Challenge buggy v8 purchase

So after selling both my defenders for plenty cash, we had a nice family holiday, put some money down for a new extension and I picked up a back garden toy off eBay.

It's a custom build 3.9v8 efi auto box with a custom roll cage. Drives great and had a right laugh in it today.

However it needs some tlc, and a bit of tidying... I have a couple of initial questions regarding the engine/service/things to check etc.

It struggles to start, seems to flood. If I kill the fuel pump switch and turn it over, it starts, flicking fuel pump on keeps it going, however idle is low. Other than bringing the idle up... what else is worth checking? Other than leads, plugs etc.

Cheers

Sounds like fun. Based on what you're saying I think I would start with the easy stuff - check ignition timing and vac advance. Check for any inlet leaks. Possibly remove and clean the stepper, and check the base idle assuming timing is good and there are no inlet leaks. Check/clean engine breathers, check air filter too.

As far as "service" goes just the normal things, oil, oil filter, spark plugs. Might be worth looking at the distributor cap, rotor arm and leads but if you decide to put new ones on please don't put pattern ignition parts on, genuine Lucas all the way - expensive yes but trust me it is so worth it.

Thanks for that Kev. Gives me plenty to do this weekend. I'll try get some pictures up. I've managed to check chassis and stuff which all looks ok. I've decided to source a new rollcage (was tempted by a space frame but perhaps if I really get into the play days.) from Theoc 4x4 as this is a bit bent in places.

Cheers

Out of the frying pan
into the fire

some pictures

After giving it a good jet wash today (inc engine bay ). I checked over components. The HT lead from the coil to the dizzy had no metal terminal, instead the core of the HT was doubled over. Not sure how much effect this would have.

I also checked the vaccine advance pipe to the plenum which was cracked. I replaced it and also sucked on the end but couldn't see the dizzy andvancing at all ?! To be honest the plastic protector was cloudy so couldn't really see through.

I think I'll buy a replacement Lucas set and swap the lot including dizzy.

It wouldn't actually start at all after washing. But could be water in all the connectors. I'll check with a timing gun tomorrow.

Any other suggestions welcome

I re crimped the ht to the coil but still wouldn't start, seemed like it was trying. So I clipped on my timing light to earth and the positive of the coil and the clamp round the coil ht, light didn't flash at all, nor or any other lead which seemed odd as its sounds like it's trying to fire.

I've ordered a new coil and leads. Any other suggestions would really help

mordzy said:

I re crimped the ht to the coil but still wouldn't start, seemed like it was trying. So I clipped on my timing light to earth and the positive of the coil and the clamp round the coil ht, light didn't flash at all, nor or any other lead which seemed odd as its sounds like it's trying to fire.

I've ordered a new coil and leads. Any other suggestions would really help

Click to expand...

Pop the dizzy cap and make sure everything inside is dry, maybe blow it out with an air line?
Put the dizzy cap back on and give it a try. If it doesn't fire up, try slackening the dizzy clamp and advancing it up a bit but you might want to mark the dizzy before you move it. Hopefully a bit of advance will get it running then you can set your timing once it is up to temperature.

The cap doesn't move, it's got slots either side that locate and hold it in place. In the past I've had to loosen the nut a bit and turn the entire thing.

I'd ordered a new Lucas coil and leads. Still same so thought I'd look st the timing.



The notch on the pulley when lined up with the marker has the dizzy arm pointing to number 1 electrode. Rotating the engine to line the white mark (tdc) shows the dizzy arm to the right of the electrode, I presume fair bit atdc if it's spinning clockwise.

With all the cranking the stater motor gave out. Just before it did I also changed the plugs and confirmed I had a good spark on each by holding plug to earth and cranking

mordzy said:

The cap doesn't move, it's got slots either side that locate and hold it in place. In the past I've had to loosen the nut a bit and turn the entire thing.

I'd ordered a new Lucas coil and leads. Still same so thought I'd look st the timing.



The notch on the pulley when lined up with the marker has the dizzy arm pointing to number 1 electrode. Rotating the engine to line the white mark (tdc) shows the dizzy arm to the right of the electrode, I presume fair bit atdc if it's spinning clockwise.

Click to expand...

Looks like 18deg btdc to me. Though you do need a timing gun to be accurate

First job to get it running then will time it up. Getting it going is proving to be difficult.

I dismantled the starter and the outer planet gear (plastic) had broken into two bits

I replaced the starter and it fired right up! Thanks for help. I've posted a new thread about my specific engine running issues

https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/3-9-efi-running-issues-hot-wire.309997/