The Rover V8 was first introduced in Range Rover models in 1970, and then used in the Series III and beyond. Lightweight, simple design made it versatile, and adaptations meant it was still used up until 2005, an impressive five decades after Buick first conceived the design. 

If you own a vehicle with a V8 engine, you’ll want that workhorse to last many more decades before you need it stripped down and rebuilt, or it becomes beyond salvaging. 

As all car owners know, oil and filter changes are important for the longevity of an engine. For your old Land Rover V8, it is even more important, as these old engines sometimes need a lot more regular care and maintenance. 

Why are oil and filter changes important?

Oil slows wear and tear on the engine, reducing friction between the hard-working metal parts. It keeps the components running smoothly, but often oil service intervals are ignored, or cars are under-serviced, especially if they aren’t used often enough. 

Build-up of carbon and tar, and clogged valves can cause major issues with the camshaft and bearings, leading to a loss of power. Continuing to drive with what is essentially dirty oil running around the engine can cause catastrophic failure.

How do missed oil services affect the camshaft?

The camshaft is usually the first casualty of a neglected oil schedule. Without a fully functioning camshaft, you will find that the car can’t maintain acceleration. 

A Rover V8 can run on fewer than its eight cylinders; it just won’t perform as well. Depending on how you use your car and how much power you need, the camshaft wear might not be noticeable.

If you find the engine knocking and tapping, then it might already be too late for your camshaft. 

However, using a Land Rover rebuild specialist, a camshaft is repairable or replaceable, and should the worst happen, reconditioning your V8 engine might be the answer.