Vehicle Mechanics - Getting Started
Wednesday, November 26th, 2008
We have finally found a mechanic who we think will be able to help us learn more about our vehicle. Our vehicle is now with him (Roger) for MOT and replacement fuel pump. Coupled with the help of a fellow ’sometime in the future’ traveller Richard Allen who has been providing tips, here is an initial list of areas we want to cover though at least knowing how to service the vehicle properly would be a start:
1. Review vehicle history to determine work to date to determine what’s been done - what may need doing
2. Review of the current problem we have asked to get fixed (could not get vehicle above 55mph) which is now resolved (tear and replacement fuel pump and filter upgraded) - i.e. Teach us how to identify and fix the problem (if appropriate) ourselves in the future with views of why occurred in the first place.
3. How to get a wheel off and back on and best tools to use (shovel, hi-lift jack, other), including the locknuts. How to perform safely and what NOT to do (risk avoidance)
4. How to check brake pad thickness - whether to replace and how
5. Where the drain and filler plugs are for the axles, gearbox and transfer box. Where are the grease nipples are for the prop shaft universal joints? Do we need to be concerned about these?
6. How to check oil level , brake fluid level, clutch fluid level, coolant level, washer fluid level, How to service the vehicle generally - what to service - when to service - are there different types of service checks to make at different times. Standard service sheets available we could use as a guide? What about lubricants and torque settings?
7. How to check for engine belt condition and tension
8. Where and how to locate fuel, oil and air filters - how many spares, frequency of change
9. Identifying tyre wear patterns, particularly wear down the centre of the tyre showing too high an inflation pressure, wear down the sides showing to low pressure, and wear on one side showing that the wheels need the tracking sorted. Max wheel air required for vehicle.
10. Suspension - how to recognise if a shock absorber (aka damper) has gone and if a spring needs replacing
11. Water pump/s - do we need to be concerned about?
12. Waxoyling the vehicle - when to do it, what to look for and why. How to identify rust issues etc. Is this area better placed with professionals rather than ourselves?
13. Where to buy genuine LR spares. We have a list already but would be good to gain others views
14. Which two Land Rover systems have a universal joint in them ? A test for us to determine.
15. If you want to check the engine coolant level after running the engine what MUST you do before taking the coolant tank cap off ? Another test for us
16. Where are your spare fuses ? A test
17. What is a hi-lift jack for ? How to use it safely? We know what it is and what used for but would like to find out more
18. Electric winch fitting
19. Air Filter filtting (snorkel) - and other protection for engine if meeting lots of dirt and grit along route.
20. Under arch fuel storage tanks - to cope with long range and fuel emptying risks at borders (or dirty fuel - how to identify dirty fuel)
21. Split charge system/s - options available and considerations
22. Typical spares list to consider/bring along for expedition purposes (bearing in mind we will be ‘on-road’ rather than ‘off-road’ most of the time).
We anticipate doing some hands-on training with the help of mechanic so watch this space to see how we get on. Meantime, if anyone has anymore useful tips for us to learn from a ‘getting started’ aspect, please contact us.
Will let you know how we get on!
