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Rob A

Member Since: 06 Feb 2009
Location: Sao Paulo
Posts: 29

2008 Defender 130 Puma 2.4 HCPU Alpine White

mse wrote:
In the UK the vacuum pump is now a restricted part. When mine went it had to be released specially centrally before desford could ship it.

Im not sure how it works with the rest of the world - but in the UK you cant get it as a spare (easily anyway)

Thanks for the info. It's probably the same here in Brazil, I'll have to check. At the moment I have a pretty good relationship with LR Brasil and they have mentioned that they would provide spares for the trip - in the form of sponsorship. I 'll definitely ask for the Vacuum Pump and let's see what they say. 130 HCPU 2.4TDCi
110 300TDi

22nd Mar 2009 7:55pm

Scallops

Member Since: 15 Aug 2007
Location: Brisbane Australia
Posts: 89

Hello Rob A

- I'm "Scallops" on the AULRO forum - and I did a 15,000km trip around Australia in my 07 Puma last year, as mentioned earlier in this thread. We went across the top end, through the Kimberleys, down the WA coast and back across the Gibson desert (Gunbarrel Highway) and the Simpson desert.

We drove across some pretty inhospitable country - and whilst I was carrying spares for various things - it was always the items you didn't have that caused problems. Nothing stopped us though - and we managed to reach Dealers to fix things as we went.

On rough corrugations traveling the Gunbarrel, we managed to destroy the rear brake disc guards through fatigue cracking. I heard them rattling and removed them before they managed to cut through my brake lines. The fix for this is to "glue" them on and use large washers to dissipate the shock.

My brake master cylinder reservoir also started to form a hole in the top side from the bonnet rubbing, and the lower intercooler hose rubbed on the steering column nuts - all things I found before they failed. The 2 front ABS sensors failed too. But again - none of these issues stopped us.

I know people with 07's that have had the vac pump failure - but mine is going strong and has driven through plenty of bulldust and heat - so I'm not going to fix something that "ain't broke".

I carried plenty of spare engine oil, a bottle of power steering fluid, a drive belt, a spare air filter and a comprehensive tool kit. And in this type of country - where you can be up to 400 odd km from anyone or anything - we carried an Iridium satellite phone and a EPIRB.

Just keep your eyes and ears open - inspect your vehicle each day before you begin. Make sure you can carry plenty of water too.

Then - just relax and do it!

23rd Mar 2009 10:32pm

spudfan

Member Since: 10 Sep 2007
Location: Co Donegal
Posts: 4636

Don't forget spare light lenses as well as bulbs. Why lenses? I put one on the ground once when changing a bulb then accidentally stood on it.Anything you bring make sure you know how to fit it . Get your local friendly garage to let you practice changing the stuff that is most likely to need doing. They won't mind as they will get a laugh out of it! Good luck with your trip. 1982 88" 2.25 diesel
1992 110 200tdi csw -Zikali
2008 110 2.4 tdci csw-Zulu
2011 110 2.4 tdci csw-Masai

24th Mar 2009 7:11pm

Rob A

Member Since: 06 Feb 2009
Location: Sao Paulo
Posts: 29

Hi Scallops

Great to hear that you had no real problems with the Puma engine up in the Kimberleys and across the Gibson and Simpson Deserts. I was lucky enough to do a bit of overlanding in Australia a few years back. Fantastic driving country and I got to know a little of the places you mention and just how tough they can be. Very comforting to know that the car had no real problems apart from the few that you come to expect.

I also know what you mean about spares though, no matter what you manage to pack in, you can guarantee the part you left behind will be the first to break. All part of the crack.

The vacuum pump seems to be an issue though and I’ll definitely take an extra one along, but like you, I’m not going to change it unless it’s broke. Our Def 130 has no ABS (or electric windows/central locking or traction control) so as I look at it, less stuff to worry about. However, thankfully it has got the new AC, Brazil can get as hot as OZ at times . . . .

Thanks for the help and good luck with your next trip.

Cheers

Rob

PS – Sorry for the ignorance, but what is an EPIRB?????

130 HCPU 2.4TDCi
110 300TDi

26th Mar 2009 7:05pm

Rob A

Member Since: 06 Feb 2009
Location: Sao Paulo
Posts: 29

spudfan wrote:
Don't forget spare light lenses as well as bulbs. Why lenses? I put one on the ground once when changing a bulb then accidentally stood on it.Anything you bring make sure you know how to fit it . Get your local friendly garage to let you practice changing the stuff that is most likely to need doing. They won't mind as they will get a laugh out of it! Good luck with your trip.

Thanks Spudfan

Will definitely try to get as much time in as possible at the local dealer's workshop, they have been great so far. Let's see how long they put up with me in the way.

One other thing, apart from the GTR LR website that you have to sign up and pay for, does anyone know of a decent workshop manual for the new Puma engine?

Cheers 130 HCPU 2.4TDCi
110 300TDi

26th Mar 2009 7:10pm

Sonic3d

Member Since: 28 Jan 2008
Location: Ross on Wye
Posts: 1505

2010 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 XS DCPU Stornoway Grey

mse wrote:
In the UK the vacuum pump is now a restricted part. When mine went it had to be released specially centrally before desford could ship it.

