Thread: Spares for touring OZ

Not a spare as such, but wouldn't be keen on going remote with a 300tdi without some form of temperature/coolant monitoring. If the engine gets hot for any reason its likely going to be stuffed. If you catch it before it gets properly hot then you've usually got options for repair.

I love the Engine Watchdog monitors as they are very simple, a non-invasive, and just work! I've got them on multiple vehicles and they have been saved me from a cooked engine a couple of times now.

Steve

Thanks Steve
I purchased a watchdog last week ! Agree, a must...

I would have to say is a good idea is changing things like radiator hoses and fan belts before the trip, keeping the old ones as spares.

This way you know the one you took off will fit should you have to use it out in the sticks.
Nothing worse then finding out the spare you have carried half way accross oz is the wrong one!
Better yet is changing the hoses ect. yourself, that way you learn how to do the job and which tools are needed to make it happen, all from the safety of home.

I learnt that a standard set of pliers don't open wide enough to compress the hose clamps on my td5... many curse words were spoken as I struggled for hours on the side of the road to change a radiator hose which should of taken about 10 mins to fit...

Originally Posted by Benz

I would have to say is a good idea is changing things like radiator hoses and fan belts before the trip, keeping the old ones as spares.

This way you know the one you took off will fit should you have to use it out in the sticks.
Nothing worse then finding out the spare you have carried half way accross oz is the wrong one!
Better yet is changing the hoses ect. yourself, that way you learn how to do the job and which tools are needed to make it happen, all from the safety of home.

I learnt that a standard set of pliers don't open wide enough to compress the hose clamps on my td5... many curse words were spoken as I struggled for hours on the side of the road to change a radiator hose which should of taken about 10 mins to fit...

Thats the way to do it. I have always during a prep check listed the ages/ last time replaced items and depending on the destination replaced with new anything a few years old, hoses(all) wheel bearings, uni's, oils, belts, Brake pads/linings/rotors/drums/flexi lines etc. If it looks sus, replace! much nicer laying on the concrete floor at home than in 6 inchs of bulldust / mud on the Plenty hway! and of course it will spit the whatever at the most inopportune time if left! The more remote the destination more replacements. And remember, really remote areas can be life or death if something dies
Cheers Scott

Consider changing out the idler bearings on the serpentine belt and alternator bearings before you leave. My alternator waited until I was in the Canning before it seized.

A tube of liquid metal... if you put a stick (or fan blade) thru the radiator you can temporarily repair it.

Also 'rescue tape' and cable ties, fencing wire etc won't go astray. All nice lightweight items that have many uses.