Australia 2008
Currently in Mount Isa trying to locate a replacement rear UJ yoke. New UJ's and yokes fitted to rear prop in Cairns. by someone specialising in power trains etc. The rear UJ lasted about 500 miles on the bitumen. Luckily I had a spare prop shaft in the back so no dramas there. Unfortunately I was heading away from Cairns otherwise the rear prop might go somewhere the sun does not shine in the sunshine state.
Have done 500 miles and no luck in sourcing a replacement one. Sounds like will be able to get one in Darwin another 1,000 miles on. Good job I was planning on going there anyway.
Regards
Brendan
Have done 500 miles and no luck in sourcing a replacement one. Sounds like will be able to get one in Darwin another 1,000 miles on. Good job I was planning on going there anyway.
Regards
Brendan
Now in Darwin. Rear prop being repaired by a drive line company. When showed him damage his first comment was that sort of damage was due to lack of grease. Managed to get hold of company which serviced the 110 in Cairns and they tried to blame the fact that 110 has effectively a 2'' lift due to HD springs. Pointed out this was first rear UJ failure in some 50,000 miles since 'lift' and have correction arms on.
Anyway after 14,000+ miles what has gone wrong with 110? Main light switch needed replacing. Bent a rim on Fraser island (pilot error). Fuel lift pump replaced in Cairns, along with new set of rear pads. Got my first puncture the other day.
Had problems with fan and driving lights due to the rather overzealous use of pressure washer when going through Sydney customs.
The corrugations do shake things loose and the standard 12 volt sockets and plugs are prone to damage. Corrugations managed to shake a rear stone guard off from rear offside wheel. Also corrugations have managed to switch engine compressor on as it is a pull on switch. Solution was to disconnect power lead to compressor
Also found out that the standard grease cartridges sold in Aus are a slightly larger diameter then those used in UK! So have had to buy an Aussie grease gun.
Considering mileage done and the terrain being driving over I think the 110 is standing up very well.
Gibbs River and Mitchell Plateau will be on the agenda soon.
Regards
Brendan
Anyway after 14,000+ miles what has gone wrong with 110? Main light switch needed replacing. Bent a rim on Fraser island (pilot error). Fuel lift pump replaced in Cairns, along with new set of rear pads. Got my first puncture the other day.
Had problems with fan and driving lights due to the rather overzealous use of pressure washer when going through Sydney customs.
The corrugations do shake things loose and the standard 12 volt sockets and plugs are prone to damage. Corrugations managed to shake a rear stone guard off from rear offside wheel. Also corrugations have managed to switch engine compressor on as it is a pull on switch. Solution was to disconnect power lead to compressor
Also found out that the standard grease cartridges sold in Aus are a slightly larger diameter then those used in UK! So have had to buy an Aussie grease gun.
Considering mileage done and the terrain being driving over I think the 110 is standing up very well.
Gibbs River and Mitchell Plateau will be on the agenda soon.
Regards
Brendan
Latest update from Darwin.
Had a slow puncture in one of the front tyres so took it to tyre repair place.
Two splits in side wall close to tread area so not repairable. Ordered a replacement 255/85 BFG M/T from local BFG agent. Looks like it will be a week for it to get here from Adelaide! Should have been here on Tuesday.
Went to spend a couple of days in Kakadu National Park and camped by Aligator Billabong. Got woken up at about 2 am by dingos howling and prowling around campsite. Got into 110 and headlights on could see 3 of them. Drove towards them slowly and they loped off into the bush. Back to campsite and sat in 110 for a few minutes. Headlights on again and saw another large one. Drove towards him and he disappeared as well
Have been assured by Aussies that dingos not particularly dangerous but rather not have a pack of them sniffing around the tent in middle of the night.
There was no danger from aligators as there is none in Aus. Plenty of crocs though.
This morning was crawling under the 110 and noticed the second rear stone guard had fractured. So that was quickly removed. The corrugations are certainly shaking the 110 up
A lot of the unsealed roads out here are badly corrugated. Not too bad if just a short section but some of these unsealed roads can be hundreds of miles long. The theory of corrugation driving is fine, but there is a big difference between theory and practise.
regards
Brendan
Had a slow puncture in one of the front tyres so took it to tyre repair place.
