New guy, unique story

[Bryhn]

Hello everyone. I'm a new guy in town with a couple of questions, but first, my story.

I owned a 2 door 1975 RR back in college. Loved it. Dark green, 5 spd., alluminum V8, dual carbs., roof rack, brush gaurd, and a head turner.

Well, in '96, I got engaged and was about to go off for more school for a LONG time. The RR was not an economical situation, and I had to give it up.....Since then I have regretted it everyday of my life.

Well, over ten years has gone by, I'm out of scool, working, with a wife and four kids. So I'm surfing the internet one day for used range rovers (getting back into my hobbies) and guess what. There it was for sale....my old RR. Could not believe it. I called the owner and after talking for a while it was undoubtedly THE SAME ONE I sold over ten years ago to a guy in Calif..

Turns out the person I sold it to could not register it as an operative vehicle because of Calif. strict emissions standards. He sold it to the person that has it now, and he informed me that he drove it home, drained the gas and it has sat ever since. He told me it has been driven very little since I had it, and had not run it in a long time. Which brings me to my questions, since I own it once again

1. If the engine is still good, I know I don't want to do anything to hurt it. I'm not a mechanic, but I can do a few things like change my break pads, replace an alternator, replace a head gasket, etc.. What should be the first things I do before I ever attempt to start it?

2. If the engine is no good (cracked block or whatever), how hard is it (if possible) to find that engine and how much might it cost? I've already done some searching, and it doesn't look good.

I bought the rover without hessitation for 3,000.00. I figure even if the engine is a throw away, it's still worth it even minus the nostalgia. Just saw a 70's model diesel 2 door on e-ba the other day going for 12k, so I know they can have some value to the right people. Not to mention I sold this very Rover for more than 6500.00 ten years ago.

Well anyway, I'm stoked to say the least.

If any of you have suggestions let me know. I'm excited to be here


Thanks.

[roverandom]

Well I guess this gives a whole new meaning to "what go's around comes around" Congratulations on finding your long lost Rover. I can not help with the replacement engine question but I may be able to offer some advice on reviving the dead ! First, if the previous owner had indeed "driven it home and drained the gas" he has done you a huge favour.Clean off the engine as best you can. Drain the oil and change the filter.Drain the coolant and replace the thermostat.Check the Ign circuit top to bottom (plugs,wires,cap,rotor,coil etc). Replace the air filter (watch out for snakes and mice/rats). Purchase some carb cleaner and give the carb a good spray down moving all the choke/throttle linkage to ensure correct function. Replace the fuel filter and try to blow out the fuel lines as best as you can. Add new gas. Check the tail pipe for more of them darned critters (dont ask).Try to turn the engine over by hand, this will be easyer with the spark plugs removed. If the engine wont turn try a little penetrating oil down each spark plug hole to help break the rings free.Have a good look around for any potential problems (hose, linkage,belts etc). Button everything back up and ensure your battery is at full charge. If all appears well its time to give her a try. you will need to crank it for a time because you cleaned the fuel lines.Dont crank for longer than 15 seconds at a time without letting the starter cool off, keep your fingers crossed and let me know what happens ?Good luck!

[Bryhn]

Thanks for the info.

Still waiting on shipping co. to get here (17,000 miles away).

As soon as I get it though, I'll post some picks and give an update.

Thanks again.