Out of hibernation

Hi first post!

Posted this on a couple of forums, ans couting for as many answers as I can get, can never have to many ideas!


I have a 1972 series 3 109 diesel safari with overdrive and almost standard in every way. I did use it as my main car for a number of years. As the kids grew it was replaced with a small saloon, but I couldn't bear to part with it.
So it has sat without moving for 4-5 years in my garden. I would like to try and rejuvenate it as I have a yearning to use it for some camping.

I know its likely to be a long job What should I look at doing to de-hibernate it?

My mechanical knowledge is limited, I have the green bible and a haynes and seemed to muddle through in the past as deep as a gearbox swap, and some other, for me major jobs.

All helpful or not so ideas gratefully received! , as its far to good to split or break.

Mark

:welcome2:

I assume you weren't as forward thinking to fill the engine to the top with oil before putting it into storage?

I would personally suggest basically giving it a full service then starting and see what goes bang... i.e. new oil, filters, etc. new fuel, and a bit of a clean.

No point stripping lots to bits if it doesn't need it though...

wassup

through some diesel in it n a battery n fire the beast up! then decide whats wrong n post up here

do you live in frimley green by any chance?

I'd be more concerned about the amount of metal the tinworms might have eaten in 5 years of disuse. Brakes and all the associated pipework might well be worth a look too.

I'm in the process of loving an 88 back to life, well it was alive just needed a 'few jobs'!! Firstly wash it thoughly by hand, inside wheel wells etc with a pressure washer if req, it's a great way of doing a thorough 'primary survey'
If it is on it's original chassis I suspect it will be ailing by now! I think it is fair to say that effort = return, the more work you do now the longer until it's next overhaul!
I have found a clean dry workshop invaluable (thanks to my cousin!) a mobile mechanic is very useful as well when you need help (I had one to come an rebuild the gearbox) and I got to learn at the same time!!

Welcome to the forum mate.

I wouldnt worry about not filling the engine to the top with oil, knowing landys it'd only be on your garden by now anyways.