Date: Tue, 6 Nov 90 15:33:22 -0800 From: Teriann J. Wakeman To: caloccia@sw.stratus.com, lro@stratus.com cc: mfogg@druwa.att.com Subject: Re: Welcome to the land-rover-owner list !!! Changing the subject a little ..... The 4 cyl. boat anchor in my 109 is warning me that it may be time for a rebuild. It seems to take 15 to 20 seconds before the oil light goes out and the pressure starts to build. Until then the bearing are quite loud. Though once it gets oil, things quiet down. Oil pressure is 50 lbs & 25ish at idle. Also, the valve springs seem to be extreamly weak. I have not touched the engine in the 12 years I have had the LR {other than tune-ups, replacing the starter & carb}. I estimate the engine has close to 400K mi. Sinse the compression is close on all cylinders & the engine doesn't smoke, I might be able to get away with replacing the oil pump & crank bearings. Does anyone know how difficult it might be to replace the main bearings without removing the engine??? Other options that I am thinking of: The chevy iron block 4 cyl engine. Use Scotty's adapter & it is a bolt in. This engine uses the LR engine mounts. You do not need to move the radiator. Even the stock LR carb linkage hooks up. This engine is supposed to be lighter, have more HP & more torque. Petrol mileage is supposed to be better. The Chevy 6 cyl engine with Scotty's adaptor. I understand that the radiator needs to go slightly forward & a bigger radiator might be in order. I understand that there needs to be games played with the engine mount. I do get tired of being the slowest car on a hill. Also, I sometimes pull trailers with the 109. There have even been sometimes when I have had to take hills in first gear when towing a flat bed trailer loaded with my tractor. I am torn between keeping the LR original & getting more power. Sense my spare work on auto time is being taken up with rebuilding my TR3A, I am inclined to take the path of least resistence. Does anyone have any experience with either of the Chevy engines in a LR or with replacing the crank bearings of the LR 4 cly petrol engine?? TeriAnn {I really do not want to do this}