Puma Gearbox Breather

[CapeLandy]

I wanted an opinion from the experts regarding above.
After 3 weeks in the bush we noted the breather pipe on the gearbox was not refitted we assume by the dealer at clutch replacement as the remaining pipe was in the engine bay, all be it completely chaffed through from rubbing against other bits in the engine bay. The dealer has ordered the pipe but refuses to exchange the oil or even inspect for possible contamination.
We drove through powder like dust and a lot of water maybe 300 to 500mm deep.
I wanted to know what the chances are of water or dust having entered through the 150mm of remaining pipe which exits the top of the box.
Should I cut my losses and get another dealer to change the oil at my expense and keep and analyse the old oil for contamination?
You opinions appreciated.

[BilboBoggles]

I guess if you did any really deep (ie enough to submerge the gearbox - which really means I think some water inside the cab) wading then there is a small chance you could get some water into the gear box. The cold water will cause a rapid cooling of the gearbox which will in turn make the air inside cooler and which is relieved through the breather tube.

However outside of cold water immersion - there should not be a great deal of air flow through the breather so I would guess it's not likely to suck much dust in during normal operation. (for example the fuel tank breather is much further back and has a constant flow of air due to fuel usage...)

Also given that the bell housing on the Puma's has no wading plug and indeed has a couple of rather large holes on each side - I'd be more worried about having crap enter the clutch housing and destroy the clutch.

Personally - I'd take it to an independent non dealer and get them to change it. If you get a dealer to do it and they find it's water contaminated then they will note it on your warranty record. Also a independent non dealer is far more liekly to really tell you what they find when they drain it.

[CapeLandy]

Thanks for that
Good idea regarding the oil - problem is Dealer knows I intend to check the oil as I threatened to do so at my own cost when they refused to check it under warenty - if there is water, it's their fault for leaving off the breather.

I did feel inside the hole where the crank sensor is and found no sign of mud etc there. I was more concerned that the splashing effect of the tires could have thrown up water on top of the gearbox and the cooling effect like you mentiond sucked in the water.

I guess the chances are small - but for safety sake I may as well get them to change it.

[Tombie]

Thanks for that
Good idea regarding the oil - problem is Dealer knows I intend to check the oil as I threatened to do so at my own cost when they refused to check it under warenty - if there is water, it's their fault for leaving off the breather.

Whilst this is a "yes and no" situation...

Yes they should have refitted it...

But If memory serves me correctly the top of the gearbox is higher than max fording depth... So *if* you forded water high enough to get in then LR can deny the claim anyhow.
Not being a *****, just pointing out the opposing view