186 Engine problem NEED HELP

[debruiser]

Ok,

Just tried to start my S3 109 with a 186 conversion (I've never seen it run) Found out that the fuel pump arm/leaver is broken off (in the engine somewhere), also there is weird squealing type noise coming from either the water pump or the alternator. The engine also has some oil leaks (not sure where they are coming from but they are there...)

Do I fix bother to rebuild the engine OR do i swap it for a 200tdi/300tdi?

Does a 200tdi/300tdi bolt straight into a 6 cylinder land rover (was originally a 2.6)

Please help I'm stuck....

I really am not a huge fan of petrol 4x4's, but on the other hand I was expecting to have to swap the engine before I could at least see if the gearbox is working.

[Homestar]

I think the diesel engines would give your drive train a bit of a hard time, and I wouldn't expect the gearbox to live too long behind one. You would also need a different adaptor plate than the holden one.

The 186 is an easy and cheap engine to fix. Did you have it running off the fuel in the carby bowl to hear the squealing noise, or was that just by turning the engine over? Water pumps and alternators are plentiful at the wreckers, and wouldn't cost much to change.

Oil leaks could be as simple as the rocker cover gasket, side plate gaskets, or sump gasket - all easy and cheap to fix. I would drop the sump off anyway to retrieve the busted bit of the fuel pump. A new or secondhand unit is easy to fit.

Unless the engine has something seriously wrong internally, I would just fix it up - heaps easier and cheaper than another engine transplant.

Cheers - Gav

[debruiser]

I was pouring fuel down the carby to get it to go, ran ok a couple of times.

I havn't done nor do i have the gear to do a compression test. so I have no idea what condition that part of things are in....

[Homestar]

If it runs, then that is a good start - if it ran smoothly and didn't blow heaps of smoke continuously, then it is probably fine - they are tough, reliable engines. I would whip the fan belt off and spin the alternator and water pump to see what is making the noise - my guess is the alternator - these are generally only 35 amp jobs, which is more than enough for a Series III. You should be able to pick another up cheap from the wreckers, or if you want to pull it apart, chuck in a couple of new bearings. Pity you are so far away, as I have a couple in the shed you are welcome to.

With the fuel pump, you can just put a small electric fuel pump in, and not even worry about the mechanical one, but I would drop the sump off and retrieve the busted bit at some stage.

Cheers - Gav

[30t of coolness]

Check under your vehicle if it was origionally a 2.6 there may be an electric fuel pump installed already , otherwise I'd fix the 186 good reliable engine.

[debruiser]

Check under your vehicle if it was origionally a 2.6 there may be an electric fuel pump installed already , otherwise I'd fix the 186 good reliable engine.

It is the 2.6 model. Where would I find the pump?

[debruiser]

I have found a 202 blue engine - fully reconditioned for sale. Can I drop this straight in? will it have the same stud pattern as the 186?

[Blknight.aus]

yep but if you dont put a restrictor plate in you can kill the engine with it and it will drink like zaphod beeblebrox.

[30t of coolness]

The fuel pump should be on the chassis rail under the driver seat , I am pretty sure the stud pattern never changed on the blue motors as the WB's used the same Aussie 4spd box as the earlier oldhens

[pfillery]

It is the 2.6 model. Where would I find the pump?

In mine which is the same, an original 6 vehicle, the electric fuel pump is mounted to the chassis under the drivers seat. I believe this is the standard location. You can also fit an electric one under the bonnet which does the same job. You do need to put a blanking plate on the old mechanical fuel pump. As mentioned you would need to remove the broken bit.

I have found a 202 blue engine - fully reconditioned for sale. Can I drop this straight in? will it have the same stud pattern as the 186?

It is widely accepted by many that the 186 is a far better power plant in a landrover than the 202. More cc's but not as good apparently, they also have a fibre timing gear instead of metal. Matter of opinion but from what I hear, stick to the 186. It will bolt straight in though.