🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Land Rover

Model:

Series III

Year:

1978

Model Code:

Series III

Chassis Code Prefix:

228...

👋 Introduction

Target Audience:

Land Rover Series III owners, mechanics, restorers, and enthusiasts requiring detailed repair and maintenance information.

Value Proposition:

Provides dealer-level workshop information, empowering users to perform extensive maintenance and repairs independently.

Completeness:

Covers all aspects of the vehicle, from basic fluid checks to complete engine rebuilds.

User Friendliness:

Designed to be simple to use, with step-by-step instructions and diagrams.

Official Source Equivalence:

Represents the same information available to official Land Rover dealers.

📋 Manual Details

Primary Coverage:

Mechanical, Electrical, Body, Chassis

Specific Systems Covered:

Engine, Transmission, Drivetrain, Suspension, Steering, Brakes, Fuel System, Cooling System, Electrical System, Ignition System, Lighting, Body Panels, Chassis Frame, Interior Trim, Climate Control (if applicable)

Estimated Page Count:

Extensive (details not specified but implied comprehensive)

Type:

Factory Service Manual / Workshop Manual

Language:

English

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Mechanical:

Full engine overhaul, piston/ring replacement, cylinder head service, valve adjustments, timing chain/gear inspection and replacement, oil pump service.

Engine Tuning:

Carburetor adjustment, ignition timing settings, spark plug specifications, fuel mixture control.

Transmission Manual:

Gearbox disassembly, assembly, clutch replacement, transfer case service, PTO (Power Take-Off) operation and maintenance.

Drivetrain:

Propeller shaft maintenance, universal joint lubrication, differential servicing (front and rear), axle housing inspection.

Suspension:

Leaf spring inspection and replacement, shock absorber servicing, bush replacement, front and rear axle alignment specifications.

Steering:

Steering box adjustment and overhaul, steering linkage inspection, tie rod end replacement, steering column service.

Brakes:

Drum brake servicing, shoe replacement, wheel cylinder overhaul, master cylinder maintenance, brake fluid specifications, parking brake adjustment.

Electrical System:

Wiring diagrams, starter motor operation, alternator/generator service, battery specifications, lighting system troubleshooting, fuse and circuit breaker identification.

Fuel System:

Fuel tank maintenance, fuel pump operation, fuel line routing, carburetor overhaul (Stromberg, Zenith, Solex depending on variant).

Cooling System:

Radiator service, water pump inspection and replacement, thermostat operation, coolant specifications, fan belt adjustment.

Bodywork Chassis:

Chassis frame inspection for corrosion and damage, body panel alignment, door mechanism adjustment, seat mounting, windshield wiper service.

Maintenance:

Regular service checks, lubrication points, filter replacement (oil, fuel, air), fluid level checks, belt tensioning.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic charts for common problems, symptom-based fault finding for engine, electrical, and mechanical issues.

Repair Overhaul:

Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, cleaning, inspection, repair, and reassembly of all major systems.

Diagnostics:

Engine performance diagnosis, electrical system testing, fuel system diagnosis, brake system checks.

Installation Replacement:

Instructions for replacing components such as spark plugs, filters, brake pads, clutch assembly, engine mounts, and body panels.

Depth:

Comprehensive factory-level detail, suitable for professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.

Diagrams Illustrations:

Detailed step-by-step diagrams and exploded views for clarity on procedures.

Special Tools:

Identification of required special tools for specific repair and maintenance procedures.

📊 Manual Specifications

Format Type:

PDF

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable PDF (depending on OCR quality if scanned)

Printability:

Printable pages for workshop use.

Binding:

Not Applicable (PDF format)

Paper Quality:

Not Applicable (PDF format)

Reader Software:

Adobe PDF Reader

Extraction Software:

WinZip or equivalent for compressed files.

Operating Systems:

Compatible with all versions of Windows and Mac OS.

Zoom Functionality:

Allows zooming in/out for detailed viewing of diagrams and text.

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Type 1978:

2.25L (137 cu in) naturally aspirated inline-4 cylinder petrol (suffix H, G, E engines)

Engine Type Diesel 1978:

2.25L (137 cu in) naturally aspirated inline-4 cylinder diesel (suffix H, G, E engines)

Engine Variants Covered:

Includes specifications for both petrol and diesel variants of the 2.25L engine.

