pat_pending

As you already know, you can't tow that weight legally with any Land Rover, doing so is both dangerous and irresponsible.

Maybe it's just me, but I'm struggling to see the problem here. I read the advert several times and couldn't work out the issue until I read the replies to the original post. They've been honest in the description, it says brand unspecified and then don't rely on the watermark. That seems clear to me. If I wanted a specific brand I'd read the description, not rely on the photo'. I wouldn't expect a genuine part just because they used a Land Rover pt no'.

Just ask the VW dealer what the differences are. I can't imagine why they wouldn't fit it if it were possible.

Off the top of my head, the core box mechanicals are the same but the bell housing and torque converter are obviously different but easily swapped. The governor and the kick down cam are also different as is the kick down cable, but again fairly easily swapped. It's these that will effect the shifting. As for the valve body, there's a few variations on the valveing but I don't think it ties in with either petrol or diesel. So, yes worth having as a spare provided you swap some bits over. That said, I have an ex V8 box behind my 200tdi, no idea what's been swapped internally but it shifts fine. Also this assumes the v8 box is also a HP22 and not the later 24 in which case there are other differences.

Diesels can have cat's, they just work slightly differently to petrol ones. Later vehicles will also have a DPF. To clarify the MOT aspect, all petrol vehicles that are are subject to a full cat' emission test and all diesel vehicles if originally fitted with a cat' and/or a DPF should fail the MOT if it's removed. In the real world we currently have no way of knowing for certain whether a cat' was fitted originally or if the innards are still in place if one is still fitted. It would be easier to identify a missing cat on a petrol engine. If it passes the relevant emission or smoke test it's ok by me unless it's blatantly obvious it's gone, and I had proof it had one when it left the factory. If you want to de cat a diesel and stay risk free, I'd knock the innards out of the cat, it would look standard externally and as the diesel test is only for particulates (smoke) and not chemical composition of the exhaust gas it wouldn't get picked up.

Exactly, and it's why older Land Rovers will always be popular. Every one is different, even if you lined up a row of brand new defenders, they'd all still have different ripples in the panels, it's all part of their character. It's the character that's missing from all modern vehicles IMO.

It's call PAG oil, there are various viscosities available, spec should be in the manual but any A/C specialist will have the info'. No need for you to put any in as the oil is replenished when the system is re gassed, there are measured quantities for each component that's been drained/replaced. If you tell whoever re gasses the system what you've done, they'll be able to ensure the correct oil spec' and quantity are injected with the gas.

It's the lubricating oil for the compressor. It gets pumped round the system with the gas, it may also have some leak detection dye in it. It's normal on all A/C systems.

I looked in my box today and actually it's the Blue point that are similar, not the MAC. On closer inspection I don't think they're made in the same factory. Snap-on prices are terrible even for a professional user, there are so many other good quality brands out there now to choose from.

I agree. It's the thought of how enforcement would be policed, and by whom that worries me. I think it's currently seen as too difficult. No, not had a chance to view it.

I'm on the fence a bit here with this sort of vehicle. On the one hand it's tax evasion and it possibly supports the use of stolen parts (not suggesting that's the case here). On the other, the fact it's rarely picked up is the price we pay for our ability to modify stuff. If there ever was a clampdown on this, it's more likely to be with a raft of new laws rather than enforcement of the existing ones. Careful what you wish for.

They look very similar the MAC ratchet spanners which are very good.

That's local to me, never seen it about though. Tempted to take a look.

Done. There were some strange choices available, I suppose some people don't want see the countryside as it really is.

No, the park authority will have sealed it's fate. If business is lost, then those affected need to take it up with the park authority. It's a pity because the event does indeed look good, it's just the sort of thing I'd attend. The area is magnificent, as I said, I used to spend plenty of time there. I just cant bring myself visit, as I can't stand the thought that I'm somehow supporting the park authority or legitimising their views. I'll add, I hold the same view of the Peak District, another area that's chosen to alienate 4x4 users. It's a matter of principle.

It's really quite simple. I've never criticised the event, it actually looks quite good. It's the location I have issue with, or more specifically the park authority. Brecon Beacons have closed routes in the park, they have an anti 4x4 agenda and for that reason I found it ironic it was to be the location for an event that promoted 4x4 use, directly or indirectly. Is that so difficult to undertstand? I can see greenlaning is not a major part of the show, but for many people green lanes are access to the countryside to enjoy other activities. Closing lanes limits these other activities, many of which the show is promoting. At the time I made the comment I had no idea that it was on O/F's farm or that either of you were involved in the organisation. That doesn't alter the validity of my comment . I wont spend my money in an area that has chosen to make me feel unwelcome because of how I choose to access the countryside. Does that make sense?

