Good quote or rip off?

[trevor]

Hey guys. Got Hunter Cuthill to look at my electrical issues today and good news was it was the relay linkage ($130) that was causing all my electrical problems. AC fan clutch wasn't even attached :s ($50) to fix. Warped manifold (as I already knew), been smelling exhaust for a while and wanted this fixed ($1100) to remove, machine, bolts, gaskets etc. Front right speed sensor intermittent requiring new sensor ($380), to remove shuttle valve issue with 3 amigos ($500). I believe this is just option B and I have read MUCH about this and it isn't something I would want to do myself.

I didn't realise electric CDL was uncommon? He says he hasn't seen it and is usually a lever. He thinks, and I agree, it's probably failed because of water, mud, dirt etc messing with the electric motor above the transfer case. Anyways he doesn't want to tackle this but will clean up contacts etc to see of that's the problem.

Anyways was $2300 but got down to a quote of $2000 for all of the above. I do think it is a bit more expensive but I know I'm paying for specialist knowledge. What this guy found out today would take my regular mechanic 3 times as long. In any case, is $2000 a massive rip off or not so much?

Trev.

[clubagreenie]

Before replacing the speed sensor remove it and clean it off. It's magnetic and gathers filings.

Warped manifold might be cheaper to replace than machine. But that's a diesel thing.

[trevor]

Thanks bud. I did give the sensor a good cleans while ago but didn't so much. Same error came up a few days later. I was thinking that a new manifold would be cheaper but I would suppose these guys should know what they're doing? They do seem knowledgable and fair but when we're talking about 2k you have to question it.

Oh well, I suppose if I wanted a car that didn't require attention all the time I wouldn't of bought a disco... But I don't regret it.

[twr7cx]

To give you some perspective:

I recently paid a local Land Rover mechanic approximately $650.00 to remove my exhaust manifold, repair some damaged threads, replace the manifold with another second hand one that had been machined, and refit.
Thats with my VNT and a dual battery in the way.

Wasn't keen to do the threads myself on the head.

[Disco Muppet]

Don't waste your time with another electric CDL, they're crap.

[trevor]

To give you some perspective:

I recently paid a local Land Rover mechanic approximately $650.00 to remove my exhaust manifold, repair some damaged threads, replace the manifold with another second hand one that had been machined, and refit.
Thats with my VNT and a dual battery in the way.

Wasn't keen to do the threads myself on the head.

Thanks for that. So $1000 for just machining my manifold, gaskets, bolts (and addressing a coolant weeping near the manifold) is a bit steep. I suppose when I return I will debate this with them and see what happens.
Thanks for the input mate.

[trevor]

Don't waste your time with another electric CDL, they're crap.

Agreed. But don't want to fork out the $900 for the alternative. Will definitely look at it in the future though.

[Disco Muppet]

Agreed. But don't want to fork out the $900 for the alternative. Will definitely look at it in the future though.

Drop that by a couple of hundred, anyone offering a CDL kit for $900 is a rip off artist.

[trevor]

Drop that by a couple of hundred, anyone offering a CDL kit for $900 is a rip off artist.

That's what hunter Cuthill want. Getting the feeling that there's more room to move than I initially thought in the quote.

[schuy1]

For THE best CDL lever/Linkage replacement for the D2 without. www.discovery2.co.uk / D2 CDL levers..... THE BEST!! (http://www.discovery2.co.uk/d2cdl.html)
This would have to be the best alternative setup I have seen, Just like factory! :) And well under 900 smackaroonies! :o
Cheers Scott

[trevor]

For THE best CDL lever/Linkage replacement for the D2 without. www.discovery2.co.uk / D2 CDL levers..... THE BEST!! (http://www.discovery2.co.uk/d2cdl.html)
This would have to be the best alternative setup I have seen, Just like factory! :) And well under 900 smackaroonies! :o
Cheers Scott

Awesome kit and for sure want to do this in the next couple of months. So who has done this setup and would like to offer some pointers? Or anyone else wanting to do this in the near future to their disco? 2 heads are better than 1.

[Disco Muppet]

www.discovery2.co.uk (http://www.discovery2.co.uk) (AKA Urban Panzers site) has a great tutorial on it.
PM .50 (del) on here, although he spends more time on D2BC than here, also don't expect it in a hurry as I think it takes a while to get sorted out, and as they're fantastic quality he has a bit of a back-log from memory.

