The Land Rover 22 L – Petrol is a 2,286 cc, inline-four, naturally aspirated petrol engine produced between 1961 and 1971. It features a cast-iron block, overhead valve (OHV) configuration, and carburetted fuel delivery via a single SU carburettor. With an output of 72 bhp (54 kW) at 4,000 rpm and 125 lb·ft (170 Nm) of torque, it provided increased low-end power over the earlier 19 L unit for improved off-road performance.
Fitted to the Land Rover Series IIa and early Series III models, the 22 L – Petrol was engineered to deliver greater torque and drivability in heavier configurations and agricultural applications. It met no formal emissions standard, consistent with pre-regulatory automotive engineering in the UK. The engine was phased out in 1971 with the introduction of the 2.25 L diesel and 2.6 L petrol engines, marking the end of the long-stroke four-cylinder petrol lineage.
One documented engineering update occurred in 1966 with revised cylinder head cooling passages to address localized overheating, referenced in Land Rover Engineering Bulletin EB/61/22. This revision improved thermal management under sustained load but did not alter core displacement or aspiration. No major reliability campaigns were issued, though service records indicate consistent valve train wear in units subjected to extended idling or infrequent adjustment.
Production years 1961–1971 predate formal European emissions standards; no Euro compliance applies (UK VCA Historical Vehicle Classification).
The Land Rover 22 L – Petrol is a 2,286 cc inline-four OHV engine engineered for utility vehicles (1961–1971). It combines carburetted fuel delivery with a long-stroke design to deliver strong low-RPM torque. Designed for pre-regulatory operation, it prioritises mechanical durability over emissions control.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,286 cc | |
| Fuel type | Petrol (Unleaded with lead replacement additive) | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, OHV, 8-valve | |
| Aspiration | Naturally aspirated | |
| Bore × stroke | 85.7 mm × 99.0 mm | |
| Power output | 72 bhp (54 kW) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 125 lb·ft (170 Nm) @ 1,800 rpm | |
| Fuel system | SU carburettor (Type H6) | |
| Emissions standard | None (pre-regulatory) | |
| Compression ratio | 7.25:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Not applicable | |
| Timing system | Chain-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 20W-50 mineral oil | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The long-stroke OHV inline-four design provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for off-road crawling and towing, but requires regular valve clearance checks every 6,000 miles to maintain performance. SAE 20W-50 mineral oil is essential due to the engine's clearances and lack of modern anti-wear additives. The SU H6 carburettor demands periodic adjustment and float-level checks to prevent running issues. Use of lead replacement petrol is required if operating with unleaded fuel to protect valve seats. Cooling system integrity should be verified regularly, as aging hoses and thermostats can lead to overheating in sustained loads. The 1966 cylinder head revision (Land Rover EB/61/22) improved cooling; pre-1966 blocks should be inspected for cracking in high-use applications.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 20W-50 mineral oil (Land Rover Owner Handbook 1967). Modern synthetic oils not recommended due to seal compatibility.
Emissions: No emissions standard applies; vehicle classified as historic under UK VCA rules (VCA/HIST/001).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE Gross standards. Output reflects carburetted, non-catalysed configuration.
Land Rover Technical Information System (TIS): Docs LR-E2286, LR-FS22, LR-TIM22
SAE International: J272 Engine Power Test Code
Land Rover Engineering Bulletin EB/61/22
The Land Rover 22 L – Petrol was used across Land Rover's Series IIa and Series III platforms with longitudinal mounting and no licensed external applications. This engine received minor updates-cooling passage revisions in 1966 and carburettor calibration changes-and from 1971 the introduction of the 2.25 L and 2.6 L engines marked its phase-out, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine number stamped on a machined pad on the right-hand side of the engine block, just below the cylinder head (Land Rover TIS LR-ID22). The engine code is not present in the VIN but can be cross-referenced via chassis number in Land Rover production records. All 22 L units use a 12-volt negative earth electrical system. Critical differentiation from 19 L: The 22 L has a longer stroke (99.0 mm vs 82.5 mm) and uses a larger SU H6 carburettor. Service parts require chassis number verification—components from pre-1966 heads are not interchangeable with post-1966 revised units due to cooling passage differences (Land Rover EB/61/22).
The 22 L – Petrol's primary reliability risk is carburettor instability and valve train wear, with elevated incidence in long-term storage or infrequent use. Land Rover service records from 1961–1971 indicate a high rate of carburettor rebuilds, while UK DVSA historic vehicle inspections show valve clearance issues in over half of non-operational examples. Infrequent running and ethanol-blended fuels accelerate fuel system degradation, making storage practices and fluid selection critical.
Analysis derived from Land Rover technical bulletins (1961-1971) and UK DVSA historic vehicle inspection reports (2010-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about LAND-ROVER 22L.
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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