Plymouth Banjul Challange - Discovery 200 tdi spares

[karlmac]

I am planning to drive to Banjul in Africa in December in the Plymouth Banjul challenge (http://www.plymouth-dakar.co.uk/)

I have bought a 1991 LHD Land Rover Discovery 200 tdi to take part in the challenge. The car will be sold by the event organisers once we reach Banjul and the proceeds will go to local good causes.

I have not owned a Land Rover before and would be grateful if any members who are familiar with the 200 tdi could recommend a list of critical spares which would be advisable to take.

The car seems to be in mechanically good condition, but I am currently undertaking a welding marathon after today's MOT failure. Sills, rear boot floor, seat belt mounts, seat mounts, rear cross member, etc.

Thank you in advance for your help

Karl

P.S Has anybody in the Macclesfield area got a spare wheel & tyre they would be willing to donate?

[bvudzichena]

Start by replacing the timing belt.

Next replace the gearbox output shaft.

Carry a spare fan belt and a spare set of wheel bearings.

[jkelly]

Having done similar events in similar parts of the world before, i'd agree about the timing belt.

I wouldnt bother about the output shaft unless yours is obviously knackered.

I would carry a set of belts but Id change the wheel bearings before you go as well as give it a complete service (you were going to do that anyway weren't you?!). Id also be taking off each prop and checking the 4 ujs. Replace if warn and take a couple with you.

Apart from that, have a good time. Once you get below spain if you need any parts there will be a little man on every corner with LR parts!

Generally, dont be afraid to let them work on your old motor - some of them are excellent.



One other thing... From experience in that part of the world, Id be buying 2 or 3 different maps of the same area. I think it was one of the IGN maps we used that was 5 degrees out - not much use for determining way points for the gps!

If you lower the tyre pressures for the beach and sandy sections, make sure you can pump them back up. We got through 2 or 3 of those crappy electric compressors you get for 20p in the petrol stations, but even thouse are better than a foot pump when you have to re-inflate 4 x 235x85's!!

Most of all have fun.

[karlmac]

Many, thanks for that. (By heck your up early!)

Gearbox output shaft, I would never have thought to look at that I will look up what is involved.

Any body else anything to add to the list?

[karlmac]

Cheers Jon.

I agree with you good prep before going is probably the way forward. I would much rather fix things here where I have access to a well equipped garage, rather than in the middle of nowhere.

I have got to limit my spend though as I am going to give this car away at the end.

[karlmac]

Here are some pictures of our stead by the way...

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Disco_1.jpg

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Disco_2.jpg

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Disco_3.jpg

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Disco_4.jpg


She is a lot rusty than she looks. I did something I have never done before and bought this car blind. I had been looking for a left hand drive for 4 months and this was the first to come up at sensible money.

The car is originally from Saudi.

[bvudzichena]

If you're planning on going back to Africa at a later stage, get a Garmin with Tracks4Africa (http://www.tracks4africa.com/).

[Snagger]

For my trip around the Alps (200Tdi powered 109), I carried:

Spare bulbs and fuses (full set);
Relays;
Assortment of wire and terminals;
Fan belt;
Timing belt (fitted one was recent too);
Valve push rods;
Head gasket;
Assortment of water, fuel and air hoses and their fittings/joiners;
Full set of filters;
2 prop UJs;
2 complete wheel bearing kits;
Rolls of tape (duct and electrical);
Instant gasket, super-glue, thread lock, rad-weld;
Damper bushes;
Spare wheel nuts (very important).

I also carried a full set of lubricants (some used for top ups) and my grease gun for the UJs (used twice).

I wish I had taken a spare brake light switch - they fail often, and now I have two spares in my tool box. You may also want to consider a spare alternator, given how far and where you're going, and a PAS belt.

[toppa]

coolant hoses? one of them goes and your dead in the water, exscuse the pun.

Also worth checking the injector pipes, if they appear to be a tad corroded, then maybe worth replacing, not expensive adn again if one splits, your dead in the water......


Cheers

[bvudzichena]

I almost forgot the most important thing.

Duck Tape.

Back in 2003 I drive a 200DTi Defender nearly 600km with a radiator top hose that we'd sealed up with Duck Tape, strips of inner tube and inner tube patch and solution.

Marc Lurie knows how to make a 200TDi head gasket out of cardboard and shellack and also knows how to drive 450km to the nearest workshop with said head gasket :D

[jkelly]

Handful of dried donkey poo, few spoonfuls of coffe and a little soap ground together and dropped in the radiator will also seal the hole.

If you have to use this method, remove the spring from the rad cap as well so you arent running a pressurised system...