Two splits in side wall close to tread area so not repairable. Ordered a replacement 255/85 BFG M/T from local BFG agent. Looks like it will be a week for it to get here from Adelaide! Should have been here on Tuesday.
Went to spend a couple of days in Kakadu National Park and camped by Aligator Billabong. Got woken up at about 2 am by dingos howling and prowling around campsite. Got into 110 and headlights on could see 3 of them. Drove towards them slowly and they loped off into the bush. Back to campsite and sat in 110 for a few minutes. Headlights on again and saw another large one. Drove towards him and he disappeared as well
Have been assured by Aussies that dingos not particularly dangerous but rather not have a pack of them sniffing around the tent in middle of the night.
There was no danger from aligators as there is none in Aus. Plenty of crocs though.
This morning was crawling under the 110 and noticed the second rear stone guard had fractured. So that was quickly removed. The corrugations are certainly shaking the 110 up
A lot of the unsealed roads out here are badly corrugated. Not too bad if just a short section but some of these unsealed roads can be hundreds of miles long. The theory of corrugation driving is fine, but there is a big difference between theory and practise.
regards
Brendan
-
Bittersweet
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Wed May 02, 2007 6:35 pm
- Location: Bradford
- Full Name: Barbara Jones
At last the tyre arrived (took over a week) and he has hit the road again. He has been getting grumpier and grumpier with the enforced stay in Darwin. And I thought I was the impatient one!
He is heading off to the Kimberleys and the Gibb River Road so there might be some more photos to show when he is back in civilisation again.
Barbara
He is heading off to the Kimberleys and the Gibb River Road so there might be some more photos to show when he is back in civilisation again.
Barbara
Now in Broome on the coast of Western Australia.
Here are a few more photos for you.
Australian army still uses Land Rovers including some nice permanent 6 x 6 wheel drive versions.
Saw a new puma 110. Must admit I liked the number plate, whilst I am not into personalised number plates generally, must admit I would not mind this one on my 110
Care has to be taken on the roads in the outback. Too much speed on the roads can land up being expensive as the driver of this vehicle found out. Drifted over to the right on a left hand bend, went downhill, swerved went onto the verge on left hand side back onto road and this was the result. Cause of swerve, I have no idea, cow/oncoming ca??? It did happen in daylight so dust cloud from oncoming vehicle should have been visible
Amazing bird life here. Will not try to name them as I am no twitcher
Some indigeouns rock art
Jim Jim falls to the east of Darwin.
Come across these two 130. The yellow one won best of show at the LR60 event in Australia, owned by Daniel who originates from Switzerland. He and his wife travel overland to Aus in a 110. This one he built so his family could travel. The other one is a LR special vehicle, owned by Daniels dad and is Swiss registered and was shipped from Switzerland to Perth
Went up to Mitchell plateau and saw this sign
Main problem was short sight lines so could not get good speed up to ride over corrugations.
Damage to 110 was fairly minor from this road
The Mitchell Falls in the wet season must be very spectacular
This was a water hole that I camped close to just off the Gibb River Road
Regards
Brendan
Here are a few more photos for you.
Australian army still uses Land Rovers including some nice permanent 6 x 6 wheel drive versions.
Saw a new puma 110. Must admit I liked the number plate, whilst I am not into personalised number plates generally, must admit I would not mind this one on my 110
Care has to be taken on the roads in the outback. Too much speed on the roads can land up being expensive as the driver of this vehicle found out. Drifted over to the right on a left hand bend, went downhill, swerved went onto the verge on left hand side back onto road and this was the result. Cause of swerve, I have no idea, cow/oncoming ca??? It did happen in daylight so dust cloud from oncoming vehicle should have been visible
Amazing bird life here. Will not try to name them as I am no twitcher
Some indigeouns rock art
Jim Jim falls to the east of Darwin.
