Good point re distributor wear. I re-bushed the distributor on my V8 engined 110 defender, really made a difference to smooth running.

try a 20 or 30 mile non stop main road or motorway run then remove a spark plug to see what the colour looks like. That will tell you if mixture and running is OK (looking for a nice light chocolate colour) Have you got any crankcase pressure problems ? You say that you have retarded the...

Start with the simple things and set the valve clearances/contact breaker points gap(or dwell angle if you can). Set the static ignition timing as per the book for your model. How old is the fuel ? modern petrol can go off in weeks. I have made a new carburettor slide for my vintage motorcycle...

I have always set mine with number one exhaust valve fully open. See the manual re a bracket and dial gauge to get this right. Now the EP mark on the flywheel comes into play. I sold my series three diesel 8 years ago so can't remember much more. Good luck.

Late series threes have a bleed hole of around 10mm in the thermostat housing. It has been to many years since I messed with one but this comment may prompt someone with knowledge.

If you do attempt a bush job do not attempt to drill it, the drill will follow the worn hole and produce an oval hole. It will need setting up on a milling machine and boring with a slot drill (2 flute milling cutter). Make the bush on the lathe from aluminium/bronze or brass, all of these...

Depending on the year of the Land Rover you will need a few whitworth size spanners. Perhaps not to carry around but certainly in the workshop. Nearly all my spanners/sockets are Britool bought over the last 55 years and most still good,only had to replace the odd smaller size like 1/2" A/F that...

I ran series Land Rovers for many years and only had one rear half shaft break. The replacement I put in the lathe and undercut the shaft at the wheel end to make replacement easier when another broke. Never had another fail, but then I drive like a Granny with lots of mechanical sympathy. When...

Here in the UK I have had propshafts made to suit my trials cars. Canada is a big place so you are likely to be a long way from anywhere that could make one. What are your alignment issues ? Series Land Rovers are pretty simple things, dodgy rear chassis welding ?

Given that most threaded items measure slightly undersize to allow for cresting and tolerance. 3BA at 0.161 diameter could well be in the mix, late Lucas and Smiths instruments used BA threads and A/F imperial size hexagons. But if M4 fits use it, no one will ever know.......

I fitted a Britpart tank to a series three 88" some years ago. Awful fit with a lot of bodywork trimming involved. Never was happy but at least it didn't leak.

To what use do you envisage the finished vehicle being put to ?

With late series threes the factory fitted a full house of mixed fastenings. BSF/WHIT + UNF/UNC And a few metric sizes.

Bought mine from eBay. A Dutch seller, brand new Hella "U28" pump badged as a Volvo part. It came with a diagram to wire in a relay to save the load on the brake light switch. If no luck on the eBay site maybe try Google electric vacuum pump ? Hella do the U28 and U30 both should be suitable...

Once the butterfly spindle holes in the manifold are worn along with the rest of the linkage you are chasing your tail. I am a toolmaker with a lathe and milling machine in the garage and re-bushed my manifold and linkage. Only a limited improvement was gained. £70 for the electric pump/relay...

No it would not work just removing the butterfly. Remove the flap and put a 6mm or 1/4" bolt through the spindle hole, seal with rubber and plain steel washers. If you have a vacuum tank fitted they are saleable. (I found out after binning mine) With the tank gone it frees up a bit of under...

No one has yet mentioned a pressure limiting valve in the system. I seem to remember the late series three 88" with 11" drums had one but it has been a long time since I ran one.

41mm ? I thought it is 1" Whitworth but 41mm may be close ? Late series three's had a mix of Whit UNF-UNC A/F and metric sizes but the metric stuff was all in the smaller sizes.

Having done a few of these I would buy a new pully. Unless recently changed the old one will have a groove worn in and will leak again. Otherwise proceed as Nathan describes. Copious cups of tea can help.....

Seeing that you are West Midlands based Adrian, was it Lucas at Plume Street where you worked ?