[trevor]

www.discovery2.co.uk (http://www.discovery2.co.uk) (AKA Urban Panzers site) has a great tutorial on it.
PM .50 (del) on here, although he spends more time on D2BC than here, also don't expect it in a hurry as I think it takes a while to get sorted out, and as they're fantastic quality he has a bit of a back-log from memory.

I did have a read of it. Was a bit daunting at first glance but definitely do-able. I will order it first thing when I get my disco back so its ready to go. Thanks for the advice DM

[Disco Muppet]

I thought so too, but once you get into it, it's really pretty simple.
Hardest parts I found were:
Pulling the auto shifter off without smacking your face or putting your elbow through the roof, and the handbrake pin.
Other than this it's not too bad, although apparently once you start removing the hi-lo lever it gets a bit twisty.

[Blknight.aus]

To give you some perspective:

I recently paid a local Land Rover mechanic approximately $650.00 to remove my exhaust manifold, repair some damaged threads, replace the manifold with another second hand one that had been machined, and refit.
Thats with my VNT and a dual battery in the way.

Wasn't keen to do the threads myself on the head.


Thanks for that. So $1000 for just machining my manifold, gaskets, bolts (and addressing a coolant weeping near the manifold) is a bit steep. I suppose when I return I will debate this with them and see what happens.
Thanks for the input mate.

theres a big differnce in quote here.

the cheaper is the remove and replace with an offshelf part. the latter includes machining and transport costs. while the manifold is off they also have the car burning up workshop space

remember hes not likely to be using the cheapest parts available but the ones he can most easily get and if those prices are parts inclusive and cover all the "hidden" workshop costs.

It constantly amazes me how far I have to push my prices for people I dont like to stop hassling my wife for me to do fixes on their vehicles.

One "lady" was willing to pay $500 just for me to R+R a falcon radiator and she was supplying parts. Only reason The job fell through was she kept on driving it and cooked the motor.

[trevor]

theres a big differnce in quote here.

the cheaper is the remove and replace with an offshelf part. the latter includes machining and transport costs. while the manifold is off they also have the car burning up workshop space

remember hes not likely to be using the cheapest parts available but the ones he can most easily get and if those prices are parts inclusive and cover all the "hidden" workshop costs.

It constantly amazes me how far I have to push my prices for people I dont like to stop hassling my wife for me to do fixes on their vehicles.

One "lady" was willing to pay $500 just for me to R+R a falcon radiator and she was supplying parts. Only reason The job fell through was she kept on driving it and cooked the motor.

As long as he does a good job then I'm happy with the $1000 I suppose. From what I understand though it'd be cheaper for me if he happened to have a pre-machined manifold ready to go is that right? Is there some advantage to having your own manifold shaved as opposed to fitting another one? And would it be cheaper just to buy a new manifold? I think I saw somewhere that it cost like $900 for a brand new one? Thanks for the input though. Greatly appreciate it.

[plaven]

For THE best CDL lever/Linkage replacement for the D2 without. www.discovery2.co.uk / D2 CDL levers..... THE BEST!! (http://www.discovery2.co.uk/d2cdl.html)
This would have to be the best alternative setup I have seen, Just like factory! :) And well under 900 smackaroonies! :o
Cheers Scott

Wow.. thanks for the link Scott.

When the vibration noise finally gets too much for me, this looks like the solution to solve it! :)

[Roverlord off road spares]

Don't waste your time with another electric CDL, they're crap.
The aftermarket electric ones were made from windscreen wiper motors and water mud and crud saw early graves for them.

[trevor]

The aftermarket electric ones were made from windscreen wiper motors and water mud and crud saw early graves for them.

Yep. That's what Adam from hunter Cuthill said (that it was a windscreen motor). Can not believe anybody in their right mind would use an exposed electric motor for the CDL.

In any case I have contacted Del and he will have a new batch done in 2-3 weeks so looking forward to a proper and reliable CDL for the first time.

