New owner of a Series 3 diesel

[Rob]

Hi all, new member here and pretty in-experienced.
I have just bought an old series 3 from a friend of a friend.
It is a long term project and looking forward to years of fun and mud.
It is a recent conversion and we have finally got it running, but I have a bit of an embarassing question.  Remember I have never even sat in one of these vehicles, let alone driven and owned one.
How do I get it into 'hi ratio'?
When I drive it flat out I only get 35mph - tell me it will go faster.

Many thanks
Rob

[defenderdan]

Stick the clutch in and pull the red lever back.

[defenderdan]

I'm doubting myself now. it might forward (not been in one for ages). just put in in the other position than it is now. :oops:

[ian_s]

yup, the red lever should be in the forward position, almost vertical
what diesel engine is it?

[Rob]

yup, the red lever should be in the forward position, almost vertical
what diesel engine is it?

Thanks - will try that.
Not sure exact details of the engine, 2.25 litre maybe.
I bought it of an ex lecturer of mine from college (engineering).
It was his sons project who unfortunately died.  He converted to diesel, then fell ill and no more work was done for a year till I bought it.
I have a mechanic helping me out but he is not an expert on land rovers.
I have all the electrics done, new radiator, re-con fuel pump, new solenoid.  So far spent about 1350, including cost of car.
Should pass the MOT this week.
I really don't know too much about them, but I have always wanted an old one, part as a hobby and part taking children, dog, bikes on camping holidays.
Not sure if it will become too expensive - I guess they don't break down that much.

[landroverkeith]

:shock:  landrover breakdown ??  :D

[ian_s]

they might breakdown, but they are rarely expensive to fix.
if it is a 2.25 diesel, dont expect more than 55mph out of it on the standard gearing.

[bezzabsa]

had 60 out of mine all standard.. and 6 people on board..and yes it was on the flat.. had 3 others following me to confirm speed

[Neil Jones]

A new set of injectors, a healthy distributer pump and correct timing make the vehicle run much nicer.

[the loon]

wlecome to MC rob
I started off with a series 3 this time last year and since then I've had a 90 which got well modified and now onto a discovery
I warn you now its contagious

 

[Rob]

they might breakdown, but they are rarely expensive to fix.
if it is a 2.25 diesel, dont expect more than 55mph out of it on the standard gearing.

Is standard gearing when the red lever is pulled towards you ie not in hi ratio?

[Andy the Landy]

Is standard gearing when the red lever is pulled towards you ie not in hi ratio?

Welcome to the leafers brigade :D . For normal on-road driving leave the red lever forward towards the bulkhead and the yellow leaver upwards - this gives normal, on road, 2 wheel drive. If you then go off-road, leave the red lever in the forward position and push the yellow lever down - this gives 4WD in high ratio gearing (to release 4WD and go back to 2WD, pull the red lever all the way back and then push the red lever all the way forwards and the yellow one should pop back up). For really sh*tty, gloopy stuff, pull the red lever all the way back and this automatically puts the box in 4WD in low ratio box to (hopefully) get you out if the sh*tty stuff. Think thats right but if not someone else will correct me - the lager has been flowing :D  :D

[The Fat Controller]

had 60 out of mine all standard.. and 6 people on board..and yes it was on the flat.. had 3 others following me to confirm speed

i didn't know people could walk that fast  :)

are you sure you wern't traveling at 6 mph :lol:  :lol:

[tomarse]

When i rebuilt my landrover and then drove it to its first MOT i did it in low range too as i had no idea what all the levers did!  :lol:

Its also worth pointing out to the OP that you are not supposed to drive long distances on the road (solid surfaces) in 4WD

[dave_2A_2.25Turbo]

and if you fit an overdrive you double the number of gears -

8 forwards in 2 wheel drive

16 forwards in 4 wheel drive

2 backwards in 2 wheel

4 backwards in 4 wheel

I think

[Spacemud]

Hi Rob and welcome. I have just acquired a series three so the info is useful to me too. You may find this link useful, I have!

http://www.landrover.ee/est/varia/downloads/cars.htm

[Neil Jones]

and if you fit an overdrive you double the number of gears -

8 forwards in 2 wheel drive

16 forwards in 4 wheel drive

2 backwards in 2 wheel

4 backwards in 4 wheel

I think

Yes, reverse in overdrive is quite exciting!!!  It's not suggested to use the overdrive in anything but 3rd and 4th gear (high ratio), but if like most good ol' diesels you'll find you pull away just fine in 1st overdrive (and if you're lucky 2nd overrive!!!)