Hi from Sudan! (Help also needed)

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MasonMarxx

New Member
Posts
13
Hi!

My name is Joe, I'm from the UK but currently living out in Khartoum.

I bought a 2006 model Land Rover Defender Pickup to get me around the place here, but recently it seems to be breaking down more than anything.

First issue is, there are no official "mechanics" here, it's more a "bodge something on and that should work for a while" odd-job man.

Anyways, most important issue is, this morning, my Landy wouldn't start. It's a 2.5 TDi and I did what I normally do, switching the keys to warm the plugs up whilst opening gates etc., came back and tried starting it. I was received with a single "tick" which I later found was coming from the right back side of the engine compartment (if you are looking at the truck straight on). The battery was replaced not even 2 months ago, there are a few issues with electrics at the moment, they seem to come and go but I believe that to be the dodgy "fix-em-up" by the dodgy "mechanics" as I earlier mentioned (they removed the light switch and replaced it with a knob that you pull out and push in instead of pushing away and pushing towards you).

A few days ago I noticed upon starting the car, the engine would make a funny whine which I couldn't quite locate. It stopped shortly after but if I ever went over a big bump, it would start again. Sounded like a whistle/whine sound?

Oh and not to mention, handbrake cable snapped last Friday.

I LOVE this car, first Land Rover I have had, but the issues with poor mechanics and my own general lack of knowledge is causing me to despair a bit! Any help would be greatly received!
 
Hi!

My name is Joe, I'm from the UK but currently living out in Khartoum.

I bought a 2006 model Land Rover Defender Pickup to get me around the place here, but recently it seems to be breaking down more than anything.

First issue is, there are no official "mechanics" here, it's more a "bodge something on and that should work for a while" odd-job man.

Anyways, most important issue is, this morning, my Landy wouldn't start. It's a 2.5 TDi and I did what I normally do, switching the keys to warm the plugs up whilst opening gates etc., came back and tried starting it. I was received with a single "tick" which I later found was coming from the right back side of the engine compartment (if you are looking at the truck straight on). The battery was replaced not even 2 months ago, there are a few issues with electrics at the moment, they seem to come and go but I believe that to be the dodgy "fix-em-up" by the dodgy "mechanics" as I earlier mentioned (they removed the light switch and replaced it with a knob that you pull out and push in instead of pushing away and pushing towards you).

A few days ago I noticed upon starting the car, the engine would make a funny whine which I couldn't quite locate. It stopped shortly after but if I ever went over a big bump, it would start again. Sounded like a whistle/whine sound?

Oh and not to mention, handbrake cable snapped last Friday.

I LOVE this car, first Land Rover I have had, but the issues with poor mechanics and my own general lack of knowledge is causing me to despair a bit! Any help would be greatly received!

James Martin might be able to offer some advice, he's really savvy on engines might be worth a pm to him!
Welcome to the forum!
And brace yourself ;)
 
Hi thanks for that! Who is James Martin though?

I notice you're from Windsor too? I'm from a little down the way in Henley :)
 
See... I have no idea. Apparently I have a Nissan Patrol front fender on the car, I know it's definitely not a LR one...
 
Hi thanks for that! Who is James Martin though?

I notice you're from Windsor too? I'm from a little down the way in Henley :)

He's one of the forum members, very good with engines!
I would imagine you have a td5
Have you the log book should tell you the engine type on that, unless it has been swapped out?
Henley is very nice :)
 
It sounds like a grounding to the frame issue.

Check that the negative lead from the battery is not corroded or broken.

Also, check that a grounding lead connects to the starter motor... often on a Land Rover its in the form of a shield to protect the starter from rocks but a poor mechanic might just throw it away causing intermittent starting problems.

Good luck.
 
Hi!

My name is Joe, I'm from the UK but currently living out in Khartoum.

I bought a 2006 model Land Rover Defender Pickup to get me around the place here, but recently it seems to be breaking down more than anything.

First issue is, there are no official "mechanics" here, it's more a "bodge something on and that should work for a while" odd-job man.

Anyways, most important issue is, this morning, my Landy wouldn't start. It's a 2.5 TDi and I did what I normally do, switching the keys to warm the plugs up whilst opening gates etc., came back and tried starting it. I was received with a single "tick" which I later found was coming from the right back side of the engine compartment (if you are looking at the truck straight on). The battery was replaced not even 2 months ago, there are a few issues with electrics at the moment, they seem to come and go but I believe that to be the dodgy "fix-em-up" by the dodgy "mechanics" as I earlier mentioned (they removed the light switch and replaced it with a knob that you pull out and push in instead of pushing away and pushing towards you).

A few days ago I noticed upon starting the car, the engine would make a funny whine which I couldn't quite locate. It stopped shortly after but if I ever went over a big bump, it would start again. Sounded like a whistle/whine sound?

Oh and not to mention, handbrake cable snapped last Friday.

I LOVE this car, first Land Rover I have had, but the issues with poor mechanics and my own general lack of knowledge is causing me to despair a bit! Any help would be greatly received!

apart frpm earths that can be proved or eliminated by using jump leads as extra earths from battery to engine or transmission , body ,chassis eng/transmission all need to be earthed ,seperate to starter isnt necessary as starter will earth from an earth point on transfer box ,but whine could be starter gear sticking on ,its engaged by solenoid might be reason why solonoid doesnt allways fully close contacts and you get click as solenoid ,worth trying another starter or removing yours and testing starter in vice
 
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The car was picked up today and returned later. They found it was the starter motor as you mentioned jamesmartin. Unfortunately they couldn't replace the handbrake cable as they won't be delivered for another 3 days, but I'll see how it sounds tomorrow morning when starting it from cold.

Thanks a lot for the advice, it's given me a lot of useful insight into the Landy! I'll definitely be sticking around, maybe to oggle over the hundred of Defender pictures :D
 
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