SERIES 3 WONT START , FULL LIST OF WHAT IVE TRIED!

Rubins4 said:

I agree Chris, surely a reputable garage/mechanic will be able to tell you why it needs to be rebuilt rather than just it needs it?

Neil, am I right in saying you now have a second opinion also saying it needs a rebuild?

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No , whats happened so far is this , I had "mechanic" who couldnt fix it , 2nd mechanic at actual garage was very helpful , got it started , charged me £60 for work which I was ok with because he did a lot of work on it and replaced a few parts (receipts seen) and Ive used him loads of times , however he said it sounded rough when it started and there was low compression and knocking so only now am I actually taking it to an engine specialist who can have a good look. ill post his findings and estimate and see what forum thinks.

Only reason im getting it fixed is that it will hold value , if it was a 33 year old escort or fiesta it would be tin cans by now.

removing rocker box and looking for fully opening of each valve would be my first job,they are prone for push rod and follower issues

jamesmartin said:

removing rocker box and looking for fully opening of each valve would be my first job,they are prone for push rod and follower issues

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If I undo bolts and lift rocker cover off and see nothing can I just put it back on and bolt it up or am I opening a can of worms? , ill look at hanyes to see what im looking for.

yes just use a little silicone rtv sealant to fit back on

although sounding rough does it start every time now?

No only starts with 24v starter pack , went to collect it this morning from garage and it wouldn't start , compression is well down so I will leave it until wed and take it straight from there to engine specialist wed morning.

Not a 24V ex Army jobby is it?

No it just needs a kick in order to fire up

I've got a bit of a concern I would like your opinions on , my current engine when working without overdrive (not fitted) would do 65mph on motorway without a struggle , when doubters tried to talk me out of buying a series 3 a lot of people stated theirs wouldn't do over 50mph at best , I don't want an engine putting in that can only do 50 , any suggestions re this , were these just crap engines or was mine an exception?

Did you ever test your speedo? Famously optimistic most of them, plus you may have had a diff/gearing change or indeed your speedo is from another spec landy............................. 65 possible but "without a struggle"? On the other non-starting question - all this hasn't been down to a lazy starter motor has it? It's just that an engine with low compression really should spin over no trouble on 12 volts..................... good luck,

Don't want to worry you further but....
24v on a 12v system?

chris7 said:

Don't want to worry you further but....
24v on a 12v system?

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I think he's just been jump starting on 24v - but yes, a tad worrying.........................................

My series 3 2 1/4 petrol ,fully rebuilt engine cruises nicely at 60mph
Never gone beyond 60mph (which I'm sure it could) but once in good order and tuned correctly they perform well.
Remember the Landy is quite a heavy vehicle with old design.
Cant be compared with a modern car as some people tend to do?
Completely different animal

I have a refurbished engine and wouldn't ever try to push it beyond 50mph. Their not designed for 60 plus. If you were driving it at that speed it might explain current problems.

Driven 2/14 petrols at 70 no problem as far as engine goes.
Had a 1600cc series 1 that would do 70mph no bother.[lighter vehicle]

24v to start a 12v?

I think your mechanic is guessing.

This all sounds well dodgy and a bit farcical, and if all the things suggested to help and try by people on here - there has never really been a straight answer as to what has or has not actually been done or made a difference.

flat said:

24v to start a 12v?

I think your mechanic is guessing.

This all sonde well dodgy and a bit farcical.

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flat , I agree that's why I'm sending to engine specialist tomorrow , so far the mechanics that have looked at it havent charged me a penny so I'm not being ripped off so that's a positive , John S , I hardly ever go on motorway in it so rarely goes over 30 and I walk to work (luckily) also I live in Birmingham so never get the chance to do any speed in it , theres so many islands in Birmingham its like being on the waltzers .

Or was the starter pack of two 12v in parallel so still 12v?

It's such a simple engine it doesn't need a 'specialist' it just needs a good old fashioned greasy old boy garage

To be fair to Neil he doesn't have the experience or knowledge that we've been lucky enough to build up - so he is dependent on any garage who'll still be able to understand an old school engine - greasy old boy garages are becoming a thing of the past........................... loads of us have followed/contributed to this thread - frustrated the hell out of us so I reckon it's driven Neil MAD!