Depressing news from the garage - What to do?

its cheaper to fix than replace

Dr_evil said:

Chr1s PM inbound got some half decent news for you at least regarding an engine and box if you don't mind going to a 200tdi and lt77

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Thank Doc, very tempting but after 3 months of completely rebuilding the engine, the one thing that I am certain of is that the original engine is staying put!


P.s. I haven't received a PM..?

shouldnt need nu engine, but changing box would be easier than fixing. rest is fairly easy in a field .

chillout, it's not that bad honestly.

if you rebuilt the engine then this stuff is pretty basic! (i'm not sure about the gearbox seal though, jm for that )

As A cake whore I'm sure some things can be fixed

As has been said none of the jobs are overwhelming or life threatening. I have had the gearbox/transfer leak for over 18months. I know with mine, that it's the gearbox oilpump ORing that's fubarred. It'll get done eventually. Until then I'll just keep topping up the gearbox. If the gearbox truely is fooked then a recon one is the simplest option (if a little Pricey) DON'T get an Ashcroft unit..

Pikey said:

As has been said none of the jobs are overwhelming or life threatening. I have had the gearbox/transfer leak for over 18months. I know with mine, that it's the gearbox oilpump ORing that's fubarred. It'll get done eventually. Until then I'll just keep topping up the gearbox. If the gearbox truely is fooked then a recon one is the simplest option (if a little Pricey) DON'T get an Ashcroft unit..

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That's interesting... I've always heard good things about Ashcrofts..? Good but pricey?

Bring it to B&W show and let a few peeps crawl under it at worst you'll have confirmation/2nd opinions. that it's true;y fooked. At best you'll be told that "it's not that bad really"

The Mad Hat Man said:

shouldnt need nu engine, but changing box would be easier than fixing. rest is fairly easy in a field .

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I was just about to bite the bullet and ask the question, but remembered that it's not MOTd so I couldn't get it to B&W even if I managed to patch the leaks for the 1 1/2 hour drive.

Balls!

Chr1s said:

That's interesting... I've always heard good things about Ashcrofts..? Good but pricey?

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In the past maybe. Not anymore. Lack of longevity seems to be the major problem. along with poor customer service when dealing with complaints.


I was advised to use Whitehouse, in the Midlands. As he takes his time and does a thorough job. whereas Ashcrofts average rebuild on a Transfer box is about an hr. and most of that is spent cleaning the outside.. Or funnily enough Someone not off LZ recommended JM's place for a gearbox??

My last R380 was an AW recon, they're in Coventry I think

What does it need doing for the MOT? Oil leaks aren't usually MOT fail points (unless they're really bad). I suspect the bushes would be, but they're not terribly dear. Corroded brake pipe would usually be an advisory, unless it's actually leaking.

Brown said:

What does it need doing for the MOT? Oil leaks aren't usually MOT fail points (unless they're really bad). I suspect the bushes would be, but they're not terribly dear. Corroded brake pipe would usually be an advisory, unless it's actually leaking.

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Bell housing oil leak is definitely a failure, because of the seriousness of the leak.

So:

T Seals
Clutch Master Cylinder (again!)
Brake line
Suspension bushes


Doesn't seem so bad when it's listed like that.

btw, did you do the rear crank seal when it was out?

trax said:

btw, did you do the rear crank seal when it was out?

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Yes. I even spent a bit more for one from Turners, so I'm hopeful that that's ok!

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/STC500100-CLUTCH-MASTER-CYLINDER-LANDROVER-DEFENDER-SERIES-3-/320879927061?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item4ab5ef1f15

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Land-Rover-Brake-Pipe-Rear-RH-NRC7905-Defender-HA901219-/281111075484?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&fits=Model%3ADefender&hash=item4173869a9c

Land Rover Defender Trailing Arm to Chassis Bush x2 NTC9027 | eBay

Chr1s said:

Bell housing oil leak is definitely a failure, because of the seriousness of the leak.

So:

T Seals
Clutch Master Cylinder (again!)
Brake line
Suspension bushes


Doesn't seem so bad when it's listed like that.

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So compared to rebuilding the engine, it doesn't sound insurmountable. It's not as if your brand new main bearings have welded themselves to the crankshaft. That really would be annoying.

Brown said:

So compared to rebuilding the engine, it doesn't sound insurmountable. It's not as if your brand new main bearings have welded themselves to the crankshaft. That really would be annoying.

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don't say that!

Just a thought. Does the gearbox, flywheel etc HAVE to come out before the T Seals can be replaced? I can't for the life of me remember if anything bolts into the main bearing end cap...?

Right, ok, deep breath... I think I'm going to sleep on it and assess my options in the morning.

At the moment I'm leaning towards getting the garage to do only what is necessary for the MOT and then slowly doing the rest myself, but after a busy day at work, my brain isn't engaged enough tonight!


Thanks guys! At the very least, I feel reassured that I shouldn't need to cut my losses and walk away from the money pit!