get underneath to drain the boxer properly.LOL George
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on January 08, 2010, 09:29:01 pm
Hi George, my OH was off today and I know he's been tinkering, but have no idea what he's done.  GThe Landy is still off the road - typical when the weather is like this!  I am now stuck with the Mondeo which either won't let me in or will let me in, but won't let me close the doors - not fun when you're running late for school!!  It has been a great car for handbrake turns on the ice though!!!
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Wizard on January 13, 2010, 02:51:39 pm
hey up Miri have you been watching Evans building a Landrover on tv He dismembered it and set off with a galvanised chassis refitted  axles and wheels.Rebuild  a V8 engine and gearbox and fitted them in the rolling chassis last night he refitted the windows and the cab and he fitted the mostexpensive anti theft device money can buy Tonight hes finishing it off and trying it.Its also on the same Chanel as the War time Kitchen and Garden on Friday Ruth is going to cook some of the recipes from the 1940's I'm looking forward in anticipation.G&K
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Wizard on January 13, 2010, 02:57:15 pm
Hello Annie in particular.What you have said may well be true but Not many of the Merc G Wagons and the Land cruisers and Suzuki's seem to show Range Rover and L/R's how to do it at these off road events is there LOL xxx
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: moltonfarm on February 10, 2010, 01:27:11 am
Have you cleaned the fuel lines - sounds like dirty fuel, or possibly water/condensation in the fuel system (if it's diesel), Chris
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on February 10, 2010, 07:27:26 pm
Hi Wizard, Yes I have watched a few of the Landrover rebuild programmes.  Interesting viewing, but I don't like the end result - not my style - too bling!!!

moltonfarm, its a petrol engine!  I mentioned your comment to my OH anyway and he grunted.  Probably not the best time to tell him things when he's watching a shoot em up movie!!!
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Wizard on February 11, 2010, 09:16:50 am
Mornin all Miri I know! I know! I don't know you at all only on here but you come across to me as a nice pleasant middle of the road lass with her usual worries that us folk have.Bit short of cash this month the leckie and gas needs paying and the car wants insuring they all come at once no matter how I try to even them out  ;D ;D ;D Mark Evans to me WAS NOT spending his money so it came over as a bottomless pocket or should I have said his arm couldn't reach the bottom.You and the OH and I could buy a decent L/R for what he spent on the security kit on the one he did up. Another thing what a krap colour Land Rovers like that are Land Rover Bronze Green to look really good.Well me and the boys think so any way.They don't like a V8 motor either the axle shafts seem to snap quite often We have been there years ago.We are into as straight as one can get factory spec but we do approve of magic spark.Some how Lucas never got it 100% right. There is lots that don't start to good on a foggy morning alright not foggy the sort of morning where every thing is dripping in dampness. ??? ;D :farmer:
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: MiriMaran on February 13, 2010, 06:06:37 pm
Mark Evans is fun to watch in a fantasy sort of a way, but that's it for me.  I wpould much rather see the restoration of a total wreck that has been rotting in a shed for 30 years.
Title: Re: Landrover Series IIa Help please
Post by: Wizard on February 13, 2010, 06:50:51 pm
Me too Miri and I have done a few in days gone by :farmer: