AndrewHorsfield

Just sent back a brand new radiator because the oil cooler failed, sharing oil with the coolant system. Wish I had doubted them earlier, I might not have changed the head gasket before I realised it was the radiator!

Have you considered the fuel consumption on a V8 compared to a diesel? You might get 13mpg if you are lucky. You will probably want to convert to LPG if doing any miles.

Have you seen these guys www.safari-equip.co.uk

Another angle is to fit an engine monitor. I use Engine Watchdog (from Aussie) which monitors the engine temperature or whatever you bolt it to. I attach mine under a bolt on the thermostat housing. At least this way you know the engine temperature, even if lose the coolant or it is not moving.

I would recommend a pair of Odyssey batteries. If you go to the website you can download a spec sheet which includes external dimensions> Then a split charge system. I recommend having one with individual battery display. The T-Max one is probably one of the cheapest, with display. Worked well for several years on my disco until I sold it.

I thought the tree sliders had the extra bar on the box to push trees aside, while the box allowed you to slide over rocks

Thank you. I think I can remember one being there. I will crawl under in the daylight. I don't suppose it is any use for timing then? I have the Neilsen kit with several options of pins.

If you are struggling to find the problem, you could always try a jump lead between the negative battery and various points around the chassis and engine

Not sure. You may have the answer. Bought engine, LT77 and Transfer box as one unit.

Happy doing it this way. Mainly just wondering how unusual my flywheel housing is?

Hi all, I was surprised to find that the flywheel housing on my 200tdi engine does not have a plug underneath to remove so I can put the timing pin in. The is a plug at about 10am (looking from the front) that will take the timing pin, but this does not line up with any notches in the flywheel at TDC. How unusual is this? Any advice? I am currently relying on a timing pin in the injection pump and the marks inside the front cover for replacing the timing belt. Cheers Andrew

Cheers. I should have gone to Specsavers

Where do the second pair of buffers go please? I have an ex MOD 110 with bonnet spare, but only two of the buffers in the slam panel.

Make sure you have an appointment with the local MOT station before driving it without plates. Plus you can't get the plates made fast enough once you have a reg no. A real buzz. All the best

It was definitely the oil cooler in the radiator. Laid the rad on it's front full of water (in the water section)and put the air line in one of the oil cooler inlets and it blew the water out. I am sure I am not the first to not recommend the Britpart radiators with the plastic ends!! Going to order an alloy one instead. Cheers Andrew

I would use a 4.5" grinder with thin cutting discs. You can get ones specifically for Stainless Steel

You can get the correct forms from the DVLA website for registering. But bare in mind there a lot of questions that you do not have to complete for older vehicles (e.g. CO2 emissions, towing weights, dimensions, etc). You do need a release note from the military or a letter as a substitute (like I had) and it is straight forward.

I trimmed quite a bit of mine, so that they don't sag too much. Seal the cut edge with a lighter or similar flame.

I bought and fitted a rebuilt Defender 200tdi engine of a "I'm a mechanic" on ebay to replace my 2.5NA. Having replaced the starter motor and lift pump, it is a runner. BUT, running it for 15mins in the drive, I have large quantities of water in the oil and oil in the water! It's give me a great opportunity to understand my engine? Is there any way oil and water can mix, other than by the head gasket? Has anyone had a radiator fail where the oil and water has mixed? It is a new one with the plastic ends. My head has HRC2281 on it, was is the difference with the HRC2123 head (I read on an Australian forum that it has smaller waterways)? I am pretty sure they are interchangeable and that Disco and Defender ones are interchangeable. Thanks Andrew

Roughly, a bolt on fan will turn whenever the engine turns. A viscous fan free-wheels until it is hot and it locks up and spins with the engine. The 2.5NA engine is pretty durable (often described as a tractor engine!), so may well be OK. I have just taken a good one out if you find you do need one, but surprised if you do. Best of luck

Thanks Red 90. The 300tdi one fits fine without needing to shorten it. Cheers Andrew

I am just finishing a 2.5NA to 200tdi swap myself. The 2.5NA had a 1 x Oil Pressure sender and 1 x Oil Temperature sender. Both are mounted in the oil filter housing. The Oil temp sender (and gauge) are military spec. for when the vehicle spends a lot of time stationary charging batteries. I have transferred the Temp sender to the 200tdi without problem (so I do not have to mess around removing the gauge). I hope this helps

Paul Stevenson is www.mywayrooftents.co.uk, base near Brigg

I think this is standard kit for people towing caravans, so lots of choices out there. Don't need an heavy duty one if only charging, i.e. not linking a winch through it.

Also, a roof tent is a pain in the a**e if you need to use the vehicle while camped. Not just the folding you the tent, but all the camp is arrange round the vehicle. Otherwise brilliant. My son loves it. Have considered mounting it on a trailer (probably Sankey) for longer camps in one place.