Engine & identification
Vehicle identification
| No. of cylinders Type | 8/OHV |
|---|---|
| Capacity (Fiscal) cc | 3528 |
| Compression ratio :1 | 8,2 |
| Suitable for unleaded petrol | Yes |
| Minimum octane rating RON | 91 |
| Ignition system Make | Lucas |
| Ignition system Description | Trans-i |
| Trigger location | Distributor |
| Fuel system Make | SU |
| Fuel system Type | HIF 44 |
| Fuel system Description | Carb-VV |
| Diagnostic socket | No |
Ignition system
| Ignition coil supply voltage + with ballast V | 11,0 |
|---|---|
| Distributor (ECM) Make | Lucas |
| Distributor (ECM) No. | 35DLM8 |
Firing order
The firing order for the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
| Firing order | 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2 |
|---|
Valve clearances
Valve clearances on the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) are hydraulic — they self-adjust, so no manual clearance figure applies.
| Valve clearance - INLET mm | Hydraulic |
|---|---|
| Valve clearance - EXHAUST mm | Hydraulic |
Engine oil & fluids
Engine oil
The Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) takes 5.7 litres of engine oil with the filter.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-20 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 15W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 20W-50 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
Manual gearbox
The manual gearbox has a listed capacity of 3.0 litres. The specified oil is SAE 10W-40.
Transfer box
The transfer box has a listed capacity of 2.3-2.8 litres. The specified oil is SAE 90W.
Coolant
The listed total cooling-system capacity is 12.8 litres.
Grades, filling conditions and capacities
| Engine oil options | |
|---|---|
| Ambient temperature range | Cold climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 5W-20 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Ambient temperature range | Moderate climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Ambient temperature range | Moderate climate alternative |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 15W-40 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Ambient temperature range | Hot climate |
| Engine oil grade SAE | 20W-50 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Engine with filter(s) litres | 5.7 |
| Other lubricants and capacities | |
| Manual transmission oil grade SAE | 10W-40 |
| Manual transmission litres | 3.0 |
| Differential oil grade - front SAE | 90W |
| Differential front/AT litres | 1.7 |
| Differential oil grade - rear SAE | 90W |
| Differential rear litres | 2.3 |
| Transfer box oil grade SAE | 90W |
| Transfer box litres | 2.3-2.8 |
| Cooling system - total capacity litres | 12.8 |
| Brake fluid Type | DOT 4 |
| Power steering fluid Type | Dexron II |
| Power steering fluid litres | 2.9 |
Brakes & wear limits
Brake disc thickness
Brake discs on the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 12 mm (solid) or 22 mm (ventilated) front and 10 mm rear.
| Minimum disc thickness for replacement - solid Front | 12 mm |
|---|---|
| Minimum disc thickness for replacement - ventilated Front | 22 mm |
| Minimum disc thickness for replacement Rear | 10 mm |
| Maximum drum diameter for replacement Rear | 255,5 mm |
Brake disc and drum dimensions
| Disc runout Front | 0,15 mm |
|---|---|
| Disc runout Rear | 0,15 mm |
| Minimum pad thickness Front | 3 mm |
| Minimum pad thickness Rear | 2 mm |
| Minimum shoe thickness Rear | 2 mm |
| Parking brake travel No. of notches | 3-4 |
Bar lengths use a square-root scale so small and large values stay readable.
Service & electrical
Ignition timing
Basic ignition timing for the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) is 6° BTDC at 750 rpm.
| Ignition timing | Without vacuum |
|---|---|
| Ignition timing - basic BTDC °Engine/rpm | 6/750 |
Battery
The Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) uses a 12 V, 60 Ah battery (reserve capacity 90 minutes).
| Battery V/RC(Ah) | 12/90 (60) |
|---|
Spark plugs
The Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) uses Champion RN11YCC spark plugs with a 0,9 mm electrode gap.
