Bulkhead Workshop › Land Rover models › Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8 › Workshop guide › Plugs, leads & ignition timing

Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8: plugs, leads & ignition timing

Ignition · Series III (1971–85) · 1979–1985

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 (0.030 in (0.75 mm), check manual)
• 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 (0.030 in (0.75 mm), check manual). 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 Land Rover Series III 3.5 V8 servicing