Newbie - Disco1: advice sought re: servicing done around northern coast NSW

[RBDisco1]

G'day Folks,

I'm a newbie here on the forum and based in the Adelaide Hills. I've just bought a Disco 1, and heading over to pick it up from around Port Macquarie way. I'll be travelling up the NSW coast and then further north... maybe Lawn Hill if it chugs along alright.

The wee beastie is a '95 300tdi, manual with 160k on the clock and has had regular oil changes but is due for a new cam belt. I've ordered locally a timing belt kit, aircon & drive belts and 2X radiator & thermo bypass hoses with oil & fuel filters to take with me, with one recommendation to use Penrite HPR Diesel 15W-50 semi syn oil and HD AFAB Coolant. Any recommendations on engine oil and coolants appreciated. My thinking was to do the basics before any more miles, but I don't know the Disco1 service intervals yet as I haven't seen the service books!

1) Help appreciated with finding a good mechanic with Land Rover/Discovery experience at reasonable rates around Port Macquarie way or up the east coast from there.

2) What's the recommended service intervals on gearbox, transfer box, diffs etc, and what oils are recommended to use here? What needs greasing on a regular basis?

I'll be bringing the grease gun along with the tool box, fridge - and my wife...

Also looking for a 2nd hand cargo cage to suit and a retractable awning along the east coast ... suggestions appreciated!

Cheers

RBDisco1

[Discomark]

Some good instructions on the timing belt here, but i'd get that done asap if its due.
http://www.aulro.com/afvb/good-oil/41849-300tdi-timing-belt.html
Also make sure you use the solid lipped cast crank gear if replacing this as the spot welded ones have been known to come apart. Another thing is to make sure the mechanic is aware of the revised belt tension (11nm).
There was a list of Landrover recommended workshops nationwide on here somewhere, I'll dig through some old post later on and see if I can find it.
You may also want to consider fitting an engine guard temp monitor as the temp standard guages are pretty useless and you won't get much of a warning if the head gasket goes etc. I have similar mileage on mine and still on the original head gasket but many change them out at between 200-300k as a precaution.

Edit: Heres that thread with recommended mechanics http://www.aulro.com/afvb/technical-chatter/155110-help-land-rover-owners-when-travelling-australia.html
I think they only have the main dealer in Port Mac so you may be better off in Coff's.
Cheers
Mark

[RBDisco1]

Hi Mark,
Thanks for the heads up on cam belt and servicing, have decided to drive up to Redcliffe and booked it in to MR Automotive and get them to go over it before heading up to Lawn Hill in FNQ in the western corner to Lawn Hill, the real Garden of Eden for a break, many thanks for the heads up on servicing/cambelts pointers.
Cheers Rolf

[pteropus]

Hi RBDisco1

If you don't want to travel as far as Redcliffe I can recommend Anthony at Coffs Habour 4WD Centre, great mechanic, reasonable rates. Lives & breathes Land Rovers

Cheers Greg