Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 2.25 petrol › Specs & manuals
Land Rover Series III 2.25 petrol specs and manuals
Series III (1971–85) · 1971–1985
Model data
| Built | 1971–1985 |
|---|---|
| Engine | 2.25 L petrol I4, 73 hp; compression raised from 7:1 to 8:1 |
| Gearbox & 4WD | 4-speed, the first Land Rover with synchromesh on all forward gears; 2-speed transfer box |
| Wheelbases | 88 in · 109 in |
| Notes | Five-main-bearing crankshaft from 1980. Axle driving splines increased from 10 to 24 in 1982. About 440,000 Series III built 1971–85. |
Fluids & capacities
| 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 |
| Coolant | ≈10.4 L (2¾ US gal), 50% ethylene-glycol antifreeze |
| Air filter | Oil-bath cleaner, ≈0.85 L (1.8 US pt) engine oil |
| Main gearbox | 90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈1.4 L (1½ US qt). Avoid GL-5: its additives attack the bronze bushes |
| Transfer box | 90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈2.6 L (2¾ US qt) |
| Differentials | 90W or 85W-90 GL-4: Rover type ≈1.7 L (1¾ US qt) each; Salisbury rear ≈2.8 L (3 US qt); ENV rear ≈1.2 L, front ≈1.6 L |
| Swivel housings | 90W or 85W-90 GL-4, ≈0.57 L (1.2 US pt) each side |
| Steering | 90W or 85W-90 GL-4 in steering box and relay, as needed |
| Brakes | DOT4 (Castrol LMA or equivalent). Don't mix with silicone DOT5 |
| Clutch hydraulics | DOT4 (separate master cylinder) |
Settings & torque figures
| Contact breaker gap | 0.014–0.016 in (0.35–0.40 mm) |
|---|---|
| Spark plugs | 0.032 in (0.80 mm); Champion RN11YC or NGK BP5ES (BP6ES on 1985-on engines) |
| Valve clearances | 0.010 in (0.25 mm), hot or cold |
| Timing | 6° BTDC (8:1 compression) as a starting point; firing order 1-3-4-2 |
| Wheel nut torque | 75–85 lbf ft (102–115 Nm) civilian wheels; 100 lbf ft Wolf wheels |
| Other torque figures | Cylinder head 65 lbf ft · main caps 85 lbf ft · rocker pedestals 18 lbf ft · crank pulley 150 lbf ft |
| Road spring U-bolts | 55–60 lbf ft; re-torque every 12,000 mi |
| Spring shackle bolts | 60–70 lbf ft |
| Fuel tank | Under-seat 12 US gal (≈45 L); rear tank 19 US gal (≈72 L) |
Sources for this model
Workshop manuals
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HaynesPrinted and online manuals for most Land Rover models
Brooklands BooksReprints of the official Land Rover workshop manuals and parts catalogues
Paddock SparesParts catalogue with exploded diagrams by model
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