Tune Up - Recommendation needed. South East Melbourne

[lidvii]

Looking for a recommendation for a workshop to tune my 3.5 V8 Dual Fuel motor in a 1988 Range Rover.

Someone close to Beaumaris would be best.

I've just replaced the spark plugs, leads, distributor cap, timing chain, thermostat, and inlet manifold gasket. Also I've replaced the Lucas Ignition module with a Bosch one.

I've set the timing and the motor starts and runs well.

I've reached the limits of my skills and now I'd like a real mechanic to set the mixtures, timing and tune the gas set up.

[Leigh 110]

what did you set your ignition timing to? The burn rate of LPG differs to petrol, its slower and more advance is needed at low engine RPM, the opposite at higher RPM, can be as much as 10 degrees!!
Most distributors have the weights adjusted and the curve altered for this, so don't go by the repair manual to set ignition timing.

[lidvii]

I'd say I've set the timing about 10 degrees before TDC.

It runs Okay but I'm pretty sure if I get the motor tuned up the real mechanic will adjust my setting.

Any suggestions on where to get the tune up done?

[Leigh 110]

Its always difficult to recommend a mechanic, and I'm a mechanic!!
Definition of quality, seems to have changed. Reading the repairs you have carried out i would suggest you already have a good grip on that needs to be done, tuning the gas system is easy, what type of convertor do u have? what smell do u get at idle from exhaust? how does it start when cold?
do u run on dual fuel or gas?
gas adjust is basically idle adjustment and power valve adjustment at higher revs, the later rarely needs touching? Be aware most LPG convertors have a drain plug to remove wax, this will cause hard to start issues if not drained regular/stretching of diapragms/ cloging/jam of chamber valve
Have you noticed higher economy? Its all about noticing the changes

[d2dave]

I can recommend Terry Wallace Motors in Moorabbin. He is very cluey and also does gas conversions.

https://plus.google.com/110584094872431467996/about?gl=au&hl=en

[lidvii]

I took my RRC to Terry's workshop in moorabbin.

He was able to diagnose the root cause of the problem - air leaking through air flow meter seal.

He has tuned the engine and it now runs great on petrol and gas.

Terry was very familiar with the rover motor and was great at explaining the problems and what was needed to fix them.

I'm very happy with the result and Terry's work.

Recommended.

Paul

[d2dave]

I am glad that you got a good result. Nothing worse than recommending someone and it doesn't work out.