FC101 manual

Wondered if anyone could tell me where I could obtain a manual for a potential FC101 that I wish to purchase shortly. The vehicle will be based in Spain, and I think the local LR dealer in Spain will probably pass out when I drive in with it, so it looks like it will be me doing the vast majority of the maintenance/overhauls etc. Any potential problem suggestions would also be very much appreciated as this vehicle will maintain a substantial part of my income within a new outward bound canoeing/surfing/mountaineering business.

Try Landrover Enthusiast magazine for Manuals for a FC101. There are 3 different manuals for the vehicle. An Operaters Manual, a Repair Manual and a Parts catalogue. Lots of the parts for the vehicle where never used on any other Landrover, so getting replacements can be difficult. Join the owners club, as they get parts supplied to the original specifications.

Many thanks for the help. LandRover library also got in touch with me with an offer of help. Am joining 101FC club and have downloaded app form already.
If you know anyone who has an FC101GS for sale in acceptable cond, please email me at wederell1athotmaildotcom.
Cheers

Mark

Mark,

I would hate to put someone off getting a 101", but are you sure that it is the right vehicle?
Reasons behind this are,
You are after a reliable workhorse, even the youngest 101's are are 27 years old.
Are you going to be driving a long way in it? They are not the most user friendly vehicles.
Will you be towing with it? They are excellent tow vehicles, that's what they where designed for, but there is only a NATO hitch on the rear cross member. If you have to fit a drop plate to the vehicle there are no holes in the chassis for the tie bars to mount to.
Fuel consumption, is 12 - 15 M.P.G on road alright?
Alot of the LHD vehicles are 24volt, will this be a problem?
Service and repair, you say the local dealer in Spain will have a fit if they saw one. Also you will be trying to get parts for a 30 year old vehicle when there was only about 2500 vehicles built to start with. Lots of the parts are not used on any other Landrover. The owners club do have alot of spare parts but, the club is run by volunteers they all have full time jobs. Supply of parts is as and when they are in stock, some parts you will have to wait until other people have ordered the same part, this keeps the costs down. The club is excellent but is based on enthusiasts repairing their vehicles not a business being dependant on the vehicle working.
As a last thought how long are you prepared to wait to find the right vehicle? The number of 101's coming up for sale is getting less.
This is not meant to sound negative or to try and wind you up, this is just my opinion.
I have had a 1975 RHD 12volt G/S 101 for the last 4 years. I use it for off-road fun days with my local landrover club. So far this year the starter solinoid has caught fire, 2 hub oil seals have failed and there is an intermitant fault with the diff lock warning light electrics. At the moment it is parked on the drive on axle stands waiting for a new set of brake shoes to arrive.

Yes you are right in all that you say, but I will be backing it up with an almost new Defender 110, and a 20 yr old ex MOD 90. It will be towing, but I am looking at creating a canoe trailer based on the NATO 3/4 ton Sankey trailer which should match if my info is right. My main reasons for stating what I stated in the advert, are that i want one in as good a cond as poss.

However, your thoughts are most helpful, and should I have to make a quick decision, they will be most valuable.

Muchas gracias,

Mark

Mark,

As you will have 2 vehicles as back up, a 101 will difiantly get your business noticed.
A couple of thoughts for you when veiwing vehicles,
1) Non power steering. The steering is heavy at manouvering speeds but should be fairly easy to use under normal driving conditions.
2) The steering linkage has more joints in it than a standard landrover. There is a idler relay in the 2nd chassis cross member, infront of the radiator.
3) Check the swivel housings on the front axle. Unlike all other Landrovers the swizel housing is not bolted on to the axle caseing, it is welded. If the swizels are pitted or leaking the axle may need to be replaced, expensive and difficult to find, or the swizels will need to be cut of and replacements welded on. A job for an engineering company.
4) Check to see if the origianl V8 engine is fitted, early V8's used shorter spark plugs.

5) Yes, they all seem to make that noise from the front prop shaft. It is a short shaft at a steep angle.

Every thing else should just be general checks as with any other Landrover.

Good luck,

Chris.