I own a 1978 leyland sherpa dormobile with a 1.8 petrol marina engine same as in the MG-B. As you can imagine this drinks a lot of petrol. I have been thinking of changing my engine to a newer diesel engine if it can be done. Does anyone have any suggestions for a possible alternative engine or could tell me if this can actually be done. Thankyou
To be honest I don't think it would be practicable and the cost would probably make it cheaper to change your van.
Apart from actually mounting it I would imagine you would need new wiring, fuel tank, brakes upgrading, exhaust, cooling system, gearbox with ratios to suit the engine.
Diesel engines are much heavier than petrol ones. Apart from the previously mentioned upgrades, you would probably have to renew your front suspension.
I dont know about the diesel engine, but we run our taxi of LPG, we had our citron c5 converted in october, the price varies depending of the vehicle but ours was 1,300, we save a lot of money on fuel as we do about 1,000 miles a week, but I wouldn't have thought it would be worth it if you dont do a lot of miles, you could buy a lot of pertol for 1,300.
Hi sherpa, I had a 79 model of them, used to do 32mpg and just under 60mph flat out (with that engine) If I drove it carefull like it would do 37mph. You can fit the Pinto engine but would not be much of an advantage except for a bit better power and speed. Diesel would be a problem because they are wider engine and you would have to alter the engine bay even if you found the old BMC 1800 deisel. these are very reliable but noisy and low revs. I have seen this Sherpa with a Peugot deisel and 5speed box in, and goes like the clappers, but is it worth the hassle. You could get a Mk 1 transit and put in a Rover V8 then leave everyone behind! Then you would really use petrol. A diesel will fit and its not that much work if its the right size engine for the hole! Hope this helps.
thanks to everyone for your advice. if this is the case and it wouldn't really be beneficial, are there any useful ways apart from the obvious which could help my fuel economy. this may seem a stupid question but im rubbish with engines. cheers
Hi Sherpa Steve, I've got a '77 sherpa 1.8 petrol and found it very thirsty. I converted to LPG and it uses the same amount of gas as petrol, but at half the price it is now easier on the pocket.
The alternative would be to use a later diesel and 5 speed box from one of the later vans, there are plenty in the scrapyards.
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Topic: i need a bit of advice if anyone can help
