Engine temperature issues

Hi Guys,
I have just picked up a series 2 88" with series 3 2.25 petrol fitted.
I was concerned about the temperature which sits between the "N" and the red but does not overheat. Should i be worried???

Also, if i run the landrover up on choke in the morning, when i pull away once warm it backfires a couple of times, which says to me it may be running too rich. I know the previous owner brought it with a K+N filter fitted and he changed it back to standard filter set up - so may have been richened for the K+N filter??

Once warmed up and on the move all seams reasonable ok.

Any ideas gratefully accepted. Thanks.

Your overheat may not ne an overheat, the sender fitted to the series engine may not be the correct unit for the temp guage fitted to the dash and therefore reading wrong.
If your really worried about it, borrow a infra red thermometer and measure the temp on various parts of the engine.
The backfire suggests the opposite, too lean a mixture, make sure the inlet manifold bolts are tight and that the ignition timing is correct, if so then maybe the carby's not setup right.

Many thanks for the advise.
Gonna put it on the machine in the garage next door to work whilst i am supposed to be working tommorrow!
I suppose if the engine is running a touch lean or the timing is out, that could cause the engine to run a touch hotter?

Will post an update tommorrow. Cheers

Another cause for engine running hot and especially if back firing could be due to incorrect timing. After running for a while and engine up to temperture and switching off the ignition, do you get pre ignition, the engine still continues to try and run for a while. Might be worth having this checked.

Hi Guys,
have put the landrover on a gas analizer. Its co2 is miles too rich. If i do not use choke in the morning i suffer with no backfire - definately a mixture issue! I have been looking online trying to find a carb rebuild kit with no luck. Gonna identify the exact model of carb today and speak to local landrover specialist - also gonna check the air filter to see if it is blocked or majorly dirty.
Am wondering if previous owner changed the jet for the old k+n filter but not changed back when standard filter system refitted? If i can get a kit and jets will give this a go.

Silly question - should i be using a lead additive with the fuel? Would not doing so be causing an issue?
As you can tell i am used to a diesel defender!

Cheers

On the temperature issue, my Kenlowe temp switch is rather temperamental, and I've been told that a hose switch is much more reliable. I like the x-fan unit but I've found this unit Water Temp Gauge Radiator Hose Sensor Adaptor 34mm hose on eBay (end time 01-Nov-09 22:21:24 GMT) which seems more reasonably priced. It requires a standard fan switch, are they all the same or need I ask for a specific type at a motor factors?

Hi Guys,
I have been using the landrover all week - no tempeature issues - needle sits high but no overheating even in traffic!!
Have checked the timing to the best of my ability, does not seem an issue.
Any one know the best place to buy a carb rebuild kit for zeniths carbs - gonna book it in to be set up but want to pre empt the possibility of a carb rebuild, have attempted to adjust the mixture but runs rough so it is back to running very rich - have been told the co2 reading should be between 3.5 and 5% - my carb is currently running at just over 10%!!

Cheers for all your advice.

Check to make sure the spark plugs are the correct ones, too cold a plug might be an issue here.
To be honest I dont know what plug should be in, but I'm sure someone will be along any minute and tell us.

See if the engine is actually running hot yourself...for some reason my engine doesnt appear even slightly warm until the temperature gauge is near the red which is a bit odd. Before I can have my hand on that rad or engine without thinking "ouch". Perhaps it is my temperature sender unit?