Thread: S3 Consumption

Mileage from a standard swb Landrover 2.25 is very variable, depending mainly on how it is driven, tyre type and size and engine condition and tune. The Weber carburetter is said to give slightly better fuel consumption than either the Zenith or Solex, but carburetter type is only a very minor factor provided it is in good condition.

Your fuel consumption is excessive unless you are a real leadfoot, but don't expect to get better than about 11l/100km. Your mate's figure is exceptionally good.

Things to look at that will lower fuel consumption - and you may have to change a number of these. (no particular order)

Tyre pressure, tread, crossplies instead of radials.
Dragging brakes, either main or handbrake.
Choke not opening fully.
Petrol leaks
ignition timing incorrect
Ignition components faulty (HT leads, condenser, coil, points etc)
Thermostat opening too early or too late or missing.
Worn or dry universal joints.
Axles and swivels low or without oil. Same for gearbox & transfer case.
Float level too high
Needle valve worn
Excessive fuel pressure - could be a diesel fuel lift pump fitted.
Carburetter parts worn or warped.
Exhaust system partly blocked (e.g. choked up muffler)
Worn bores and/or piston rings
Poorly seating valves, either burnt or incorrect tappet clearance or both.
Short trips.
Bad driving technique - do not use full throttle except when really necessary, keep speed below about 80-90kph.

Things you can do to improve economy :-
Fitting an overdrive will make some improvement, as will fitting free wheel hubs, but don't expect miracles.
If your head is 7:1, changing it to 8:1 will improve economy, but only provided you use the additional power to ease back on the throttle.
Fitting a different aircleaner will probably have no detectable effect on fuel economy unless you always drive flat out, and even then the difference will be minimal.
If you have wide tyres, scrapping them will make a minor improvement, although you may get a slight improvement by going to larger diameter tyres, especially if you do not have an overdrive.

Hope this helps

G'day Bisho,
I am Consistenyly getting around 400kms out of a tank in my series 3 swb, this equates to about 15l/100km, mine is running a stage 1 turner head which has a n 8:1 compression ratio. It also has a holley carb. on it, no idea what model it was fitted by a previous owner, and overdrive fitted. I am getting this milage driving 30kms to and from work each day along a supposed motorway which means my speed can vary from anything between 10 - 100 kmh. I don"t mess around when I am driving, I keep up with the traffic and often have the second barrel of the carb. open. I hope this helps.
Cheers,

Mick

G'day Bisho

If the Weber you have fitted to your vehicle is a "34 ICH" type, that is the correct one for the Landrover 2.25 litre 4 cylinder Solex/Zenith to Weber conversion the mixture adjustment differs from the Aust/ U.S. way, OUT= Rich IN=Lean 8O It took me a while to learn that one :wink: if it is the later type with the electric fuel cut off solenoid on it, attach the wire to the Ign side of the coil, make sure that the choke cable is connected and works, or make sure that the choke flap is not closing off when the motor is revved as this will give you that type of fuel figures 8O I get about 16-18 mpg with my 2a LWB on 7.50 x 16 radials at 40 psi and similar when I put my crossplys on (Bar Treads These carbies were also fitted to early 4cylinder Gemini's from memory but I think the jetting was different


cheers

hey fella's
thanks for the tips, they're great. Yeah i'mpretty sure its a no. of factors. 1 it could be th electric fuel pump installed, ( previous owner had could not get the mechanical to work, installed electric and problem solved) so maybe thats just supplying to too much fuel at a higher pressure than the mechanical. I will also check to see the choke is not closing when revved. Many things to check!
thanks for your time
bisho

Oh another thing guys. On start up she blows a bit of black smoke, i've been told this either means its rich or burning oil. I can't smell burning oil even though she does chew through it (she leaks a bit, but im not sure if shes burning). I've turned the idle mixture screw in the carbie and it hasnt seemed to make much difference. So the exhaust, if u put ure hand over it leaves black blotches, like soot (un burnt fuel?) So to me the engine and carbie aren't running as effieciently as they could, therefore thismay also be contributing to big consumption.
thanks boys
bishooooooooo