The Rover-Landers of BC

Was driving the series one last weekend and the electronic module in the distributor caffed, cutting the spark. So I let the rover coast to stop, but I left in in gear with the key on. This means the fuel pump was still running, the engine was still turning, pulling air and fuel through. Result was one of the biggest back fires I've ever experienced. BOOM.

Also actually blew a hole in the muffler which I have located right under the driver seat. Lesson learned. If engine quits, turn the key off and don't coast in gear.

I read "series one", then electronic module and fuel pump and did a double take.... :lol: :lol:

Be careful telling people to switch off the ignition on a modern car like your Disco as you can lock the steering. In reality, there is no way anyone would ever know what happened and deciding to turn off the ignition in every case that the engine dies may not be the best advice. You also want the engine turning over as you will lose power steering and brake assist with it off, causing a much more dangerous situation.

Mine is a series one, as in 1956. No power steering, door locks, power brakes here thank you very much. The distributor is an electronic replacement unit for the Lucas 25D, and the series one have electric fuel pumps.

That big bang is probably because there was one spark left in the module.

Just like shutting off the ignition coasting down a hill and turning it back on again. I've lost several mufflers that way over the years. LOL

I wonder what that would do to one of these new engines? Turn the sensors inside out I expect. :)

In a modern car, I'd definitely recommend keeping the ignition on for the reasons well stated above. I'd be wanting to signal and pull over ASAP. With a standard transmission, I'd put in the clutch. In an automatic, I wouldn't pay much attention as long as the car was safely heading for the shoulder.

From what Roverlanders have told me about Rover V8s, get to the side and get everything off pronto before your nice, expensive engine starts doing a Salvador Dali impersonation is the important thing. :shock:

To the OP, I keep hearing that old Land Rovers are virtually bomb proof. I guess you're living proof of that. :D :mrgreen: glad you're safe!

I had something like this happen in one of my old 88's years ago. I was going down a big hill on the hwy with my foot off the gas due to the grade, when I hit the gas at the bottom an explosion took place under the rear of the 88 that made my ears ring and scared the crap out of me. I pulled over and looked under the truck to see the rear muffler blown wide open from end to end along the seam.

What were using for fuel Andrew, Baked Beans ..... :fart: