My torn Defender update

JamesH · 8th March 2006, 12:14 PM

Well it's been measured up and there is a small twist and shove in the chassis but very minor and the guy said they can put it on the rack and stretch it back in no time. $200 or less. Maybe the floor is damaged but again it could only be minor and they can sort that as well.

It has been trucked to my mechanic who is removing the engine and all the bits to clear the way to the firewall.

The mechanic and I talk on the phone and he gives me the "well it's done 150 000km we've got the engine out, it's a wonderful time to recondition the radiator, replace some of the clutch bits and bobs at $450 for the kit, we'll do a few seals..." talk.

Eek. Now I know you guys will skoff at the idea of replacing clutch parts etc that have not actually gone yet but the idea resonates with me for the following reason:

Last year on a rough and hilly track my mate lost his clutch - the fork thingy gave way between Mt Augustus and Parapurdoo. 260kms on hilly corrugated station roads doing clutchless changes.

Mine is now the same kms (but realistically less worn - his is a farm truck crawling around all day everyday) but we were bloody lucky to find a mechanic who could do the job straightaway in Para and it so happened his daughter was flying up to join him and could bring the parts the next day. It could have been the end of his trip but he was back on the road in 72 hours. It is doubtfull I would be so lucky next time.

Dunno what to think. I told him to take a look at everything while the engine is out and we'd discuss it. I'm going for a bath anyway, might as well take a double dose and get it fully sorted. That's the way my mind works. I'm buggered if I am doing a good few grand and having nothing to show for it - as it is I'm thinking "Stuffit, I'm buying myself an Engel"

**p38arover** · 8th March 2006, 12:30 PM

Replace the clutch, release bearing and fork. Before the fork goes in, reinforce it with a plate welded across the back. That stops the ball from punching through and leaving you with no clutch.

Ron

JamesH · 8th March 2006, 01:22 PM

Yeah Ron that's exactly what happened to my mate out the back of Para.

I like the reinforcing idea and will mention it to the mechanic. Do you know of it being done much? Is it a well known tweeK?

J

**p38arover** · 8th March 2006, 01:27 PM

Originally posted by JamesH
I like the reinforcing idea and will mention it to the mechanic. Do you know of it being done much? Is it a well known tweeK?

I've seen it done at my local LR mechanics. If I remember correctly, the back of the ball socket sits about level with the sides of the fork so a plate welded across the back will support the socket and prevent punch through even if the socket wears out.

Ron

JamesH · 8th March 2006, 01:33 PM

thanks very much for that advice Ron. That is a good bit of information to take to my mechanic.

cheers

J

**Frenchie** · 22nd March 2006, 05:39 PM

Hey James,

how are the repairs going?

BTW

Originally posted by JamesH

"well it's done 150 000km

I've nearly caught up - 135,000km! 8O

JamesH · 22nd March 2006, 06:40 PM

Sigh.

I am restricting myself to calling and nagging every Friday. It is at the mechanic and has been for two weeks to have the engine and all the bits removed for the new firewall. Last wek nothing much had been done as he had ordered the parts and panels and was waiting for them.

Why this meant he could do nothing is beyond me because surely he can do his job send it back to the panel beater and they can start work on the chassis.

My positive spin is that at least with the engine still in the vehicle it is not sitting in a corner of the mechanics having bits stolen off it by apprentices to repair other vehicles 8O

I'm also looking at the price of diesel and thinking of all the money I'm saving.

Apart from that it is all depressing and I think I'll be lucky to see it before my trip up north in July.

God I wish I hadn't pranged it on that rock.

Sith · 22nd March 2006, 06:46 PM

James don't know who your mechanic is , but for Land Rover parts inc motors and panels ect ectect ring Peter at WEST COAST ROVER in Cannington :wink:

Even his injectors are 1/2 the price anywhere else .

With your clutch there is a guy in Osborne Park -will dig out his card- who specializes in building up Rover clutches and pressure plates ....great job and very heavy duty cheap too 8) 8)

hth

JamesH · 22nd March 2006, 06:58 PM

thanks Sith. I'd be interested in the details of this clutch build up. Ive seen a fork that has given way it it is as weak as pi$$.

The panels are second hand ones being sourced from the east i think - I hope they are here by now or will be when I call on Friday or maybe tomorrow...

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