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#Post#: 82276--------------------------------------------------
long distance reliability?
DIR By: daisydad
Date: December 16, 2013, 12:13 am
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my initial plan when I got Bertie was to swap the 2 1/4 petrol
for tdi in the new year as I had a 200 disco (sorry) and it was
bomb proof,
However after 3 months of use I quite like the silky smooth
petrol! now iv got the knack of choke usage again anyway
:confused:
thing is wanna go along to far reach events inc latp and London
2 brighton next year and also maybe some hard ground laning.
so finally questions are as long as I keep well serviced will he
be upto it? should I expect a "mini adventure" every trip and
would elec ignition and swapping the dyno ease my nerves?
or should I just grow a pair and keep aa card to hand? drink(*&
#Post#: 82277--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: mandylandy
Date: December 16, 2013, 12:48 am
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I guess bud,when you think that engine has taken intrepid
travellers all over the world maybe you will be ok.I went down
the tdi route so that I would be able to afford to do what I
wanted to.
On a purely personal note I actually prefer Diesel engines, that
is not to say the petrol is a bad engine because the whole world
knows it is a "korker".
As an answer to your question, I don't know chief! :-?
#Post#: 82278--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: Roveerman
Date: December 16, 2013, 1:10 am
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As an engine the 2 1/4 is pretty bomb proof, I would do a
compression test and fit an oil pressure gauge both of these
will tell you a bit about the healt of your motor, if these and
ok then just basic servicing will keep things running ok, the
only downer with a petrol engine is water, lose your spark and
it will stop, keep it dry, and there are tips and tricks to aid
this, and you're good to go!
#Post#: 82279--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: mikecoppicegreen
Date: December 16, 2013, 1:46 am
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the only way really is to try it.
I would put a few service kit spares on board, a litre of engine
oil, spark plugs, contact breaker, etc, and take a few long runs
where you are not in a hurry. Then I'd use it as a daily drive
for a while.
#Post#: 82280--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: Wooden
Date: December 16, 2013, 1:58 am
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The majority of people who consider fitting a tdi instead of a
2.25 petrol do so for reasons of fuel economy, rather than
reliability. I really don't think that the reliability of a well
maintained 2.25 petrol can be questioned. In fact, there's less
to go wrong on the trusted old factory lump than a modern
diesel; and when it does fail, you're certainly more likely to
be suffering an issue that can be fixed by the road-side should
you be carrying a modest selection of spares and a tool-kit.
Upgrading from a dynamo to an alternator is probably a
consideration, and I can understand the advantages of a 'leccy
ignition kit; however, the experience of members on here will
testify that it would probably be worth carrying the old
distributor as a spare. If the electronic ignition module fails
you while on the road you're far lass likely to be able to
attend to the problem than with a mechanical unit.
I think that if I were considering some serious over-land
mileage in an ancient 2.25p engine, I would consider fitting a
properly rebuilt distributor, rebuilt alternator/dynamo,
rebuilding the oil-pump, whipping the head off for a check and a
de-coke, replacing all the rubber cooling hoses and flushing the
rad properly, checking/fitting new earth straps, thoroughly
checking all of the 50 year old electrical wiring, brake-pipes,
fuel lines, etc. etc. Although there are folk on here probably
far more qualified/experienced than I to advise on this.
In short, and in response to your penultimate comment, there's
no reason to expect to brake down in a well prepared and well
maintained Series engine.
#Post#: 82287--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: NoelC
Date: December 16, 2013, 3:21 am
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^^^ spot on in my opinion. I'd argue the 2.25 petrol was Land
Rover's finest engine in terms of all round reliability and
design. I'll be fitting a Tdi to the lightweight only for
reasons of fuel economy and because I don' t have a Tdi'd series
so a bit of variety is nice, in the US I've done some pretty
long distance off road touring in the ambulance with it's
original 2.25 petrol (with Turner stage 1 unleaded head) and not
had any problems with the engine itself.
If you do have an issue it'll most likely be ancillary bits like
Piers says. Fuel pump, dizzy, carb, alternator etc are worth
carrying in the back however equally that applies to any engine.
The key for me would be a proper service beforehand including
fitting quality new spark plugs, ignition leads and dizzy
componentry. I run electronics on all of mine but have a known
good conventional points one in the toolbox as a spare. I've
never needed it but for reassurance it's nice to know it's
there. I'd swap the dynamo for alternator myself, I did that on
the ambulance as the new dynamo failed and cost-wise they're
much cheaper.
In some ways it's like looking at anything old, if summat looks
a bit crusty as the newness has worn off then I'd be changing
it. Rusty brake pipes? Copper set all round. Hoses looking old?
Replace the lot. New battery with earth leads cleaned and
checked, plus an additional from the battery neg to a dizzy
securing bolt. Fan belt? Easy swap. Water pump smooth as silk
and no noise - fine, if not - swap it. All cheap to do.
:thumbs:
#Post#: 82290--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: StuartN
Date: December 16, 2013, 3:44 am
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I run a 2.25 as a daily driver and can't fault the engine if it
is looked after. Had her up over 60 yesterday! Don't usually
push her past 60 but some idiot needed teaching a lesson. I'l go
no further than that...
Like I say just maintain it well and get to know your engine
like it is your wife. Inside and out :smilewide:
S :thumbs:
#Post#: 82311--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: Gortinagin
Date: December 16, 2013, 11:06 am
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I'd say just do it - enjoy - take the spares and an AA card then
you know all else fails you can get still get back home.
I just bought mine and did a 200 mile trip driving her home -
did a 100 mile trip the other week too worst that hapopened was
I had to put in some oil and put back on a dodgy wiper that came
off - since changed.
#Post#: 82314--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: Lucy
Date: December 16, 2013, 11:50 am
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Have done 10s of thousands of kms of unsupported mileage in some
remote places in my 101, get to know your truck, maintain it and
it will reward you.
#Post#: 82337--------------------------------------------------
Re: long distance reliability?
DIR By: daisydad
Date: December 16, 2013, 2:32 pm
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great replies cheers guys 100 % sure keeping it now as advised
will be swapping hoses and keep old ones as spares then build up
bit of spares/tool kit and then the world is my lobster
:thumbs:
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