I didnt learn that from a Haynes manual!!

[bvudzichena]

Jon,

I've heard a raw egg poured into the radiator will also work. Never tried it though.

[jkelly]

Jon,

I've heard a raw egg poured into the radiator will also work. Never tried it though.

Ive heard it too, but likewise never tried it.

[mmgemini]

Jon,

I've heard a raw egg poured into the radiator will also work. Never tried it though.

Only the yoke....Mind you I shot the lot in.

[karlmac]

Many thanks for all your suggestions. That's quite a list of spares in total!

Rad weld sounds like the way forward for fixing leaks. I think I'll keep the eggs for breakfast.:D


(I am still welding! Wow these things rot.)

[mmgemini]

Many thanks for all your suggestions. That's quite a list of spares in total!

Rad weld sounds like the way forward for fixing leaks. I think I'll keep the eggs for breakfast.:D


(I am still welding! Wow these things rot.)
Wynns Stop leak is a lot better than Radweld.

Why change the wheel bearings Jon. I'm still using the same set that came on my Defender.
As long as the bearings are fine when checked new grease has always done the job for me. I must admit my wheel bearings are checked every 6,000 miles or six months.

[karlmac]

The car past the MOT on the wheel bearings and there is no obvious rumble when driving. But I definitely have these in my sights now and will take at least one spare (are they the same on front and rear wheels?)

I am planning to run the car here on and off until I go on the 26th Dec so hopefully that will pick up any weak spots.

I need an MOT first though.

RUST :bigun2:

[jkelly]

The only reason I suggested changing them before the off is on the basis that its better to be proactive than reactive... If the vehicle hasnt been that well looked after chances are they are original. Further its much easier to do them in the comfort of your garage than on the roadside!

Im aware that cost is an issue given the final destination of the car... but its got to get there first! I also know there are some car killer sections of road between here and there!

Of course, if you check them and they are sound - just take a couple with you, same thing with UJs. Apart from that, a good service and your away. Get any other parts you may need along the way.


By the way Mike, I thought you were still on holiday!?!?

[mmgemini]

Well yes and no.
Drying out now.
We're in Woking at my daughters....Holiday ?? :D :D :D Seeing the grandchildren.......

Ask me about taper roller bearings at Peterbrough :eek:

[treeman]

Never heard of this!!!! ever

[karlmac]

Never heard of this!!!! ever

I assume you are talking about the rally. It has been going about 5 years, it is fairly mainstream and has been covered by the BBC

http://www.bbc.co.uk/insideout/west/series9/week_four.shtml

Also there is info on Wikipediea, countless videos on Youtube. I have not done it myself before and had to spend a damn site more than £100 to find a LHD car (why do these fetch a premium now they used to be worthless).

[kevinrbeech]

Hi,
Personally, given my "one bad experience" I would take a spare water pump, I didn't because mine was a genuine LR one and only 5 months old, but it failed 1500 miles from home.
I replaced the said pump with a Britpart one and tha has done the same trip twice and about 50,000 miles. I still carry the replacement (warranty) pump on long journeys.
Kevin

[jkelly]

Not bad advice re water pump... I know an old volvo that was otherwise sound that had to be left in Mali because its water pump failed and a replacement could not be sourced...

Seemingly the Swedes dont export many cars to Mali!

[karlmac]

Dear all,

Many thanks for your advice. So here is my list based on your combined experience.

Preparation


* Full Service
* Replace timing belt
* Check gearbox output shaft replace if worn
* Check & grease all prop universal joints
* Check injector pipes for rust
* Check & grease all wheel bearings

Spares to take

* Water Pump
* Fan belt, power steering belt, & air con belt
* 2 Wheel bearing kits
* Prop universal joints
* Spare bulbs and fuses (full set)
* Relays
* Assortment of wire and terminals
* Timing belt (fitted one was recent too)
* Valve push rods
* Head gasket
* Assortment of water, fuel and air hoses and their fittings/joiners
* Full set of filters
* Rolls of tape (duct and electrical)
* Instant gasket, super-glue, thread lock, rad-weld
* Damper bushes
* Spare wheel nuts (very important)
* Full set of lubricants
* Brake light switch
* Spare alternator
* Wynns Stop leak
* Water Pump

That is a fair list !

First things first I still need to get that MOT. I am now up to about 40 hours of disassembling, cutting and welding. I seem to have brushed up half the car with a dust pan & brush and put it in the bin.

After this amount of work I am kind of loathed to give it away but such is life. :rolleyes:

[mmgemini]

That isa good list.
Add a few things. Two rockers, I carry a complete shaft with rockers. A set of top hats for the vaves, we broke one and didn't have any.

