Running in 2013 D90

While the majority of comment regarding "running in" relates to the engine, I always been advised that especially with Defenders "mechanical sympathy" goes a long way in ensuring your car's longevity.

This goes with getting used to your car's drivetrain slack (which differs from vehicle to vehicle), clutch take up etc.

I agree with Rick that gentle revving up and down the gear range to be the best way to "bed" all the mechanical components into a single homogenous unit.

I drove my 2010 90 like that from day one and a month before warranty runs out (20 April 2013) I've had 2 very minor electrical issues that got sorted without any pain (I had two mud flaps changed, but this is a separate issue!). My car spent 18 months in the heat of the Pilbara and does more rock crawling than most and my diffs, transfer case, gearbox etc are all in perfect working condition as when I received the car.

Enjoy your Defender use it as it was intended!

Cheers,

Lou

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Loubrey

While the majority of comment regarding "running in" relates to the engine, I always been advised that especially with Defenders "mechanical sympathy" goes a long way in ensuring your car's longevity.

This goes with getting used to your car's drivetrain slack (which differs from vehicle to vehicle), clutch take up etc.

I agree with Rick that gentle revving up and down the gear range to be the best way to "bed" all the mechanical components into a single homogenous unit.

I drove my 2010 90 like that from day one and a month before warranty runs out (20 April 2013) I've had 2 very minor electrical issues that got sorted without any pain (I had two mud flaps changed, but this is a separate issue!). My car spent 18 months in the heat of the Pilbara and does more rock crawling than most and my diffs, transfer case, gearbox etc are all in perfect working condition as when I received the car.

Enjoy your Defender use it as it was intended!

Cheers,

Lou

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Actually it's good idea to drive steadily, no high speed stuff for the first couple of hundred km just for the diffs (and to a lesser extent, the gears) sake.

CWP's do need running in and can run very hot when new.
It mightn't be as big a problem with the Rover and P38 style CWP's as a Sals, but it's always been an important operation with race cars to ensure a decent life.

As Loubrey said, there's more to running a car in than just the engine...

I am a bit "old school" when it comes to running in vehicles. Yes, the engine has been started up on a test bed but I still reckon you have to take it easy for a while - don't over rev the motor for the first few thousand km's - don't let the engine labour too much. It's not a water pump however, and needs to be driven at a variety of speeds. The rest of vehicle, gear boxes, diffs etc all need to be bedded in. People will disagree with me, but my belief is that a nice and easy run in period will mean a longer and more reliable life for the vehicle.

Just clocked 19,000 km on my beastie (a D90) and it's been brilliant - I read about all the troubles people have with their new Landie, but apart from a turbo hose coming off, I haven't had a bit of trouble with it.

cheers

Andrew

picked up my 110 crewcab pickup last thursday..same thing dealer said just drive it..and come back after 13000km for first service...done 700km runs well apart from that old perennial problem with the side air vent cover falling off..nuthin a small dap of sickaflex dint fix..

Thanks all!

As expected a variety of views.

Here's another question. 250km on the clock
Now. It's likely that this weekend I might head up to Lancelin for some sand driving.... Thoughts on this escapade?! I imagine it'll have about 500 on the clock by then...??

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gconran

Thanks all!

As expected a variety of views.

Here's another question. 250km on the clock
Now. It's likely that this weekend I might head up to Lancelin for some sand driving.... Thoughts on this escapade?! I imagine it'll have about 500 on the clock by then...??

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Nothing to worry about.. mine has exactly 34 kms on the clock when I took it off road.. over 60,000 kms now and I've not had any trouble with mine.. :)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gconran

Thanks all!

As expected a variety of views.

Here's another question. 250km on the clock
Now. It's likely that this weekend I might head up to Lancelin for some sand driving.... Thoughts on this escapade?! I imagine it'll have about 500 on the clock by then...??

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Just make sure you work out exactly which sections are for cars and which are for bikes/ quads! All you need is to be cresting a dune and a maniac on a quad pillowing into you.

You going with a group or just a play on your own? The Puma's traction control takes a bit of getting used to, so don't be surprised if she behaves a bit odd and make sue your pressures are right low.

Cheers,

Lou