that is interesting, I didn't know that although now you have said it it seems to be one of those things you don't understand why you didn't think of it. I guess when you have bought the new head and all the other bits like distributor it may prove more expensive - but better - in the short term than buying a complete second hand petrol engine on ebay. Although there are no guarantees the used engine bought will last. It does mean that one could install a used engine then re-con the diesel as a petrol whilst keeping the car on the road.
Series 3 Anyone know of a good petrol engine, please?
- Thread starter Old Seadog
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that is interesting, I didn't know that although now you have said it it seems to be one of those things you don't understand why you didn't think of it. I guess when you have bought the new head and all the other bits like distributor it may prove more expensive - but better - in the short term than buying a complete second hand petrol engine on ebay. Although there are no guarantees the used engine bought will last. It does mean that one could install a used engine then re-con the diesel as a petrol whilst keeping the car on the road.
rob1miles
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+1 on electric. I've been researching electric Series conversions, there have been a few. Series make good electric vehicles because they can take the weight of all the batteries, there are very few electical loads, no computers and no need for a vacuum for the brakes. There's also a nice 2 speed box if you leave the transfer case in. If you use lead acide and base it all on used forklift gear its probably 45mph and 20 mile radius, but that would work for me day to day. What i want to find out is what the tax implications are: for a low mileage vehicle it make no sense to take tax exempt diesel doing 2000 miles a year, spend hundreds converting it to save 10p mile (£200) then become liable for £160 tax every year, Q plate and MOTs. Could be a show stopper.
my only concern is if they take away vhi exemptions for lez's and ulez's many series might have to go electric then. can't see my old diesel meeting euro 6 emissions 
I am sure vhi's used to be congestion charge exempt in London but that suddenly disappeared
I am sure vhi's used to be congestion charge exempt in London but that suddenly disappeared
rob1miles
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The historics certainly haven't been congestion charge exempt for while, I live near the M25 and watch closely, but the LEZ exemption (so far) could be a big win. I see LEZs as potentially a bigger issue than congestion charges with more to come in a number of cities. I'm thinking of getting a tax exempt daily driver just in case. I wouldn't want to drive an electic vehicle iinto London - we are only 25 miles from Trafalgar square but that can take 2-3 hours because of traffic, I suppose it should be using little power but I wouldn't be confident.
It is quite likely that drivers of vehicles powered by fossil fuels will be taxed and taxed and taxed until it is economical enough for us to switch to electric. All of my life there has been a continued threat that the oil will run out - I'm sure it will - but I'm certain its use will be banned before it does.
I think the continued survival of classic vehicles will be dependent on engine swaps and eventually driver-less / self driving vehicle systems.
In the bigger scheme of things I welcome this shift to lower emission vehicles. I think the idea that they are pollution free and clean, however, is misleading - there's going to be a big shift in where the pollution happens probably towards the manufacturing and recycling. Batteries are not eco-friendly - certainly not at the moment.
The cost of batteries at the moment are for my pocket too expensive. When they get down to the price of a decent rebuilt engine (currently about 2K) then I'll be considering a switch. Until then I'm going to be keeping my Land Rover diesel engine if only because in its current state the vehicle does a fantastic 0 miles per gallon...
...yep that's right - it does zero miles and uses zero gallons!
I think the continued survival of classic vehicles will be dependent on engine swaps and eventually driver-less / self driving vehicle systems.
In the bigger scheme of things I welcome this shift to lower emission vehicles. I think the idea that they are pollution free and clean, however, is misleading - there's going to be a big shift in where the pollution happens probably towards the manufacturing and recycling. Batteries are not eco-friendly - certainly not at the moment.
The cost of batteries at the moment are for my pocket too expensive. When they get down to the price of a decent rebuilt engine (currently about 2K) then I'll be considering a switch. Until then I'm going to be keeping my Land Rover diesel engine if only because in its current state the vehicle does a fantastic 0 miles per gallon...
...yep that's right - it does zero miles and uses zero gallons!
A replacement engine is always a gamble but if you can get one cheap enough then that sounds like a good plan.
You do need storage space for such plans however. Tripping over parts is a pain in the backside so try and get organised (says he who spends most of his time in the most untidy workshop in Northern Europe)
rob1miles
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I bought a replacement off e-bay for a very low price, took a gamble (my choice) and fitted it only to find it needed new pistons. It was much better engine as it didn't have a cracked block (mine was scrap) but I should have not been in a rush and taken the time to do a proper check and (if needed) rebuild before fitting it instead of after. Live and learn.
Old Seadog
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Well I seem to have found a 2 1/4 5-bearing petrol engine for the old lady, so if it works, the diesel will be available.
Have sent you a PM, am almost certainly interested. Especially if it would be possible to come and see it running and/or test drive before it is removed.
Old Seadog
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I'll keep you posted - provided my senile incompetence doesn't wipe me and everyone else off the forum! Venturing into Wales requires a bit of thought - the natives are restless at the moment but Offa's Dyke runs along the edge of my garden so we have a good defensive position.
Old Seadog
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My "5-bearing" diesel engine turns out to be a 3-bearing model when I investigated myself with a torch. God preserve us from self-appointed experts! Anyway, I have found what looks like a good petrol engine and there's a local chap who wants my diesel engine for his Series 2a, so all's well that ends well, as the peacock said when he looked at his tail.
Thanks, everyone, for your advice and help. And a Very Merry Christmas to you all.
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