[Blknight.aus]

As long as he does a good job then I'm happy with the $1000 I suppose. From what I understand though it'd be cheaper for me if he happened to have a pre-machined manifold ready to go is that right? Is there some advantage to having your own manifold shaved as opposed to fitting another one? And would it be cheaper just to buy a new manifold? I think I saw somewhere that it cost like $900 for a brand new one? Thanks for the input though. Greatly appreciate it.

yes, its cheaper because of turnover logistics.

if you get your own machined you can also have them machine the webs out at the same time, thats about the only advantage

[twr7cx]

if you get your own machined you can also have them machine the webs out at the same time, thats about the only advantage

Don't machine the webs out. My last manifold had this done and warped a second time. Speaking to Justin Cooper the webs need to be left there, just the face machined!

[trevor]

Ok. Got it there Monday morning was ready Wednesday morning. Job looks all good and quite helpful. Here is the quote:

Labour is $115 hour

Diagnosis $60
Check over .5hours
Refit AC compressor clutch .4 hours
Replaced front ABS sensor in hub 1.75hours
Repair ABS module (option b for 3 amigos) 2.25

Exhaust manifold warped, replace gasket, drill out bolts and helicoil broken studs. Replace all studs and nuts, remove plug in side of head and replace. 6hours

Labour total:1313.50

Fusible link 6.8
Bolt 2.15
Kit - valve ABS module 121.04
Workshop electrical supplies 15
Loctite 27.80
Front hub sensor 192.1
Manifold nuts 21.40 (10)
Exhaust studs 35.70 (10)
Manifold gasket 45.42
Helicoil 19 (4)

Parts total: 486.41

Cost to get manifold machined $130

Coolant 3 litres @ 16.45

Total 2160 - discount =$2000.

Everything looks and feels good. Gotta be all genuine parts for that cost I assume. All in all the extra your paying is well spent as these guys know discos and drive them themselves so there's no wasted time. Definitely recommend; assuming those are reasonable prices for a LR specialist.

[trevor]

And my bleed hose went today but my dad was driving. He was pretty distressed so got it sent to hunter and Cuthill again to make sure it wasn't their misdoing. Turns out a while ago the bleed hose above radiator had been patched and decided to give out. Must've been +2 years ago cause it wasn't me.

Got rocker cover gasket replaced too because I didn't do it properly last time and wanted it done right.

1.25 hours to replace bleed hose, pressure rest, address small leak under front cross member.

1 hour for rocker cover gasket and wash down oil etc.

258.75 for labour. 1 hour for the rocker cover gasket was a bit much I thought but if its done properly.

1 hose 33.71
Rocker cover gasket 62.52
Hose clamps 15

Parts total 111.93

Coolant 5liters@ 16.45
Degreaser 15
Loctite 15

Oils 112.25

Total 528 down to 500 even.

He made me aware that there may be head cylinder issues down the track if the car over heated too much. Hopefully that isn't the case but I will keep my eye on my coolant.

[Disco Muppet]

Bloody hell....
FWIW mine dumped 5L of coolant and it's been fine, cooling system was always a bit bodgy from when I got it off the PO.
Just keep and eye on it and hopefully it'll be clear sailing :)

[trevor]

Bloody hell....
FWIW mine dumped 5L of coolant and it's been fine, cooling system was always a bit bodgy from when I got it off the PO.
Just keep and eye on it and hopefully it'll be clear sailing :)

I believe it only dumped half whilst driving and the other half must've been on the flatbed. Or the specialists drained it for some reason, OR charged me for 5 instead of 3 :p.

Thanks for the well wishes DM :)

[Disco Muppet]

They probably drained/flushed it so they knew exactly what was going in :D
I was luckyish in that I only lost a litre or so while driving, the rest got dumped under it when I parked it and left it.
That'll teach me for not doing the cap up properly :eek:

[fourteen8]

Awesome kit and for sure want to do this in the next couple of months. So who has done this setup and would like to offer some pointers? Or anyone else wanting to do this in the near future to their disco? 2 heads are better than 1.

I have one of this kit installed about 2 years ago. Ashcroft Transmissions - Disco II Diff lock (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/index.php?act=viewProd&productId=137)

It was a bit scary as I am not a mechanic but I did it. You need to remove the centre console. I think there is tutorial on this forum or discovery2.co.uk website. I know I was referring to the tutorial when I was installing it.