Listerparts.co.uk.

Telephone 07951 11 11 32       Contact Us - EMail Click HERE

Lister T Series; TL

A robust workhorse of an engine with shared Lister and Petter heritage, the TL series is closely related to the TR series. The significant difference is that the TL utilises a belt driven fan for forced air cooling, while the TR has an integral flywheel fan. The production run was relatively short at about five years, with production ceasing around 1988. The TL is slightly more powerful than the TR but limited numbers make the TR a better choice if picking an engine for a new project. A significant degree of commonality with the TR however makes the TL a markedly better bet than the similarly external fan cooled TX.

Below are listed some useful tips on what to look for when ordering some of the more common pieces for your TL. If you think we have missed something useful, or got something wrong, please email and let us know. We welcome any suggestions for improving the usefulness of this page.

Lister TS TR Parts Availability:

Routine Service Items -- 100% availability. If ordering, please note the following first:

Oil Filter. Just one type -- as easy as it gets.

Fuel Filter. Just one type -- as easy as it gets.

Air Filter There are several different air filter sizes used on the T series, primarily divided between the 'pancake' type filter element and cylindrical elements. If you can see a part number on the existing element, that will do fine. If not, for pancake types pleas advise outside diameter, inside diameter and height (of the elment, not the housing). For cylindrical types, diameter and length, plus inside diameter at each end of the element. Some heavy duty applications may have an inner and outer cylindrical element.
External Components --- Near 100% availability.

Charging System    Where fitted, the TL uses charge windings fitted within the flywheel and a regulator mounted close by the flywheel housing. There have been changes both of supplier and design over time. If you think you need replacement parts we will want to know how many terminals on the regulator (a photo is handy) plus the engine number. Some combinations are obsolete and an effective repair may include flywheel removal. Our experience is that generally all the flywheel charge systems leave something to be desired and are prone to various failings. We are able to supply test data if you wish to check where your problem may be.
It is important not to run the engine with the battery out of circuit and any evidence of oil within the flywheel housing should be investigated as it has a detrimental effect on the charge windings insulation and function.


Drive Belts No problem. Just need to know if one or two fitted.

Clutch / Couplings   T series used for propulsion (e.g. dumpers) will have a conventional automotive pattern clutch assembly. Please confirm size before ordering as different plant manufacturers may have chosen a different specifications. We are hearing reports that some currently supplied carbon face thrust bearings are failing prematurely due to suspect origin / quality; we are able to offer a roller bearing alternative if preferred.
Couplings: Numerous patterns of coupling have been used and generally supply is not a problem. A photo is handy if you are not sure what type you have.

Starter Motor Just one type for the TL series; the current part directly replacing any earlier units.

Control Solenoids No problem; just one pattern listed.


Heater Plug  No problem at all.

Fuel Injectors   No supply issues but there were modifications and supplier changes over time, so any numbers off your existing units are helpful. For optimal running we recommend replacing injectors in sets rather than have a mix of units from different suppliers.

Fuel Injection Pumps    No supply issues. Various changes of suppliers over time. If you're not sure what you are doing with these pumps, the job is best left to a person with suitable experience, as removal and refitting inevitably involves checking both the injection timing and balance between pumps. Note that the links between the pumps are relatively delicate items and should be handled with care. If the current available item is from a different manufacturer, we recommend fitting as a set.

Fuel Lift Pump Pump suppliers changed over time and for early engines fitted with an original pump, some pipework modification may be required, as early pattern pumps are not to be had. This page is the property of Listerparts.co.uk. No reproduction without prior approval and visible credit

Cooling Fan Becoming scarce and expensive. If you have issues with your existing unit we are happy to look at refurbishing it, or supply appropriate bearings.

Gaskets and Joints 100% availabilty; sets or individually.

Internal Components
   As a close relative of the TR, parts availability of the majority of components is good. There are some differences however, so it's never a bad idea to call and check first before commencing work.
Complete Engines
Due to the relative scarcity of core units we are not generally able to offer rebuilt units from stock. We do sometimes have good used TX available, or are happy to look at rebuilding your own unit.

Contact Us

Home  Lister FAQ