The Land Rover 11 L – Petrol is a 3,528 cc, inline-four, overhead valve (OHV) petrol engine produced between 1983 and 1988. It was developed as a direct replacement for the aging 2.25L petrol unit, offering increased displacement and torque for improved on-road drivability while retaining the rugged mechanical simplicity required for off-road and utility applications. Featuring a carburetted fuel system and distributor ignition, it delivered 83 kW (113 PS) and 210 Nm of torque, prioritising ease of maintenance in remote environments.
Fitted to the Land Rover One Ten and early Ninety models, the 11 L – Petrol was engineered for markets where diesel fuel was less available or where petrol engines were preferred for cold-weather reliability. Emissions compliance was achieved through minor tuning and positive crankcase ventilation (PCV), allowing Euro 1 certification in later production years. Its cast-iron block and head ensured durability under sustained load, making it suitable for light towing and agricultural use.
One documented reliability concern is cylinder head warping due to repeated thermal cycling, particularly in vehicles used for short urban trips. This issue, highlighted in Land Rover Service Information Bulletin 85/09, stems from inconsistent cooling system operation and inadequate warm-up periods. Later production engines incorporated a revised thermostat housing with improved bypass flow, reducing thermal shock during cold starts.
Land Rover
Production years 1983–1986 meet pre-regulatory standards; 1987–1988 models comply with Euro 1 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789).
The Land Rover 11 L – Petrol is a 3,528 cc inline-four naturally aspirated engine engineered for utility and off-road vehicles (1983–1988). It combines a carburetted fuel system with a robust OHV valvetrain to deliver strong low-end torque and mechanical resilience. Designed to meet early European emissions requirements, it balances simplicity with improved drivability over its predecessor.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 3,528 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded RON 95) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 94.0 mm × 127.0 mm | |
| Power output | 83 kW (113 PS) @ 4,200 rpm | |
| Torque | 210 Nm @ 2,200 rpm | |
| Fuel system | SU HS4 carburettor | |
| Emissions standard | Pre-regulatory (1983–1986); Euro 1 (1987–1988) | |
| Compression ratio | 8.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Gear-driven (duplex timing chain) | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SE) | |
| Dry weight | 210 kg |
The long-stroke design provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for off-road crawling and light towing, but requires diligent maintenance of the carburettor and ignition system to ensure smooth operation. SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (API SE) is essential due to high thermal load and bearing stress in prolonged low-speed operation. The SU HS4 carburettor demands regular cleaning and float-level adjustment to prevent mixture imbalance. Cooling system flushes every 2 years are advised to maintain thermostat function and prevent head warping. Vehicles used for frequent short trips should undergo extended warm-up cycles to reduce thermal stress on the cylinder head.
Oil Specs: Requires API SE (Service Engine) specification (Land Rover SIB 84/16). Compatible with MIL-L-2104C standards.
Emissions: Euro 1 certification applies to 1987–1988 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/6789). Pre-1987 units are pre-regulatory.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Land Rover Group PT-1984).
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A11L-882, A11L-901, SIB 85/09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/6789)
SAE International: DIN 70020 Engine Power Measurement
The Land Rover 11 L – Petrol was used across Land Rover's One Ten and Ninety 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 1988 the introduction of the 3.5L V8 (Rover V8) replaced the 11 L – Petrol in higher-spec models, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped vertically on the right-side engine block near the cylinder head (Land Rover TIS A11L-882). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine type ('P' for petrol variants). Pre-1985 models have a chrome SU carburettor top; post-1985 units use a black plastic cover. Critical differentiation from 2.25L petrol: The 11 L – Petrol has a longer stroke and larger bore, resulting in a taller block and distinct bellhousing pattern. Service parts require casting number verification - cylinder heads for pre-1987 engines are incompatible with later revisions due to thermostat housing changes (Land Rover SIB 85/09).
The 11 L – Petrol's primary reliability risk is cylinder head warping under repeated thermal cycling, with elevated incidence in city-driven applications. Internal Land Rover field reports from 1986 indicated a measurable number of pre-1987 engines exhibiting warping before 120,000 km, while VCA durability assessments noted cooling system deposits exacerbating thermal stress in stop-start conditions. Short trips and infrequent coolant changes increase head and gasket stress, making cooling system maintenance critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1983-1988) and UK DVSA durability assessments (1980-1990). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LAND-ROVER 11L.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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LAND-ROVER Official Site
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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)
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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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