Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series II 2.25 petrol › Workshop guide › Engine oil & filter change

Land Rover Series II 2.25 petrol: engine oil & filter change

Engine · Series II (1958–61) · 1958–1961

How often: every 3,000 mi or 6 months, whichever comes first. Old oil is the main cause of worn bearings, cams and turbos. It is the cheapest job on the list and the one that matters most.

Engine oil	20W-50 (10W-40 in cold climates); a classic oil with ZDDP suits the flat-tappet cam
Oil capacity	≈6.2 L (6½ US qt) excluding filter

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

Engine oil (20W-50 (10W-40 in cold climates); a classic oil with ZDDP suits the flat-tappet cam; ≈6.2 L (6½ US qt) excluding filter)
Oil filter (to suit engine)
Sump plug washer 243959

Tools

Drain tray (10 L)
Socket or spanner for sump plug
Filter wrench
Funnel
Gloves & rags

Step by step

Run the engine for 5 minutes so the oil flows freely. Park level, stop the engine, and remove the oil filler cap.
Undo the sump drain plug and let the oil drain for at least 10 minutes. Look at the oil and the plug: fine grey sludge is normal wear; metal flakes or milky oil need investigating.
Refit the drain plug with a new washer. Snug it up firmly; do not overtighten.
Renew the filter. Canister type: undo the centre bolt, discard the element and the rubber sealing ring, clean the bowl and seat the new ring fully in its groove. Spin-on type: oil the new seal and tighten by hand ¾ of a turn after it touches.
Refill with 20W-50 (10W-40 in cold climates); a classic oil with ZDDP suits the flat-tappet cam (≈6.2 L (6½ US qt) excluding filter). Start the engine and check for leaks at the filter. Stop, wait 2 minutes and top up to the high mark on the dipstick.
Log the mileage here, then take the old oil to a recycling point.

More Land Rover Series II 2.25 petrol servicing

Clean oil-bath air cleaner every 6,000 mi or year
Points, plugs & ignition timing every 6,000 mi or year
Check & adjust valve clearances every 12,000 mi or year
Carburettor & fuel pump service every 6,000 mi or year
Fan / auxiliary belt check every 6,000 mi or year
Coolant drain, flush & refill every 2 yrs
Grease propshafts & nipples every 3,000 mi or 6 months
Check swivel housing oil & seals every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change swivel housing oil every 12,000 mi or year
Check gearbox, transfer & axle oil levels every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Change gearbox & transfer box oil every 12,000 mi or year
Change front & rear axle oil every 12,000 mi or year
Steering box, relay & joints check every 6,000 mi or year
Adjust drum brakes & handbrake every 6,000 mi or 6 months
Inspect brake shoes, cylinders & hoses every 12,000 mi or year
Brake & clutch fluid change every 2 yrs
Leaf springs, U-bolts & shackles every 12,000 mi or year
Wheel bearing play check every 12,000 mi or year
Chassis & bulkhead inspection, rust-proofing every year
Annual safety inspection every year
Monthly walk-round checks every month

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