So, I finally blew it up. The engine in the Stage 1 now has a fairly large hole in it.
I had been having issues with the Electrics (what few there are in it) – the coil wasn’t giving spark. After it broke down on the motorway a couple of weeks ago, I ordered a replacement coil, distributor cap, rotor and thought I might as well replace the points and condenser at the same time. Basically, the whole lot short of pulling out the distributor as we well.
After a couple of frustrating efforts at getting it going (and a lot of reading online) – I finally got it going; having now learnt all about setting up points, dwell angle and how you actually get a spark to your engine.
Relieved to have it going again, I took it for a drive down to the range to attend a working bee. While heading back, and actually, literally heading to go pick up a timing gun to check I hadn’t messed with that too much, there was a loud bang, a horrible grating sound, and a lot of smoke. I think I dumped all of the four and a half litres of oil onto the road in about thirty seconds.
Sigh.
Pulled over to the side of the road, waited for the smoke to clear and stuck my head under the truck to figure out what had happened. A big hole in the side of the engine block is what had happened.
Another friendly lift from a tow truck company and the truck is now sitting outside the front of the house, going no-where.
Unfortunately, this may be the end of the line for the Landie. I simply don’t have the resources to pull out an engine and replace it here, and it’s simply a false economy to have a mechanic do it for me. So, I either shelve the project until I have money to burn on it, or flick it off as a dead motored vehicle. I am going to put it up on trademe, see if I can get a reasonable price for it – otherwise will just put it under a cover and lit it rest for a bit.
Pity. Really grown to love the idiosyncrasies of the thing. Turns heads constantly, lots of fun. But I need a vehicle that is at least reasonably reliable. Especially when the plan is to do a bit of travelling around the country, to remote places, in it.
Ah well. Another project on the way. Will keep me with something to tinker on. Though the upcoming project will be a little easier.
Done since I have had it –
- New parabolic springs
- Brakes totally overhauled
- Half the frame underneath replaced/repaired
Done in the last 6 months (for warrant)
- New shocks all round.
- Replaced steering damper
- New door tops
- New windscreen (certified glass)
- Replaced headlamps
- New seatbelts
- Installed reverse light
- Installed (not wired up) working lights on rear
- Replaced stuffed key with a cool rocker-switch and press to go
- Hidden kill switch
- Started wiring for spots, utility lights and usb charger
- Lot of parts floating around
Interested in a cool project vehicle? Realistically needs a new motor. 3k, nn. Get in touch!