Thread: series 3 land rover 109 v8

it would probably be great to clarify, is this electronic ignition? points? the measurement is presumably when the engine isnt running at the coil + terminal which has a ballast resistor on it?

probably jumping to conclusions here but if the ballast resistor or associated wiring has a problem the engine can fire and run as long as you hold they key on 'start'. when you release they key it stops.

bear in mind also 7.5V at coil with points closed (engine stopped) with ballast resistor in circuit isnt actually that unreasonable so is it definitly ignition?

As mentioned, 7.5 volts at the coil with a ballast resistor in it could be fine. Assuming here that it is a standard points system? If so, then check the point gap - feeler gauges are ok, but a dwell meter is better. Also, a stuffed condenser can have this effect on things, so if in doubt, chuck new points and condenser in it. Coil could be on its way out as well. What sort of condition is the rest of the ignition system in? Plugs, leads, dizzy cap, etc.

If you have a few $$$ to spend, then you may consider a whole new electronic ignition system for it which would solve these issues once and for all.

If it has an electronic dizzy in it already, what ignition amp has it got? If it is a big Lucas unit, you may want to bin that and upgrade it - they are not the greatest bit of kit.

Assuming the V8 you are referring to is a Rover engine? A few more details about the engine and ignition system may help to narrow it down.

Keep us posted. - Gav.

Hey there thanks for replies,i should have given more info to start with,I have only just bought vehicle for a couple of hundred bucks,it is a 1980 hardtop wagon with a rover 3.5 v8 in it.The car is not registered wich is a shame.Car has gas system on it,edelbrock manifold,extractors,holley carb etc.Car was last registered 3 years ago.It seems too good to wreck,so i have set about trying to fix it up a bit,i dont have much info on when it last ran,have checked fluids etc,everything ok.from what can see it has a lucas electronic igntion,it turns over fine.it will fire everytime you try an start it,but just wont run. Fuel pump doesnt work so i rigged up motorbike fuel tank hangin off bonnet,fuel is pumping fine,the previous owner told me it has only been running on gas,though it has switch on dash to change to petrol,that may have something to do with it too.Gas tank empty.Did read in manual about ballst resistor after i read your comments,it says 7.5 volts to coil is correct.There is one thing i want to know,does the coil have to be for electronic ignition?Was goin to try coil from my old landcruiser,but that has points,By the way im a boilermaker not mechanic,any info will be much appreciated,Will try an put in some pics of the old beast,cheers.

if it is firing to some extent maybe more of a carby issue? does spraying aerostart in it then cranking it over make it run even for a few seconds? that could at least prove the ignition is probably ok

What's the voltage at the resistor?
I had a similar problem. Turned out to be a dead/dying coil. I just replaced the coil as a test. As it turned out, that was the problem.

Yes, aerostart will tell you if it is firing.

Hey there have tried "aerostart",makes no difference. Still yet to try other coil,is there a difference between coils,points to electronic? I Remember my moto guzzi had been changed from electronic back to points and that had to have different coils fitted to run properly,i know far from rover v8 but thought maybe similair principal.why on here does anyone know if parts are available for front diff swivel joint rebuild and cv etc? still cant figure out to put pics with post?

What does the spark look like? If it is not a nice fat blue spark, I would be looking at the Lucas ignition amp - these are known for doing stuff that will stop you in your tracks. This WILL be the weakest link in your ignition.

Have a read of this thread - Lucas ignition amplifier replacement by Bosch 024

Many on here - including myself have done this conversion. It is cheap and easy and gives you the spark you need and more, and won't crap itself.

As you have mentioned that not even aerostart will get it going, it doesn't sound like a fuel issue, which only points to the ignition not being up to scratch.

Cheers - Gav

Originally Posted by platebasher

spark is yellow will fire but wont start,

Yellow spark is a bad thing! Do as Gav suggests.

Ring the boys at Rovercraft for all of the parts you are looking for, or google the web,

Cheers Charlie