The Land Rover 10 J – Diesel is a 2,286 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated diesel engine produced between 1980 and 1983. It was developed as a durable, low-cost utility powerplant for the Series III and early One Ten models. Featuring indirect injection via a Lucas CAV rotary pump and OHV valvetrain, it delivered 50 kW (68 PS) and 140 Nm of torque, prioritising mechanical simplicity and ease of field maintenance over performance.
Fitted to the Land Rover Series III and One Ten (109-inch) models, the 10 J – Diesel was engineered for agricultural, military, and off-road utility use where reliability and fuel economy were paramount. Emissions compliance was not a regulatory requirement during this period; however, its low-pressure injection system and robust mechanical design ensured long service life under harsh conditions with minimal servicing.
One documented reliability concern is cylinder head cracking due to thermal stress in high-load applications, highlighted in Land Rover Service Bulletin 82/07. This issue stems from inadequate coolant flow around the exhaust valve seats in sustained operation. Later production batches incorporated revised water jacket routing, and retrofit kits were issued for earlier engines operating in extreme environments.
Land Rover
Production years 1980–1983 predate mandatory European emissions standards; no Euro classification applies (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Land Rover 10 J – Diesel is a 2,286 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for utility and off-road vehicles (1980–1983). It combines indirect fuel injection with a mechanically driven rotary pump to deliver dependable low-speed torque and rugged simplicity. Designed for pre-regulatory emissions operation, it prioritises durability and ease of repair in remote locations.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,286 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 89.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 50 kW (68 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 140 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Lucas CAV DPC rotary injection pump, indirect injection | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulatory (no Euro standard) | |
| Compression ratio | 22.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven (duplex chain primary, gear secondary) | |
| Oil type | SAE 15W-40 mineral oil (API CD) | |
| Dry weight | 185 kg |
The naturally aspirated design provides predictable low-RPM torque suitable for off-road crawling and towing, but requires diligent maintenance of the injection pump and cooling system to prevent overheating. SAE 15W-40 mineral oil (API CD) is essential due to high soot loading and thermal stress in prolonged low-speed operation. Pre-combustion chamber glow plug integrity is critical for cold starts in sub-zero conditions. The Lucas CAV DPC pump demands clean diesel free from microbial contamination to prevent fuel system wear. Cylinder head integrity should be inspected in high-mileage units, particularly those used in sustained load applications. Cooling system flushes every 2 years are advised to maintain flow efficiency around exhaust ports.
Oil Specs: Requires API CD (Commercial Diesel) specification (Land Rover SIB 81/14). Compatible with MIL-L-2104B standards.
Emissions: No Euro certification applies; pre-1984 models exempt from EU emissions regulations (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Land Rover Group PT-1981).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A10J-882, A10J-901, SIB 82/07
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Land Rover 10 J – Diesel was used across Land Rover's Series III and One Ten platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed production. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-reinforced engine mounts in the One Ten and simplified air intake in export tropical variants-and from 1983 the introduction of the 2.5L diesel (200Tdi) replaced the 10 J – Diesel, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the left-side engine block near the bellhousing flange (Land Rover TIS A10J-882). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('D' for diesel variants). Pre-1982 models have a cast iron sump with external ribbing; post-1982 units use a revised oil gallery design. Critical differentiation from 2.5L diesel: The 10 J – Diesel has a Lucas CAV DPC pump with mechanical governor, while the 200Tdi uses a rotary distributor pump with electronic control. Service parts require casting number verification - cylinder heads for pre-1981 engines are incompatible with later revisions due to water jacket changes (Land Rover SIB 82/07).
The 10 J – Diesel's primary reliability risk is cylinder head cracking under sustained load, with elevated incidence in agricultural and military use. Internal Land Rover field reports from 1982 indicated a measurable number of pre-1982 engines exhibiting cracks before 100,000 km, while VCA durability assessments noted cooling system deposits exacerbating thermal stress in tropical climates. Prolonged idling and infrequent coolant changes increase head and gasket stress, making cooling system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1980-1983) and UK DVSA durability assessments (1980-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LAND-ROVER 10J.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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LAND-ROVER Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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