Got a 109 6cyl coming......now what!?!?

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marcus28

marcus28

Member
Posts
54
Location
Le Bouyssou, Lot, France
Hi guys, after asking a few questions and reading loads of threads, which has genuinely left me scared ****less at times, I've taken the plunge and purchased an 1981 2.6 6 pot unmolested 109 sw.

I think 1981 is it's first reg date and it's probably a 1979 model 'cos as far as I can ascertain that that was the last year the 6 pot engine was available.

Loads of info out there on the 4cyl but not much on the 6cyl.

It's got a fairey overdrive and free wheeling hubs and had done only 50K. It's in pretty good nick mechanically and the bodywork is also good. Door's need some work and the clutch needs checking out and the interior needs a bit of TLC, but that's it.

I'm getting round to creating a To Do List and need some advice.

I want to keep it as unmolested as possible but am keen to making it as efficient as possible. So in order of preference what would you do, electronic ignition? Kenlowe fan? Neither? Something else? Leave it, if it ain't broke? Etc

Please feel free to treat me as a complete newb 'cos guess what!

Pictures will be posted when it finally get's delivered and I pick it up early May, (work commitments), can't wait, only ever had a Disco and a cough cough freelander.

Cheers

Mark
 
Not many around with such a low mileage, if its been looked after it should have plenty of life in it.
These aren't actually a bad drive, quite smooth and powerful, but the fuel consumption is poor if you are heavy footed, and they have a few "special" features. Tappets are pretty awkward to set, due to the strange valve configuration, I think its called inlet over exhaust. Carbs wear, but should be ok at that mileage. Also, to get the 6pot in the bonnet, they had to pare the clearance between the bell housing and the trans. tunnel to a minimum, which makes some things, like changing clutch slave, awkward.
Make sure you specify six cylinder when ordering parts, other than engine parts, there are many subtle differences.
Wouldn't bother with any engine mods, electronic ignition might be good if you can source one, and you could look into whether a weber, or other aftermarket carb is available.
That sounds like a nice collectable vehicle, enjoy it! :)
 
I have run one of those engines in a P4 rover (I did have two at one time 1954 Rover 90 and 1963 Rover 95) smooth power plants and a pleasure to drive. Only downside is thirst on short journeys. Never had one in a Land Rover though.
 
First thing, buy shares in your favourite petrol company. Then start spending on the landy.
Good luck, not many unmolested ones left.
 
I own a straight 6 truck cab, completely standard, 83K on the clock, no O/D, no free wheeling hubs, running with points not electronic ignition, I get between 16-18mpg out of it running round the lanes.

Make sure you set the tappet clearances every few thousand miles, fortunately (!) the exhaust clearances can be set cold (intake manifold has to be set hot) but you'll need to unscrew the dip stick tube from the block in order to be able to remove the exhaust tappet cover from underneath the exhaust, a stubby spanner will be useful for this.

Enjoy the noise, mines lurverly :)
 
ajb403 said:
I own a straight 6 truck cab, completely standard, 83K on the clock, no O/D, no free wheeling hubs, running with points not electronic ignition, I get between 16-18mpg out of it running round the lanes.

Make sure you set the tappet clearances every few thousand miles, fortunately (!) the exhaust clearances can be set cold (intake manifold has to be set hot) but you'll need to unscrew the dip stick tube from the block in order to be able to remove the exhaust tappet cover from underneath the exhaust, a stubby spanner will be useful for this.

Enjoy the noise, mines lurverly :)
Click to expand...

Any pics? :)
 
Please dont swap it for a tdi. I would dearly love a 6cyl 109 but theres not many original ones as people have said.

Might be worth converting to lpg though :)

Also lots of piccies please :cool:
 
It's going to be running local trips round hilly country lanes in southern France so swapping to a tdi won't be off much benefit, anyway we have the CRV diesel for the longer trips.

Thanks to all for the info on the tappets, not picked up on that anywhere, any more pearls of wisdom gratefully received.
 
marcus28 said:
It's going to be running local trips round hilly country lanes in southern France so swapping to a tdi won't be off much benefit, anyway we have the CRV diesel for the longer trips.

Thanks to all for the info on the tappets, not picked up on that anywhere, any more pearls of wisdom gratefully received.
Click to expand...

Have you got a manual?
 
When you set the tappets it's 10thou inlet and 12thou exhaust.

It is beautifully smooth and the big brother to the Series I 1600 and 2 litre overhead inlet, side valve exhaust engines.

Most of the bits can still be got from John Craddock in Cannock.

I recently fitted new rings, big end shells and oil pump bearings to one which had been stood for a few years.

She fired up on the second push of the button and is running as sweet as a nut!
 
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