Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Range Rover Classic 3.5 V8 carburettor › Workshop guide › Plugs, leads & ignition timing

Range Rover Classic 3.5 V8 carburettor: plugs, leads & ignition timing

Ignition · Range Rover Classic (1970–96) · 1970–1985

How often: every 12,000 mi or year, whichever comes first. Eight plugs and long HT leads: misfires on a V8 are easy to miss until fuel use climbs.

Work safely: support the vehicle on axle stands, never a jack alone; let it cool first. Check figures against your workshop manual. You do this work at your own risk.

Parts

• 8 × Spark plugs (Champion N12YC / RN9YC type (RTC3812 / ERR743), gap ≈0.030–0.035 in (0.75–0.88 mm)) RTC3812 / ERR743
• Distributor cap & rotor (if worn)
• Points & condenser (if not electronic)

Tools

• Plug socket with extension
• Timing light
• Feeler gauges

Step by step

1. Remove and check plugs one at a time so the HT leads stay in the right order.
2. Gap or renew plugs (Champion N12YC / RN9YC type (RTC3812 / ERR743), gap ≈0.030–0.035 in (0.75–0.88 mm)). Check each lead for cracks and resistance.
3. If points are fitted, set the gap to 0.014–0.016 in (0.35–0.40 mm), or electronic ignition.
4. Set the timing with a strobe light, vacuum pipe disconnected and plugged, at the idle speed in your manual.

More Range Rover Classic 3.5 V8 carburettor servicing