Wheel nuts you already have. Screw a couple of wheel studs into the nuts. Studs are easily got second hand.

You've got a head gasket. Get one if not two head dowells, I took mine out in three pieces. That was the part the dealer didn't have.

Nuts and screws. You can cut a screw to fit where the bolt was. You can't do that with a bolt unles you're carrying taps and dies. :D

I take it you've seen my complete list ?

[jkelly]

Personally Id only take 1 spare water pump - you have 2 on the list!!

Also, dont think Id go to the expense of a spare alternator or bother with push rods or a brake light switch.

The other thing to remember is that your not going to an isolated part of the world with no service... You'll see hundreds of native Landy's en-route and many places have cars to aquire bits from or buy new. The main bits you need to carry are those spares that are specific to a Disco.

Dont forget you are only doing a few thousand miles and you are giving it away /selling it at the end... plus you need to think what your going to do with all your tools to fit said parts - are they coming home on the plane or leaving them with the car?

Preparation is still the key ingredient to a successful trip.

Regards,
Jon



Dear all,

Many thanks for your advice. So here is my list based on your combined experience.

Preparation


* Full Service
* Replace timing belt
* Check gearbox output shaft replace if worn
* Check & grease all prop universal joints
* Check injector pipes for rust
* Check & grease all wheel bearings

Spares to take

* Water Pump
* Fan belt, power steering belt, & air con belt
* 2 Wheel bearing kits
* Prop universal joints
* Spare bulbs and fuses (full set)
* Relays
* Assortment of wire and terminals
* Timing belt (fitted one was recent too)
* Valve push rods
* Head gasket
* Assortment of water, fuel and air hoses and their fittings/joiners
* Full set of filters
* Rolls of tape (duct and electrical)
* Instant gasket, super-glue, thread lock, rad-weld
* Damper bushes
* Spare wheel nuts (very important)
* Full set of lubricants
* Brake light switch
* Spare alternator
* Wynns Stop leak
* Water Pump

That is a fair list !

First things first I still need to get that MOT. I am now up to about 40 hours of disassembling, cutting and welding. I seem to have brushed up half the car with a dust pan & brush and put it in the bin.

After this amount of work I am kind of loathed to give it away but such is life. :rolleyes:

[wylie_eyed]

I was very tempted to do this rally in the early days when it was still plymouth to dakar and the LHD rule hadn't come into force so fair play to you especially doing it in a Disco(looks nice by the way). As everyone has said make sure you do a thorough service before you go and may i advise a longish run over varied roads a couple of weeks before you go as this will help shake things down and highlight any problems after said service. I did a banger rally last year in an old audi and the prep was worth it's weight in gold. further to the radweld topic an old mechanic i knew swore by the use of soap to stop rad leaks and took a few guitar strings as well, allegedly these are very strong and of course heat resistant unlike tie wraps.

just my contribution

:)

[P00DLE]

Ive heard it too, but likewise never tried it.

ground ginger is a favourite of ours it works very well.

[karlmac]

Almost time for us to depart, we are just in the middle of changing the cambelt at the moment.

I thought that you might like a few photos >

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Disco_01.jpg

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Disco_04.jpg

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Disco_16.jpg

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Disco_19.jpg

[jkelly]

Im sure you'll have a great time.

Watch out for the land mines in no-man's land!!

[karlmac]

Dear All,

I thought that I would report back on our trip. Shortly before departing I discovered that the engine block had a crack in it :(. I suspect that this is due to the previous owner not putting any antifreeze in it. I tried various potions such as Wonderweld and Bars leaks but nothing seemed to seal the crack so we just kept putting water in it (about 1 pint per tank of fuel). We did not make it all the way to the Gambia due to the coup in Mauritania so in the end drove to Agadir, Erg Chebbi, and back again.

Other than the water leak, and loosing a rear bump stop there were no problems with the car.

Here are a few pictures from the trip.

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/disco_crossing%20_pass_to_Merzouga.jpg
Moutain pass on the way to Merzouga

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/disco_stuck_at_erg_chebbi_3.jpg
Stuck in Erg Chebi

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/tourist_camp_near_mhamid.jpg
Tourist camp near Mhamid

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/tiz_n_test_3.jpg
Top of the Tiz n Test pass. Also video here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I71ynZ9WPmk)

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/desert_camp_3.jpg
Camping in the desert West of Mhamid

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/Erg_Chebbi_1.jpg
Small village in Erg Chebbi

http://www.shareroutes.com/plymouth_banjul_challange/images/camel_near_mhamid_2.jpg
A camel