Horsepower 2.25L Petrol:

Approximately 72 bhp (53.7 kW) @ 3500 rpm (varies slightly by specific engine suffix)

Torque 2.25L Petrol:

Approximately 114 lb-ft (154.6 Nm) @ 2000 rpm (varies slightly by specific engine suffix)

Horsepower 2.25L Diesel:

Approximately 62 bhp (46.2 kW) @ 3500 rpm (varies slightly by specific engine suffix)

Torque 2.25L Diesel:

Approximately 97 lb-ft (131.5 Nm) @ 2000 rpm (varies slightly by specific engine suffix)

Carburetor Options:

Stromberg CD, Zenith VN (depending on market and engine specification).

Fuel Type:

Leaded or Unleaded Petrol (depending on modifications), Diesel Fuel.

Oil Grade Recommendation:

API SF/CD 20W/50 or 20W/40 (specifics detailed in manual).

Coolant Type:

Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze/coolant mixture.

🔧 Transmission

Type:

4-speed manual transmission (LT230 or similar Rover gearbox).

Type:

Selectable 4WD with a 2-speed transfer case (High/Low range).

Transfer Case Operation:

Detailed procedures for engaging and disengaging 4WD, and operating the low-range gears.

Gearbox Oil Type:

API GL-4 SAE 80W/90 Gear Oil (specifics detailed in manual).

Transfer Case Oil Type:

API GL-4 SAE 80W/90 Gear Oil (specifics detailed in manual).

📐 Dimensions

Wheelbase Standard:

88 inches (2235 mm)

Wheelbase Long:

109 inches (2769 mm)

Body Styles Covered:

Station Wagon, Utility (Hardtop), Soft Top, Pick-Up.

Curb Weight Range:

Approximately 1200 - 1500 kg (2650 - 3300 lbs) depending on body style and configuration.

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating Gvwr:

Typically around 2000 - 2500 kg (4400 - 5500 lbs) depending on variant.

🛡️ Safety Features

Crash Test Data:

Limited official crash test data available for this era, focus on inherent structural integrity.

Braking System Type:

Typically drum brakes on all four wheels, with disc front brakes becoming more common on later models or as options. Manual details specific brake system.

Seat Belts:

Front seat belt installation and adjustment procedures covered.

Chassis Design:

Body-on-frame construction providing robust chassis integrity.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Basic AM/FM radio (optional) with simple speaker setup.

Features:

Minimal driver assistance features typical of the era; emphasis on mechanical engagement.

Features:

No modern connectivity features. Focus on mechanical and electrical systems.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically every 3,000-5,000 miles or 6 months (specifics in manual).

Grease Points:

Regular greasing of suspension joints, universal joints, and steering components recommended (details in manual).

Air Filter Replacement:

Check and clean at regular intervals, replace as needed based on operating conditions (details in manual).

Fuel Filter Replacement:

Recommended replacement at scheduled intervals (e.g., annually or mileage-based).

Engine Oil Capacity:

Approx. 4.5 - 5.5 litres (4.7 - 5.8 US qts) depending on engine and filter.

Coolant Capacity:

Approx. 7.0 - 8.0 litres (7.4 - 8.5 US qts) depending on model.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (verify in manual).

Gearbox Oil Capacity:

Approx. 2.3 litres (2.4 US qts).

Transfer Case Oil Capacity:

Approx. 1.7 litres (1.8 US qts).

Common Wear Items:

Leaf spring bushes, king pin bushes, clutch wear, exhaust system corrosion, bulkhead corrosion, differential pinions/gears.

Electrical System Challenges:

Aging wiring looms can lead to intermittent faults; robust but simple system susceptible to poor connections.

Overheating Potential:

Can be prone to overheating under heavy load or in hot climates if cooling system is not meticulously maintained.

Chassis Corrosion:

The chassis frame is susceptible to rust, especially around spring mounts and outriggers.

📚 Vehicle History

Manufacturer Origin:

United Kingdom

Series Development:

The Series III evolved from the highly successful Series I and Series II/IIA, representing a refinement of Land Rover's core utility vehicle design.

Key Changes From Series Iia:

Introduction of more robust Salisbury rear axle, updated dashboard with central instrument binnacle, 12-volt electrical system standard.

Production Years:

Series III production ran from 1971 to 1985.

Production Location:

Solihull, Warwickshire, England.

Significance:

The Series III is one of the most produced and recognizable Land Rover models, known for its reliability and off-road capability.

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Off Road Capability Awards:

Renowned for its off-road prowess, frequently cited in off-road publications and awards, though specific formal awards for the 1978 model year are not typically documented.