gemsbok

Thanks Tim, I freed up the gear at the top, got the valve to stay closed and reassembled - test drove without the EGR electrics connected, exactly as you predicted - no black smoke and a restoration of power! So then I tried with the electrics reconnected and for the time being it's still functioning normally, but of course I don't know whether the valve is actually working now or just staying shut... Thanks a lot for the help! Ruaraidh

Sounds expensive Jim, but I am worried that is the cause... Tim, thanks. When I removed the EGR it was open (and is again, just took it off now). If I open up the top cover it shuts, but it seems that the top gear that goes to the wiring is seized, and should not be fixed in position when disconnected. While that is a problem and I suppose has to be replaced, I am thinking that the main problem is in fact turbo related. Ruaraidh

Recently my 110 Puma has been producing more black smoke than power. Assuming this was an air problem I checked the filter, seems pretty okay and has not been in long. Having read elsewhere about EGR valves, I thought I should check that out. Quite fiddly to remove, but anyway the thing was indeed thickly coated in soot. I cleaned that all out with brake cleaner. Took a look at the gears at the top - the gear connected on the top of the cap, (to the wiring) does not move at all, but I assume that is normal when disconnected from everything? Put everything back together and it has made no difference. So what else should I have checked before doing all of that? Thanks Ruaraidh

Great, thanks a lot. Once I knew it was essential to take off the inner it was not so painful; though a little fiddly. As a matter of interest, how many of those plastic white jobs that hold the doors cards are expected to break when removing them? Cheers Gemsbok

Hi All, Someone broke my rear passenger door on the driver's side of the 110 TDCi defender the other day (to get at a bag with some very boring books in it)... I've got a new window and have the door cards off but can't work out how to get the window in the guides. Was I right to assume that the window in the Puma is the same as previous defenders? And if so, can any tell me how to get it in there? (I searched for this, but could not find it in the forum) Thanks a lot Gemsbok

Seems there should have been a recall on the clutch anyway. It's a pity because I've had Defenders before, but I'm starting to think twice about remote bush trips without another vehicle, which is really not the way I want to be...

To follow on from that post in December - the second vacuum pump failed and has been replaced again. There have been a range of oil leaks, some pretty dramatic. At different times each of the front door windows has dropped into the door (not dangerous and a quick job to fix yourself, but hardly what one hopes for), and now the clutch has gone (at about 40,000km). I suppose that will be another few days without it. What these issues add up to is a vehicle which, despite its capabilities when functioning properly, is not suited to working in an environment where failures like this could endanger lives. I would not consider getting another one and look forward to having an opportunity to trade it in for something else.

Are you in the UK? The Melville and Moon covers are much less expensive in SA where they are made. I have them and they are really excellent, though I had to swallow hard even paying 65% of the UK price here in Botswana. Cheers

My second vacuum pump, which was the new version, has just sprayed the engine compartment with oil. So when are they going to come up with something that does not do this every 20,000KM? Anyone know how many Pumas this is affecting? Am I just really unlucky? Cheers Ruaraidh

Aha, I've had this, only once so far. I was in a hurry to drive to Jo'burg so of course it didn't start. Got out, slammed the door and rang the dealer, got back in and it started... Hoping it won't become too common an occurrence.

I've had mine here in Botswana since April this year. I have had a number of issues that have been mentioned in other posts (PAS pump, vacuum pump and lately leaking transfer box). On the whole though, I would say that it is an improvement on earlier models (never had a Td5, did have Tdi 300s). I've done about 28,000Km in it so far. None of the failures happened out in the bush happily, as that would have probably skewed my opinion somewhat. In terms of coping with the conditions I would add that it is as capable in the bush and lets in as much dust as predecessors, maybe even more. I should not really complain about fuel consumption as the only other vehicle I considered at the time of purchase was the 70 series cruiser with a 4.2 litre, no turbo engine that drinks diesel as though it were going out of fashion

I'd noticed the same clunk getting gradually worse after the vehicle had done about 22,000 km. A couple of days ago I noticed a significant oil leak from the transfer box, so the whole thing is back at the dealer for investigation. Ruaraidh

I've had mine since early April and have done 22,000km since then, 60% on tar and 40% on dirt or off road Issues: 1) Door seals all replaced under warranty, made no difference whatsoever to the quantity of dust that comes in (hasn't rained since I've had it, but I assume there will be significant water ingress when it does). Doors not really aligned properly which is the main issue, can see daylight under one rear door, and the front passenger door whistles above 100kph 2) Hose blew off the PAS pump and destroyed the pump, replaced under warranty. 3) Vacuum pump sprayed the inside of the bonnet with oil - replaced under warranty (the 4th that the dealer here has done so far on Pumas). 4) Front brake binding on delivery, was sorted by dealer. 5) Paintwork on the roof is pretty bad - peeling in the gutters. The rest of the paint is fine. 6) Fuel consumption is 28mpg on trips between Gaborone and Maputo. Obviously a bit worse most of the time. 7) Sundry oil leaks from gear box, sump drain plug (after an oil change, now sorted) etc make a mess where I park it... I change the oil at 10,000km intervals rather than the 20,000km recommended in the book. I like the defender but am not impressed that a new car needs so much attention, I would consider a 70 series cruiser if I would not lose so much on the trade in...

Sorry to bring this one up again after several days but the dealer here is unable to find this in English and reckons the Q036 number does not exist... It would help a lot if anyone has access to an English language version. Thanks Ruaraidh

Happily I have not had that problem. I did fit a swing away spare carrier at about 4,000kms because I thought some damage could result on the rough roads here (had hoped it might help with dust too, which it didn't). Would have thought it would be a straightforward warranty job. Ruaraidh