101: Initial Investigative Foray

So had a good old poke at the 101 today to assess the state of the engine and fuel system. I have to say it is extremely impressive how well this old piece of vehicular hardware has stood up to 10 years of neglect.

101 cabin with engine cowling in place

101 cabin without engine cowling

For those of you not familiar with the 'architecture' of a 101, the engine is essentially between the front seats (the 101 is known as a Forward Control vehicle, though not sure why as I've never come across a Backward Control vehicle??). The photos show the cabin with and without the engine cover. As you can see the gear lever sits on top of the engine (that's the radiator and fan cowling under the stick). This makes for a warm cabin on a long drive but is handy for working on the engine when it's raining(which happens a lot where I live in Scotland!)

101 engine from the top (original V8)

Oil not looking too bad

An initial poke at the engine reveals its in remarkably good condition for 10 years of neglect. No hoses appear worn or decaying. The water level in the radiator is non-existent but upon refilling it a small amount there are no obvious leaks. A check of the oil level shows it low but the oil is clear and no milkiness (so no water!)

101 fuel sedimentor

My major concern is the state of the fuel. I don't currently have an appropriate container to drain the fuel into, but I have had a look at the fuel sedimentor (sic) at the back of the engine bay. The fuel is clear but I think there is a varnishy skin. Need to remove and investigate but can't release it currently (waiting for WD40 to do its magic).

101 battery tray and air filter bays (air filter top left)

Pulled the air filter and checked the battery tray. This particular 101 takes two batteries - one for the ignition system and another for the auxiliary systems (there's an air compressor and a separate heater system, I think). I have previously marked up which is which thankfully. Saves a lot of time! Air filter is nice and clean (and about the size of an oxygen cylinder)

Everything looking pretty good. Something has to go wrong?

Despite owning a complete set of Land Rover 101 manuals (user guide and the repair manual) none of them specify the grade of oils or fluids to use in the vehicle. I presume this is due to it being from the 70's and essentially you put in 'some oil', 'some coolant' , etc. Thankfully, I found this useful page where 101Sean listed the specs - thanks Sean! In case it disappears, for posterity Sean says:

• Engine 20W50 (now called 'classic motor oil' !)
• Axles, swivels and steering box EP90.
• Clutch and brakes ordinary DOT4 fluid.
• Coolant 50/50 mix of good quality anti freeze and water. Good idea to use filtered rainwater or distilled water (getting loads of tumble dryer condensate at mo given current weather!!) if you live in a hardwater area.

So I also have a small list of fluids and bits to acquire to move to the next stage.