Trashed s3 109 got me home. Now what?

[Almiscarado]

Ok, i am still not sure this was a smart buy, but this old 109 came home today (always wanted One).

My first 30kms on a series, what an experience!

First things i noticed:
- speedometer and odometer dont work;
- left blinkers dont work;
- it feels easier to steer left than right (less effort);
- 1st gear is hard to find (i engage reverse instead);
- no inside cab mirror - where they extra?
- clutch pedal sometimes seems lazy to get back;

Will need a lot of help from you, thanks in advance!

 

[kermit_rr]

There's a spring over reverse gear to stop you selecting by mistake. It's probably missing
Mirror just bolts to the roof line.
Speedo cable might have snapped

 

[tottot]

Well looks like it has worked pretty hard for over 40 years. But they are about the most basic motor vehicle that are still around in numbers today and can be repaired without the need to ask a computer what the problem is.
A sticky brake may be the issue with the steering.
A change of fluid may help with the clutch issue, have a look in the reservoir and if fluid is blackish then at least in the short term a change may help.

 

[Almiscarado]

Well looks like it has worked pretty hard for over 40 years. But they are about the most basic motor vehicle that are still around in numbers today and can be repaired without the need to ask a computer what the problem is.
A sticky brake may be the issue with the steering.
A change of fluid may help with the clutch issue, have a look in the reservoir and if fluid is blackish then at least in the short term a change may help.

Thanks, Nice first things to check

 

[Wildefalcon]

Nice; decent pickup. Ready for 3/4 tilt.

Have you found the line manual?

Break the problems down into single issues. What bugs you the most?

 

[British Leyland Rover]

Congratulations on your series 3. I've never seen a snorkle that big . Make a list and get cracking. The first job I'd do is Inspect the chassis and get some protection on it.

 

[tottot]

I agree with the chaps above regarding repairs. Do not be tempted with doing a complete strip down overhaul unless this is really your thing, so many are never finished. Keep as a rolling restoration and enjoy each fix/improvement done as you use it.

 

[Almiscarado]

So, what would it be the cause of all this oil.over here?

 

[Almiscarado]

I agree with the chaps above regarding repairs. Do not be tempted with doing a complete strip down overhaul unless this is really your thing, so many are never finished. Keep as a rolling restoration and enjoy each fix/improvement done as you use it.

That is my main objective!!

 

[Wildefalcon]

So, what would it be the cause of all this oil.over here?
View attachment 347857

That's an air breather for the engine. Any excess pressure in the engine goes out here.
There are a few causes.

The o ring around the base is not sealing, and engine oil is simply splashing over the area. Undo the little bolt that holds it in place and replace the o ring.

Or. The engine is making too much excess pressure, either too much oil, unlikely, or there's a lot of wear in it. That's a bit more worrying, but it can be one of those things you can live with.

I'd check the o ring first, then ignore it until you've everything else sorted.