Engine & identification
Vehicle identification
| No. of cylinders Type | 8/OHV |
|---|---|
| Capacity (Fiscal) cc | 3947 |
| Compression ratio :1 | 9,35 |
| Suitable for unleaded petrol | Yes |
| Minimum octane rating RON | 95 |
| Ignition system Make | Bosch |
| Ignition system Type | Motronic 5.2.1 |
| Ignition system Description | Map-DIS |
| Trigger location | Cam/Crankshaft |
| Fuel system Make | Bosch |
| Fuel system Type | Motronic 5.2.1 |
| Fuel system Description | MFI-s |
| Air metering Type | Mass |
| Combined ignition and fuel ECM | Yes |
| Diagnostic socket | Yes |
Ignition system
| Ignition coil Make | Bosch |
|---|---|
| Ignition coil Type | 0 221 503 407 |
| Ignition coil supply voltage + with ballast V | 12,0 |
| Primary resistance Ohm | 0,45-0,55 |
| Secondary resistance Ohm | 12000-14600 |
Firing order
The firing order for the Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) 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 4 (1998–2000) 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 4 (1998–2000) takes 5.8 litres of engine oil with the filter.
A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-40 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 10W-40 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
Transfer box
The transfer box has a listed capacity of 2.3 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-40 |
| 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 | 10W-40 |
| Engine oil classification API/ACEA | SJ/A2 |
| Engine with filter(s) litres | 5.8 |
| Other lubricants and capacities | |
| Automatic transmission fluid Type | Dexron IID |
| Automatic transmission (dry fill) litres | 9.1 |
| Differential oil grade - front SAE | 90W |
| Differential front/AT litres | 1.7 |
| Differential oil grade - rear SAE | 90W |
| Differential rear litres | 1.7 |
| Transfer box oil grade SAE | 90W |
| Transfer box litres | 2.3 |
| 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 4 (1998–2000) 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
The ignition timing on the Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) is not adjustable.
| Ignition timing - basic BTDC °Engine/rpm | Not adjustable |
|---|
Battery
The Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) uses a 12 V, 72 Ah battery (reserve capacity 130 minutes).
| Battery V/RC(Ah) | 12/130 (72) |
|---|
Tuning and emissions
| Ignition advance checks °Engine/rpm | ECM Controlled |
|---|---|
| Idle speed rpm | 700±20 Not adjustable |
| Oil temperature °C | 80 |
| CO level at idle speed - tailpipe Vol. % CO | 0,5 Max Not adjustable |
| HC level at idle speed ppm | 100 |
| CO2 level at idle speed Vol. % CO2 | 14,5-16 |
| O2 level at idle speed Vol. % O2 | 0,1-0,5 |
| Increased idle speed for CO test rpm | 2500-2800 |
| CO content at increased idle speed Vol. % | 0,3 |
| Lambda at increased idle λ | 0,98-1,02 |
Starting and charging
| Maximum cranking amps A | 194-238 |
|---|---|
| Alternator output A/V/rpm | 100/14/3000 |
Service checks and adjustments
| Oil pressure bar/rpm | 2,1-2,8/2400 |
|---|---|
| Radiator cap bar | 1,00 |
| Thermostat opens °C | 88 |
Fuel system
| Fuel pump delivery pressure bar | 2,5 |
|---|---|
| Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor Ohm/°C | 300/85 |
| Injector Ohm | 13,8-15,2 |
| Injector opening duration (hot) ms/rpm | 2,5-7 |
Spark plugs
| Spark plugs Original equipment | Champion |
|---|---|
| Spark plug Type | RN9YCC |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,9-1,0 |
| Spark plugs Make | Champion |
| Spark plug Type | RN9YCC |
| Electrode gap mm | 0,9-1,0 |
Tightening torques
Cylinder head bolt torque
The cylinder head bolts on the Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) are tightened in 3 stages: 20 Nm, then 90°, then a final 90°.
| Cylinder head | |
|---|---|
| Renew bolts | Yes |
| Tighten | 20 Nm |
| Tighten | 90° |
| Tighten | 90° |
| Cylinder head instructions | — | |
|---|---|---|
| Other engine tightening torques | ||
| Big end bearings Renew bolts/nuts | No | |
| Big end bearings Stage 1 | 20 Nm | |
| Big end bearings Stage 2 | 80° | |
| Sump bolts | 23 Nm | |
| Sump drain bolt | 43 Nm | |
| Flywheel/driveplate | 45 Nm | |
| Drive plate | ||
| Crankshaft pulley/damper centre bolt | 270 Nm | |
| Camshaft sprocket/gear | 58 Nm | |
| Camshaft/rocker cover | 8 Nm | |
| Inlet manifold to cylinder head | 50 Nm | |
| Exhaust manifold to cylinder head | 20 Nm | |
| Exhaust downpipe to manifold | 45 Nm | |
| Water pump | 28 Nm | |
| Spark plugs | 20 Nm | |
| Fuel rail | 8 Nm | |
| Crankshaft position (CKP) sensor/engine speed (RPM) sensor | 6 Nm | |
| Camshaft position (CMP) sensor | 8 Nm | |
| Engine coolant temperature (ECT) sensor | 20 Nm | |
| Lambda sensor (Oxygen) | 20 Nm | |
| Knock sensor (KS) | 16 Nm | |
| Chassis tightening torques | ||
| Front hub | 210 Nm | |
| Rear hub | 210 Nm | |
| Steering wheel | 43-50 Nm | |
| Steering rack/box mounting | 80 Nm | |
| Steering track rod end | 40 Nm | |
| Brake disc to hub Front | 73 Nm | |
| Brake caliper/carrier to hub Front | 82 Nm | |
| Brake disc to hub Rear | 73 Nm | |
| Brake caliper/carrier to hub Rear | 82 Nm | |
| Road wheels | — | |
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 | R134a |
| Air conditioning refrigerant quantity grams | 900±30 |
| Air conditioning oil group | PAG |
| Air conditioning oil Type | Dens Oil 8 |
| Air conditioning oil quantity cm³ | 180 |
| Air conditioning oil viscosity ISO | 46 |
Frequently asked questions
What is the firing order of the Land Rover Defender 4?
The firing order for the Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) is 1-8-4-3-6-5-7-2.
How much oil does the Land Rover Defender 4 take?
The Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) takes 5.8 litres of engine oil with the filter. A listed engine oil option is SAE 5W-40 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 10W-40 for hot climates, with API/ACEA classification SJ/A2.
What are the valve clearances for the Land Rover Defender 4?
Valve clearances on the Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) are hydraulic — they self-adjust, so no manual clearance figure applies.
What is the cylinder head torque for the Land Rover Defender 4?
The cylinder head bolts on the Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) are tightened in 3 stages: 20 Nm, then 90°, then a final 90°.
What is the ignition timing for the Land Rover Defender 4?
The ignition timing on the Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) is not adjustable.
What is the minimum brake disc thickness for the Land Rover Defender 4?
Brake discs on the Land Rover Defender 4 (1998–2000) are replaced at a minimum thickness of 12 mm (solid) or 22 mm (ventilated) front and 10 mm rear.