Not exactly a trouble free trip

[JDNSW]

On Wednesday I drove the 110 to Yass for a birthday surprise for my grandson. Worked OK, except around Molong I became aware that the alternator had decided to quit for the day. A quick look under the bonnet confirmed the fanbelt is not broken. So an executive decision was made to finish the trip without stopping the engine, turning the headlights off. By the time I got there the radio stopped every time I used the brakes or the blinkers. But the advantage of the Isuzu is it does not need a battery once it is going. (I was uncertain whether there was enough life left in the battery to stop it, but it can be manually stopped)

Carefully parked at my son's place to be in reach of a power point for his battery charger. Put it on charge overnight (trickle charger). Arranged the next day to take it to the mechanic that has worked on it before in Murrumbateman. Started OK the next morning, and drove there. Next day he calls me - can't find parts. We arranged for him to get the auto electrician (who used to be in partnership with him) who last worked on this alternator, to help. But he was away for the weekend, and I needed to get back here by Sunday to prepare for a minor operation on Wednesday.

So I left the 110 there, and borrowed my grandaughter's D2. Her sister will bring the 110 back, hopefully in a fortnight to bring the youngest here for the school holidays, and take the D2 back.

I had a very quiet trip back - the radio is not working, for reasons I won't go into here. But there was little traffic and all of it was well behaved, and, apart from the radio, no issues with the D2.

[p38arover]

KLR do an alternator for the Perentie that can be adapted to the County 4BD1.

[JDNSW]

I suspected they do something like this, and we may have to go there. I don't suppose you know what the adaptation is?

But last time it was the (external) regulator, and he replaced it with a solid state one. And I suspect it has now failed. So the same could be done again.

[RANDLOVER]

D1's also can run with no battery IIRC all one has to do us remove the fuel solenoid plunger on the Tdi's, of course this also applies to Defenders, Counties, S III's or whatever they called them in those years.

This is probably part of the reason Nene Overland used to convert D2's to Tdi's called a ''Sahara''.

[p38arover]

I suspected they do something like this, and we may have to go there. I don't suppose you know what the adaptation is?

But last time it was the (external) regulator, and he replaced it with a solid state one. And I suspect it has now failed. So the same could be done again.

Alternator, 4BD1 70 Amp - 8941754481 (https://klr.com.au/land-rover/perentie-and-110/perentie-4x4/spares-and-parts/engine-and-drivetrain/engine-electrical/alternator-4bd1-70-amp/)


Direct fit replacement for the Hitachi alternator fitted to the 4x4 and 6x6 Perenties. 70 amp output (same as the Hitachi). Includes new high capacity vacuum pump. Uses the same fan belt 1136712161. May fit 110 County with some modification to the alternator bracket (you will also need to remove the external regulator and modify the wiring to suit this alternator)

I assume this one has an internal regulator.

[one_iota]

D1's also can run with no battery IIRC all one has to do us remove the fuel solenoid plunger on the Tdi's, of course this also applies to Defenders, Counties, S III's or whatever they called them in those years.

This is probably part of the reason Nene Overland used to convert D2's to Tdi's called a ''Sahara''.

I drove back from the Barrington Tops to Sydney, 350 km in my '95 Tdi Disco after the alternator failed. I got home just before darkness required headlights.

[TonyC]

I drove back from the Barrington Tops to Sydney, 350 km in my '95 Tdi Disco after the alternator failed. I got home just before darkness required headlights.

Both the failed 300Tdi alternators I've had were a failure of the rear bearing, the first seized the alternator solid and gave the Defender it's only tow truck ride, the second sounded like it was not far off seizing.

Tony

[scarry]

On a return trip,early 1974, from Coomboo lake camp on Fraser island to Brisbane,the S1,fully loaded,with trailer in tow,had a generator that was not charging.
Jump started it on Gordens barge,that was the only time it was shut down on the trip,of around 280Km.

Very wet and windy,as cyclone Wanda was hanging around,having just crossed the coast.In fact we were very lucky to get back home through the flood waters.

[JDNSW]

My County was taken initially to a mechanic in Murrumbateman, he concluded it was the alternator, but said he is not an auto electrician, and fitted a new battery, which I knew was needed. He did do a service however. A week ago my oldest granddaughter drove it to Yass, and by arrangement to an auto electrician there.

I came down for her birthday today, and called in on them to see if they had got anywhere (I had talked to them on the phone). They said they tried to phone me today (obviously I was not at my phone). The news was it is finished, and works. $506 to rebuild the alternator. JB Auto in Yass, is recommended.

I was told that they don't usually do this, but could not get a direct replacement, and found they had the needed parts on hand - inherited from the now retired founder of the company in a box of "bits".

So I expect to be driving home in my own car on Friday.

All good!

[JDNSW]

I drove home on Friday. No issues on the trip, except -



Its a lot noisier than the D2 I have been driving in the interim
My radio presets have gone
I think the mechanic who did the service put too much air in the tyres -usually going between the two cars I am struck by the County having a better ride, but not this time. I have yet to check the pressures
I found the County easier to drive than the D2 - much better all round vision (especially the rear quarter, important getting out of nose in angle parking, you can see the corners and the front, makes parking a lot easier, and probably helps that the County is a little narrower.
The heater works on the D2, but not really on the County (I think most of the water tubes in the heater core must be blocked - not that it has ever been great.)


It is hardly surprising the alternator needed overhauling - the car has now done over 717,000km.

[DieselLSE]

... the car has now done over 717,000km.
Aah! Ready for its first service then.

[JDNSW]

The County is not perfect. But it (usually) gets me there and back, I can be fairly certain it will get me there and back, it will pull my big trailer, I am familiar with it, having driven it as a main vehicle for over thirty years, it can comfortably do well over a 1000km without refueling, and most parts are available (and comparatively cheap), although, as this alternator problem showed, it is getting a bit difficult for some bits.

The ground clearance is sufficient that I can get under it for service or repairs without a hoist. It will mostly get through no matter how bad the road, if any road vehicle can. I find the driving position and seats comfortable, and there is plenty of room for gear. Admittedly the heating barely works and the airconditioning doesn't - but the ventilation works. I can be pretty certain that if a hit a roo (over the years I average about one a year) the car will still be driveable and mostly not require repairs.

It needs a bit of work doing on it, but what could I possibly replace it with that meets my needs? And even if something exists, how could I possibly afford it? Unexpected events aside, I suspect I am going to be driving it for the rest of my driving career.