| Spark plugs Original equipment | Champion |
|---|---|
| Spark plug Type | RN11YCC |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,9 |
| Spark plugs Make | Bosch |
| Spark plug Type | W7DCO |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,8 |
| Spark plugs Make | Champion |
| Spark plug Type | RN11YCC |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,9 |
| Spark plugs Make | NGK |
| Spark plug Type | BP6ES |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,8 |
Tuning and emissions
| Ignition advance | Without vacuum and basic timing |
|---|---|
| Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm | 0-3/1000 |
| Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm | 5-9/1600 |
| Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm | 22-28/3600 |
| Idle speed rpm | 700-800 |
| Oil temperature °C | 60 |
| CO level at idle speed - tailpipe Vol. % CO | 0,5-2,5 |
| HC level at idle speed ppm | 300 |
| CO2 level at idle speed Vol. % CO2 | 13-16 |
| O2 level at idle speed Vol. % O2 | 0,5-2,0 |
Starting and charging
| Maximum cranking amps A | 162-198 |
|---|---|
| Alternator output A/V/rpm | 45/14/2500 |
Service checks and adjustments
| Oil pressure bar/rpm | 2,1-2,8/2400 |
|---|---|
| Drive belt tension - alternator/PAS/AC mm | 8 |
| Drive belt tension - AC mm | 4 |
Tightening torques
Cylinder head bolt torque
The cylinder head bolts on the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) are tightened in 3 stages: 30 Nm, then 60 Nm, then a final 88-95 Nm.
| Cylinder head | |
|---|---|
| Renew bolts | No |
| Tighten | 30 Nm |
| Tighten | 60 Nm |
| Tighten | 88-95 Nm |
| Cylinder head instructions | — | |
|---|---|---|
| Other engine tightening torques | ||
| Main bearings Renew bolts/nuts | No | |
| Main bearings Stage 1 | — | |
| Main bearings | ||
| Big end bearings Renew bolts/nuts | No | |
| Big end bearings Stage 1 | 25 Nm | |
| Big end bearings Stage 2 | 51 Nm | |
| Oil pump to cylinder block | 15 Nm | |
| Sump bolts | 10 Nm | |
| Sump bolts | ||
| Sump drain bolt | 45 Nm | |
| Flywheel/driveplate | 78 Nm | |
| Clutch pressure plate | 27 Nm | |
| Crankshaft pulley/damper centre bolt | 271 Nm | |
| Camshaft sprocket/gear | 58 Nm | |
| Camshaft/rocker cover | 7 Nm | |
| Inlet manifold to cylinder head | 50 Nm | |
| Exhaust manifold to cylinder head | 20 Nm | |
| Spark plugs | 15 Nm | |
| Chassis tightening torques | ||
| Steering rack/box mounting | 81 Nm | |
| Steering track rod end | 40 Nm | |
| Brake caliper/carrier to hub Front | 100 Nm | |
| Road wheels | 108 Nm | |
Bar lengths use a square-root scale so small and large values stay readable.
Air conditioning
| No. of AC service connectors | 2 |
|---|---|
| Air conditioning restrictor type | Expansion valve |
| Compressor clutch/magnetic coupling | Yes |
| Compressor variable displacement solenoid | No |
| Air conditioning refrigerant Type | R12 |
| Refrigerant type | |
| Air conditioning refrigerant quantity grams | 1220±30 |
| Refrigerant quantity | |
| Air conditioning oil Type | Suniso 4GS |
| Oil type | |
| Air conditioning oil quantity cm³ | 313 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the firing order of the Land Rover Defender 3.5?
The firing order for the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
What spark plugs does the Land Rover Defender 3.5 use?
The Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) uses Champion RN11YCC spark plugs with a 0,9 mm electrode gap.
How much oil does the Land Rover Defender 3.5 take?
The Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) takes 5.7 litres of engine oil with the filter. A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-20 for cold climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 10W-40 for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 15W-40 as an alternative for moderate climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2. A listed engine oil option is SAE 20W-50 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
What are the valve clearances for the Land Rover Defender 3.5?
Valve clearances on the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) are hydraulic — they self-adjust, so no manual clearance figure applies.
What is the cylinder head torque for the Land Rover Defender 3.5?
The cylinder head bolts on the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) are tightened in 3 stages: 30 Nm, then 60 Nm, then a final 88-95 Nm.
What is the ignition timing for the Land Rover Defender 3.5?
Basic ignition timing for the Land Rover Defender 3.5 (1990–1995) is 6° BTDC at 750 rpm.