"Unfortunately ALL the lanes in the Brecon Beacons National Park are out of bounds now. Can't comment on Snowdonia, but here you are about 10 years too late :-(" Above is a quote from the man who's farm the event is held on. Said on another thread on this forum, when a question was asked regarding laning in the area. However as someone who used to spend a lot of time in the Brecon area, I already knew that. So no, not a throw away comment.

The event is advertised as being in the heart of the national park. So it is in fact on the edge, within an easy drive of some great lanes...all of which are not in the national park. Some of Wales best lanes, Sarn Helen, the Gap, Talybont, and Grwyne fawr, have all been closed. Whilst doing so, the Brecon Beacons park authority had an anti 4x4 agenda, I believe that to be a fact. It appears to be an event that encourages 4x4 owners and is being held in an area that discourages them. That for me is ironic. I'm not sure what you mean with regards jeopardising relationships.

That sounds more reasonable. Hope they get the problem sorted.

Oh the irony of holding it in an area that's closed most of it's lanes and is anti 4x4.

+1 with the Loctite. I use the bearing fit stuff, can't remember the number. It only needs a smear. Hole in the block must be really clean and dry. The core plug needs to go in slightly below the surface, as the outer edge of the plug should be able to bite into the bore you've pushed it into.

I understand where HOG coming from, I was pointing out there's always another side to the coin. JLR are not in fact doing anything, an independent dealer that holds the L/R franchise is looking at the vehicle for a problem that's potentially covered under warranty. If the fault is covered, then following repair, JLR will reimburse the dealer (at a warranty rate that's less than the standard retail labour rate) for the cost of the repair. In the mean time the Dealer is obliged to supply a courtesy car. Whether there are any charges involved in that is a financial/commercial decision made by the dealer. Any charges should have been explained fully at the time. At that point there is always scope for negotiation, or indeed taking the vehicle elsewhere. Also a couple of posts seem to be confusing a manufactures warranty given on a new car and the "warranty" supplied by a separate company usually given with a used car. The former is where the manufacturer warrants the vehicle against defects, the latter is a mechanical breakdown insurance. They are very different things.

Agreed, I do sympathise, but that level of service has to be paid for somewhere. I worked for two Land Rover main dealers and considering the cost of the vehicles, L/R's attitude to customers was terrible. Were you asked to pay for a courtesy car because you took your vehicle to the dealer yourself rather than it broke down? The manufacturer I work for used to do similar, if a vehicle in warranty broke down they'd deliver a hire car and recover the vehicle to the dealer, if the customer arrived at the dealers, we had to supply the courtesy car. We often told customers to drive home and ring ******* assistance and say they were too worried to drive the car. They stopped this a while back as it was costing them a lot of money.

Stop, I had an operation recently and it hurts when I laugh. We are obliged as part of our dealer contract to have courtesy cars available. We pay. There are many costs to holding a franchise, it's a bit like being in the EU, large sums of money flow both ways and it's often difficult to work out who's getting the best deal. I've been in the motor trade nearly forty years and the aftersales support from most manufactures to dealers is carp.

As I work for a main dealer (not Land Rover), perhaps I can point out the other side of things. We, as a small dealer need 4/5 cars available constantly. These cars cost money in purchase and maintenance and earn us nothing, they're provided as a courtesy, hence the name. If we put fuel in them they get returned empty and if we leave them empty the customers moan. Cars are often returned late making it impossible to clean them before the next customer who will then moan. No one admits to damaging them and people carry dogs drop rubbish and smoke in them despite being asked not to. We currently charge nothing for the use of a courtesy car, however as our trade insurance policy has a £500 excess we ask customers to sign to accept this. Some dealers allow the payment of a fee to waive the excess, that's usually about £10. They may allow you to add the vehicle to your own policy, providing of course it's comprehensively covered. Standard driving other vehicles, gives you third party only, a fact most seem to overlook. Not much use to us when you write our car off. The cost of vehicles and insurance for us is enormous, but everyone expects one to be provided. There are of course alternatives, hire a car yourself, get a lift, a taxi, bus, train or walk.