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[Charles II]

Few years ago I purchased a series 2 chassis no 146900119. The previous owner had fitted a Perkins engine. I would like to fit again a 2 litre diesel engine.

The question is: Is it very difficult to find a 2 litre diesel engine? And how much should I be looking to pay for such engine?

Thank you.

[diffwhine]

Good ones worth rebuilding will be a challenge to find now. They do appear occasionally, but the core unit and an overhaul wouldn't be cheap.
In terms of historical accuracy, Perkins engines are probably the most original period conversions. Is the Perkins in good shape or is it badly worn?
Depending on how original you want to keep your Land Rover, it might be easier to rebuild the Perkins...

[Charles II]

The Perkins is in very good condition.  However I would like to put it back to it's original status. But have no idea how much to pay.

[AlexB]

I would suggest that finding one would be the challenge

[agg221]

I would suggest that finding one would be the challenge

There is a 1961 model on Ebay at the moment if you have a spare £3k.

Alec

[diffwhine]

The Perkins is in very good condition.  However I would like to put it back to it's original status. But have no idea how much to pay.

Do I take it that you are in Malta? That would add significantly to the costs just getting it home!

[Wittsend]

It will be several thousand pounds for good one - not much change from £5,000 by the time you've finished.

         

[strang]

I sold my engines and spares to someone on here a few years ago - I had 4 but all needed work. I Believe these were then sold on to a dealer - although I don't know which one sorry. The biggest problem with the 2 litre diesels was the wet liners, and general lack of any spare parts. The Army never used them, so no spares were stockpiled unfortunately.

[DeezleWeezle]

It will be several thousand pounds for good one - not much change from £5,000 by the time you've finished.
   

As someone who has one, this is welcome news! It will be for sale eventually, but with a rebuilt 109 attached to it.

[Exile]

I have three 2lt diesel vehicles, two Series Ones on the road and a SII project.

Have four spare engines, acquired years ago when everyone else was throwing them away, calling them "boat anchors" and quite a few spares.

I won't sell because I might need them, and wouldn't know how to value them anyway.


I am glad, after years of being a voice in the wilderness, that (some) people are wanting to appreciate these engines again.

[582LTR]

I also have some ‘boat anchors’. The issue for the original poster is that the main issues with these engines aren’t always evident until they are apart and so buying one can be a risk. Even the ones on eBay for high prices might be no use if the block or head are cracked.

Martin

[agg221]

I also have some ‘boat anchors’. The issue for the original poster is that the main issues with these engines aren’t always evident until they are apart and so buying one can be a risk. Even the ones on eBay for high prices might be no use if the block or head are cracked.

Martin

I am not familiar with the internals of this engine but I wonder whether it has reached the point where most cracked blocks would be worth repairing. At least with a wet liner it's easier to get a seal on the high pressure side and sealing the crank case to the level which will withstand modest pressures and temperatures from the oil and water systems is achievable in most locations.

Alec

[AlexB]

almost all davic brown cropmasters have cracked blocks - again, not apparent until the engine is taken apart, but there isn't an alternative engine that I am aware of, so they get repaired
Not cheap, but if you need it doing........

[Exile]

I'm not aware of cracked blocks being the main problem.

They crack between the cylinders at the very top but as long as the liners are held tightly this isn't a problem.

I've run an engine like this for decades.

The 2lt diesel block is essentially a skeleton that holds all the wearing and moving parts.

It can corrode internally but should never wear out, as nothing rubs against it (as far as I can recall).


It is cracked cylinder heads that are the problem.

A good 2lt diesel head is very difficult to find.

Which is why some people have used 2.25D heads.

[Peter Holden]

We also have a couple, not for sale though.  One is the original from our 59 diesel that will be going back in one day when all the other projects are finished.

Peter