Come across these two 130. The yellow one won best of show at the LR60 event in Australia, owned by Daniel who originates from Switzerland. He and his wife travel overland to Aus in a 110. This one he built so his family could travel. The other one is a LR special vehicle, owned by Daniels dad and is Swiss registered and was shipped from Switzerland to Perth
Went up to Mitchell plateau and saw this sign
Main problem was short sight lines so could not get good speed up to ride over corrugations.
Damage to 110 was fairly minor from this road
The Mitchell Falls in the wet season must be very spectacular
This was a water hole that I camped close to just off the Gibb River Road
Regards
Brendan
Back in Broome after spending some time north of Broome in Cape Leveque area.
Looking up the west coast of Australia with the Indian Ocean
Camped on this fossil(?) beach. Was a lovely spot
It would be nice to have a romantic BBQ/evening meal by Middle Lagoon
110 has also got some well deserved TLC today
Regards
Brendan
Looking up the west coast of Australia with the Indian Ocean
Camped on this fossil(?) beach. Was a lovely spot
It would be nice to have a romantic BBQ/evening meal by Middle Lagoon
110 has also got some well deserved TLC today
Regards
Brendan
Oooops, don't get too excited/worry lads. WRONG PHOTO
Correct photo was
Teach me not to preview my post. LOL
The photo in error was after a slight bump a few years ago.
The 110 is fine. It had TLC yesterday. Only problem was that the corrugations had pushed the brake retaining pin out so pad was loose.
Off to Bungle Bungles next.
Regards
Brendan
Correct photo was
Teach me not to preview my post. LOL
The photo in error was after a slight bump a few years ago.
The 110 is fine. It had TLC yesterday. Only problem was that the corrugations had pushed the brake retaining pin out so pad was loose.
Off to Bungle Bungles next.
Regards
Brendan
-
Bittersweet
- Posts: 47
- Joined: Wed May 02, 2007 6:35 pm
- Location: Bradford
- Full Name: Barbara Jones
Yep that's the one!
He had to phone me as well to make sure I didn't go into total worry mode
He is obviously missing his IT support team.
Spoke to him yesterday and he is off to the Bungle Bungles, think he is finding it a tad warm tho. 27 degrees at 7a.m. and humidity has been up at 93%.
I think he is looking forward to a break in Singapore and some air -conditioning, whereas I am looking forward to a trip to Singapore with no break!
B
He had to phone me as well to make sure I didn't go into total worry mode
He is obviously missing his IT support team.
Spoke to him yesterday and he is off to the Bungle Bungles, think he is finding it a tad warm tho. 27 degrees at 7a.m. and humidity has been up at 93%.
I think he is looking forward to a break in Singapore and some air -conditioning, whereas I am looking forward to a trip to Singapore with no break!
B
nicks90 wrote:aha
so thats the damage from eastern europe when you had your slight 'off'...
Thats the minor errr incident Nick
The revovery of the 110 was quite an adventure in itself. The round trip and distance covered was more then some peoples 'overland trip' Had fun and games at various borders and with various police!
Anyway that is another story and not with this thread.
The 110 is doing fine. Temperature yesterday was $%C I was told.
Hopefully will upload some more photos later today as I am having a lazy day
Regards
Brendan
Currently sat in an air con net cafe in Kununurra. What bliss! Yesterday it was 45C in the Bungle Bungles. Cold drinks?? Can get through a litre of water per hour during the hot spells. Half a litre at night time as well.
From Broome went to Windjama Gorge
This pool looks tempting to swim in
I counted 20 of these in this one pool
These are freshies and are not supposed to be too dangerous BUT I was not willing to find out!
This is in the dry season. In the wet season this would be several metres under water
The Bungle Bungles are spectacular sandstone karst region. To get into this park is a 50km drive which takes 1.5 to 2 hours in the dry season
It was amazing to walk around these domes. Best to start walking by 7am as it is already getting warm By 10 it is getting to hot for serious walking
The way the rock eroded reminded me of stal formations in caves
This is start of a gorge in the Bungles. Formed along a fault line
Must admit am looking forward to Singapore. Will be good to sleep in a bed again and have decent ensuite facilities
Regards
Brendan
From Broome went to Windjama Gorge
This pool looks tempting to swim in
I counted 20 of these in this one pool
These are freshies and are not supposed to be too dangerous BUT I was not willing to find out!
