Newbie Q’s - 1st Ever Series Land Rover

ANK84 said:

Hi guys

Was on here a few months back looking at potential purchase of a S3. Thanks to everyone who helped back then as I’ve finally taken the plunge down the deep dark rabbit hole and bought a 1982 S3 88” 2.25 petrol. Might have bitten off a bit more than I can chew already but seems to be how most of us learn and start around here.

A few silly/daft newbie questions if anyone can help me out here:
1) What is the difference between the “choke on the dashboard and the “cold start control” next to the ignition key?
2) There are a number of pull switches on the auxiliary control panel (photo attached) that I can’t work out what an earth they do. Any guesses? The amber one flashes every now and again but is definitely not hazards as that is the other one
3) driver door has classic door shut line issues - any pointers about how I go about trying to resolve? (Photo attached). Tried moving the striker plate in as far as it can go but doesn’t seem to do the trick unfortunately
4) think the landy was sitting around for a bit before I bought it/may have timing issues but also could be poor fuel. Is red ex a bad idea?

Really sorry for the daft questions to start but hoping I can get some pointers in the right direction.

Thanks all and look forward to being part of this community

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Dorset_dumpling said:

4) If the Landy has been sitting for more than a couple of months then drain the tank and put some fresh fuel in before trying to get it running. You can try some redex with the fresh fuel, it won't do any harm but don't be surprised if it doesn't make much improvement either.

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Dorset_dumpling said:

1) Not entirely certain but it could well be that at some point your Landy was fitted with a diesel engine and a control for the glow plugs, which would explain why you have the 2 different controls. In which case the cold start control next to the ignition switch has probably been disconnected and you just have the choke to the carb.

2) Apart from the hazard and fog lights, they could be absolutely anything a previous owner has wired/bodged.

3) What state are the door frames, hinges and bulkhead in? If the mounting holes are still where they are supposed to be and the door, hinges or bulkhead aren't twisted or rusted out of shape then you could try adjusting the angle or position of the hinges on the bulkhead or door, it is also entirely possible that the hinges are just badly worn and need replacing.

4) If the Landy has been sitting for more than a couple of months then drain the tank and put some fresh fuel in before trying to get it running. You can try some redex with the fresh fuel, it won't do any harm but don't be surprised if it doesn't make much improvement either.

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Anaconda said:

Also don't be surprised to find fuel pour out of the tank seam if you fill it more than half full.
This happened to us on the way back from buying it, had just got a MOT aswell.

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Anaconda said:

Rear tub is pretty much fixed so what I would do is start at the hinge end.
Remove striker plate and try and get a good even fitment of the door with adjusting hinges and brute force. After that try and get it to close nicely.
On our 2a the doors closed lovely with the door tops off, not so good with them on.

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ANK84 said:

Thanks Dorset Dumpling. Some really useful pointers there. According to the manual the cold start was for a petrol engine But I’ll try to see if it does anything at all.

Bulkhead and chassis is good…I think- was rebuilt on a Richards galv chassis in 2016 I’m told. Think I’ll look at replacing the hinges etc later this summer when I change the hard top for a canvas tilt.

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steve2286w said:

On the auxiliary dash the rectangular warning light is for the brakes and wired to the PDWA switch on RH front chassis rail , perhaps one of the additional pull switches is a test for that
Some more pics inside and out would be useful to see what extras might have been fitted ie front fogs rear work lights etc
Just noticed the locking hinge on your filler cap is 180deg out to mine!
To check door hinges open up and shake it up and down
Does door fit ok at roofline

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