4x4 Mag - Technical Tips

Technical Tips - JUNE 2001

written by Graham Scott, John Deaville and Steve Fagioli

GRINDING.

My 1996 Cherokee 2.5td has a grinding sound from the steering rack when I turn whilst going slow, is this a common problem ?

The Cherokee is fitted with a steering box and not a rack. First it is worth checking the power steering fluid level, as if this is low it will cause the pump and box to run rough. Otherwise it could be a bearing in the box. There are several specialists able to sort these kind of problems out for you, one such being powersteering.co.uk

BUYING.

I am looking to buy a SII 1968 2.5 petrol Land Rover that is for slae for £1000. What must I look for as I am a novice looking to use it for off-road but will use it to travel to the event too. There is some oil around the front hubs behind the wheels at the ball joints.

In all fairness this Land Rover should have a 2 1/4 petrol or diesel, if it has the 2.5 all the better ! The oil is from the swivel housing seals. Have a look to see if the chrome swivels are pitted, this can be expensive and a time consuming job. Next is the hard bit, Bulkhead and Chassis for signs of rot ! Unless it's been very well looked after it will need some kind of welding. At the bulkhead look for signs of bodyfiller. There are plenty of Land Rovers for sale have a good look round before buying.

AUTO GAS.

Several e-mails have appeared this past month regards to going to gas, especially with V8s. One of our readers recounts the excellent service provided by AUTOGAS NORTH WEST, part of the AUtogas group, they can be visited at AUTOGAS. The letter relating to such is printed in this month's Letters section.

We have the following information supplied by Hugh Emerson of Advanced Autogas Conversions who runs a 50th Anniversary 4.0 V8 LR on a gas conversion :

1. The cheapest way to convert is via a DIY kit - e.g., V8 RR carb from £575 plus vat

2. Price varies according to quality of equipment and tank configuration, as well as the obvious. Also an EFi system will cost more than a carb system. Good systems do NOT need to start on petrol.

3. Choose your converter carefully. Go to a specialised conversion company and ask to see an example of their work.

4. Check the BHP rating of the proposed conversion. Some suppliers will install two systems in parallel to drive your V8.

Further information from Advanced Autogas Systems Ltd on 01270 500006

More on auto gas :

HOTBUBBLE - autogas conversions based in Mid-Wales, offering conversions on Range Rovers from £875 plus vat fitted. us@hotbubble.f9.co.uk

I have a 1958 series II Landie which I have recently fitted the obligatory V8. I don't know if I've made a mess of the fitting but I keep crushing the "Y" section of the exhaust where it crosses the cross brace for the gearbox mountings. The exhaust is a cut down RR item. Is this a common problem and do you know of an alternative exchaust system. Thanks.

Yes these kinds of conversions do give teething problems ! Suggest you purchase a dedicated exhaust system suchy as those sold by Jake WRight at Burley in Wharfedale, Yorkshire. 01943 863530. Enjoy.

How can I get more power from my Freelander diesel ?

The ultimate is to have a performance chip fitted and an intercooler upgrade. Would advise you contact someone experienced in this area, Jeremy Fearn Intercoolers. You'll find them in our ADVERTISERS pages.