Engine Test

No photos from testing this evening, as I was more focussed on the engine. Steve adjusted the accelerator linkages, tightened a few things, and we started her up. Started almost instantly. A shut down followed for a few more adjustments to the linkages so that the engine could idle correctly, and we let her run again. Soon, Steve noticed some coolant gathering at the front of the head, where it meets the block, and thought the head gasket may need replacing. A closer inspection revealed it was just the water temperature sensor bolt that was not sufficiently tightened, allowing coolant to pass.

The engine was allowed to warm up fully, and all temps and pressures were normal. A bit of exhaust blowing near the manifold was quickly solved with the tightening of the bolts around the base of the carburator that hold the intake and exhaust manifolds together. After that, the engine just ran and ran without any further problems. Even got some nice heat out of the Kodiak heater.

Steve's summation is that the engine and ancilliaries "run like new", and was truly and pleasantly surprised at how good a condition everything appears to be in. It runs like the proverbial sowing machine (touch wood), and is an absolute pleasure to listen to.

Next step will be the to bleed the brake and clutch.

Below, just some photos after tonight's work. Another major part of the project complete. Note the exhaust manifold just beginning to discolour! Green tape of the side of the radiator panel is just to protect the paint until the wing is attached 'permanently'.

And how it appeared when it arrived here, on the old chassis and with the side-exit exhaust. The side-exit would be correct for this year and model of Land Rover. The present exaust is the later 'straight down' type for simplicity and reliability's sake and because of the unavailability of the correct exhaust pieces. I've kept the original 'swan-necked' exhaust manifold in case it's ever decided to put the original exhaust configuration back on.