hunting advice before purchase: landrover series III 1974, 202 red motor

[mlinn]

Hi all im eagerly looking to dive into the world of landrover. keen for a functional and fun vehicle i have come across this vehicle on carsales. I am stretching my price range (uni student) and i am inspecting a landrover series III 1974, with a 202 red motor tomorrow morning

1974 Land Rover Rover Manual 4x4 (http://www.carsales.com.au/private/details/Land-Rover-Rover-1974/SSE-AD-4293342/?Cr=8)

i have checked chassis number with PPSR and will follow up with NSW VSCCS tomorrow (labor day today).

any thing in particular to watch out for ?
will have a thorough look for rust as there is already a a series III in the driveway with a rusted chassis and we dont need two

does the series III gearbox become a weak point when paired with straight 6, any little quirks to keep an eye out for?
'
thanks in advance, this is a great group and one I'm sure ill spend plenty more time on here

[JDNSW]

I note that it is sold without roadworthy. Since it has significant modifications from original, this is likely to result in substantial unplanned and unquantifiable costs in addition to the price you pay. With this in mind the cost asked is excessive (would be reasonable, perhaps even a bit more if registered and roadworthy). You would need to discuss it with Vicroads and/or an engineer to see what is likely.

Since the speedo on the Series Landrovers only goes to 99,000miles or km, it would be interesting to know where the figure given comes from (could be perfectly genuine from logbooks etc).

Holden to Series gearbox adapters in some cases are known to be inaccurately made, causing early gearbox failure, but apart from that the load on the gearbox from that engine would be no more than the load from the Rover six that used the same box, and arguably less than the Rover diesel with its torque at very low rpm giving notably lumpy load.

John

Apart from these problems or potential problems, it looks like a good example, well looked after and presented, especially if the "no rust" is correct.

John

[mlinn]

Hi JDNSW

thanks for response really spot on advice. Ive inspected the car. The chasis is in good shape no rust, only rust that could be found was an obvious repair to the tropical roof and upper door frame. motor apears to be ok slight Valve and tappet noise or potentially worn rings? hard to diagnose just a tapping noise at lower revs. the car is getting a roadworthy this week and will have valves adjusted so if that is not fixed with the road worthy id suspect worn rings.

The motor is the only thing i have concerns about, ive been on the phone (mostly on hold) with vic roads and the nsw equivelent as the car was last registered there with the original petrol motor. I have had differing responses from vicroads regarding whether the 202 in a series III requires an engineers certificate as a modified engine with the 202 apparently being approved engine in a series III, but have had a hard time to find that in writing . Ultimately i wouldn't purchase the car if it requires an engineers cert as i would be reluctant to sink money into motor that i dont know enough about.

cheers

[mick88]

Judging from the photo it looks a reasonable vehicle. Keep in mind that tappets on that motor are hydraulic and non adjustable. The ticking might be a sticky hydraulic lifter or maybe the oil pressure is a bit low. Check the oil light at idle when the motor is at operating temperature to see if it flickers or stays. An oil change might be all it needs, or the engine could have considerable wear. The noise could also be a myriad of any other things.
Good Luck. Cheers, Mick.