Im not sure how it works with the rest of the world - but in the UK you cant get it as a spare (easily anyway)

My local dealer is letting me take a new vacuum pump and a whole lot of other spares on sale or return for our trip to the Pyrenees

26th Mar 2009 11:42pm

mse

Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5034

2016 Defender 110 Puma 2.2 XS CSW Scotia Grey

Sonic3d wrote:
mse wrote:
In the UK the vacuum pump is now a restricted part. When mine went it had to be released specially centrally before desford could ship it.

Im not sure how it works with the rest of the world - but in the UK you cant get it as a spare (easily anyway)

My local dealer is letting me take a new vacuum pump and a whole lot of other spares on sale or return for our trip to the Pyrenees

Let them get it first...i was told we can get that next day sir...4 days later and a phone call to land rover from me before the part was actually release.

It may have come off protection in the last 4 weeks though - i doubt it, they may also have one in stock, might not be modified version though. Mike

27th Mar 2009 9:48am

CapeLandy

Member Since: 21 Jul 2008
Location: Cape Town
Posts: 558

Rob A wrote:
PS – Sorry for the ignorance, but what is an EPIRB?????

the EPIRB (Emergency position-indicating radio beacons) used on marine vessels if you are in an emergency and activate the unit, there is a raiod distress signal sent but can be picked up via satelite and calculate your exact position. Puma 110 - gone
Series III 1973 - going strong

27th Mar 2009 2:32pm

dm_td5

Member Since: 20 Jul 2008
Location: Arnhem Land
Posts: 609

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Zermatt Silver

Whilst on the aspect of safety, you are taking a good first aid kit I hope?

I carry EPIRB, Satphone and First Aid kit as a matter of consequence since I live in a remote area. 110 2.4TDCi
110 300Tdi

LROCV ::: AULRO.com

27th Mar 2009 9:27pm

Sonic3d

Member Since: 28 Jan 2008
Location: Ross on Wye
Posts: 1505

mse wrote:

Let them get it first...i was told we can get that next day sir...4 days later and a phone call to land rover from me before the part was actually release.

It may have come off protection in the last 4 weeks though - i doubt it, they may also have one in stock, might not be modified version though.

It was taken off the restricted list this Monday

29th Mar 2009 8:15am

mse

Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5034

Sonic3d wrote:
mse wrote:

Let them get it first...i was told we can get that next day sir...4 days later and a phone call to land rover from me before the part was actually release.

It may have come off protection in the last 4 weeks though - i doubt it, they may also have one in stock, might not be modified version though.

It was taken off the restricted list this Monday

That would explain it Mike

29th Mar 2009 8:18am

Rob A

Member Since: 06 Feb 2009
Location: Sao Paulo
Posts: 29

Thanks for the replies

Yep, I always travel with a chunky First Aid Kit, but cannot afford a Satphone as of yet - very pricey here

Now I know what an EPIRB is, are they very expensive?

As for the Vacuum Pump, I am still waiting to hear from LR Brasil.

Cheers

Rob 130 HCPU 2.4TDCi
110 300TDi

31st Mar 2009 9:49pm

Eduardo

Member Since: 28 Aug 2008
Location: RegiÃ³n Metropolitana
Posts: 2109

2007 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 SW Stornoway Grey

Rob A wrote:
Thanks for the replies

Yep, I always travel with a chunky First Aid Kit, but cannot afford a Satphone as of yet - very pricey here

Now I know what an EPIRB is, are they very expensive?

As for the Vacuum Pump, I am still waiting to hear from LR Brasil.

Cheers

Rob

Rob,

Trying to reduce the costs:

You can replace the Sat Phone for a good VHF 2M Radio (Radio ham use it!) at a cost of US$200-300.
EPIRB can cost you US$500, but may be an SPOT will be OK for US$180.

Check this page:

http://madmariner.com/blog/jeff_mclaren/7525 Eduardo

MY 2007 110 SW PUMA 2.4: Big Fog of 64'
MY 1994 Jayco 1207 Folding camper: "El Tremendo"

Click image to enlarge

31st Mar 2009 10:13pm

sasha2001

Member Since: 02 Jan 2009
Location: New Zealand+ russia
Posts: 206

2008 Defender 110 Puma 2.4 CSW Tonga Green

Rob A wrote:
Thanks for the replies

Yep, I always travel with a chunky First Aid Kit, but cannot afford a Satphone as of yet - very pricey here

Now I know what an EPIRB is, are they very expensive?

As for the Vacuum Pump, I am still waiting to hear from LR Brasil.

Cheers

Rob

can you buy from e bay? iridium I got one here for 65% of price here

1st Apr 2009 12:33am

mse

Member Since: 06 Apr 2008
Location: UK
Posts: 5034

You can rent sat phones...i cant recall who offers this, but you can.

What ever you do dont get Globalstar, there is also a current problem with Iridium after 2 satellites collided.

They havent yet positioned one of the spares and there is still a wreckage.

We use Immarsat - but you can spend up to £3k on kit! Mike

1st Apr 2009 7:58am

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