This is in the dry season. In the wet season this would be several metres under water
The Bungle Bungles are spectacular sandstone karst region. To get into this park is a 50km drive which takes 1.5 to 2 hours in the dry season
It was amazing to walk around these domes. Best to start walking by 7am as it is already getting warm By 10 it is getting to hot for serious walking
The way the rock eroded reminded me of stal formations in caves
This is start of a gorge in the Bungles. Formed along a fault line
Must admit am looking forward to Singapore. Will be good to sleep in a bed again and have decent ensuite facilities
Regards
Brendan
Sat here in the shade at 8 am with temperature already above 30C! Musing about the 110 and kit. Sorry no photos today!
All kit is showing signs of wear after over 5 months travelling. Have bought some good kit out here. A great bit of kit is the Engine Watchdog which the Aussies use for monitoring engine temperature. Shows how useless the standard LR temperature gauge is. Standard gauge does not shift from 82-96C Normally the 110 is sat between 82-88C dependent on outside temp and speed. Coming out of Bungle Bungles noticed temp was 96C and maybe rising. Electric fan was struggling since outside temp was 45C. Put the heater on. No joke when it is 45C but it cooled engine down a few degrees. Maybe I am erring on side of caution but I am a long way from nowhere if engine temperature gets too hot.
If you are going anywhere warm would suggest you fit one of these units.
Tents, have been using standard European tents, but they are just too hot at night time when temperature falls to minimum 25C! Now bought an Aussie mozzy tent which is all sides/roof of mozzy netting. There is a fly sheet if it rains. Much cooler but little privacy. Night time cool breezes are welcomed. There again have been woken by hot breezes which last say 5-10 minutes and you wonder where they come from.
Engel fridge is a great bit of kit. Have minor concerns about twin Optima yellow tops am running/split charging system. Charging rate is fine but if am stationary for two days the auxillary battery goes low and charging system does not want to charge it. Swop batteries over and it is fine. Not sure if fault on split charging system/temperature affecting batteries/batteries on way out. Any ideas??
Overall 110 and kit standing up well. Have a few minor modifications to do when get back.
One of most frustrating bit of kit is the standard plastic 12 volt plug and socket. Not made for long travels. Meant to replace them with heavy duty metal plugs and sockets before left UK. On list of jobs to do whenI get back
Regards
Brendan
All kit is showing signs of wear after over 5 months travelling. Have bought some good kit out here. A great bit of kit is the Engine Watchdog which the Aussies use for monitoring engine temperature. Shows how useless the standard LR temperature gauge is. Standard gauge does not shift from 82-96C Normally the 110 is sat between 82-88C dependent on outside temp and speed. Coming out of Bungle Bungles noticed temp was 96C and maybe rising. Electric fan was struggling since outside temp was 45C. Put the heater on. No joke when it is 45C but it cooled engine down a few degrees. Maybe I am erring on side of caution but I am a long way from nowhere if engine temperature gets too hot.
If you are going anywhere warm would suggest you fit one of these units.
Tents, have been using standard European tents, but they are just too hot at night time when temperature falls to minimum 25C! Now bought an Aussie mozzy tent which is all sides/roof of mozzy netting. There is a fly sheet if it rains. Much cooler but little privacy. Night time cool breezes are welcomed. There again have been woken by hot breezes which last say 5-10 minutes and you wonder where they come from.
Engel fridge is a great bit of kit. Have minor concerns about twin Optima yellow tops am running/split charging system. Charging rate is fine but if am stationary for two days the auxillary battery goes low and charging system does not want to charge it. Swop batteries over and it is fine. Not sure if fault on split charging system/temperature affecting batteries/batteries on way out. Any ideas??
Overall 110 and kit standing up well. Have a few minor modifications to do when get back.
One of most frustrating bit of kit is the standard plastic 12 volt plug and socket. Not made for long travels. Meant to replace them with heavy duty metal plugs and sockets before left UK. On list of jobs to do whenI get back
Regards
Brendan
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