Start of the refit

We've finally given a name to the Land Rover. We're going to call it "Sluggie".

Anna came up with the name for the following reasons:

• Big, fat and grey
• Climbs anything
• Doesn't like salt
• Leaves a slick oily trail behind it

So there we have it, "Sluggie the Defender"

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Before refitting the headlining, thought it would be best to check the rear screen wash. No water was being delivered. The pump on the reservoir was working so examined the pipework. Traced the pipe and noticed this non return value. It looked suspicious in that the arrow was pointing back to the wash reservoir rather than the intended direction of flow.

Taking the value out required a little bit of persuasion. Best method was a two second blast with a heat gun which made the pipe supple enough to pull off with ease. Then tested to see if water pumped to this point. It did. However, no matter which way the value was refitted, it simply did not allow water to flow. Suspect that being fitted incorrectly for so long may have damaged it. Therefore ordered a new part.

The original part number is ACU5037. Struggled to find an original part from the usual suppliers so order the superseded part number AMR6676. However, the diameter of this newer fitting is a tad larger than the original. Did some more digging and found somebody who could source me the original part. It was for an MG Rover. However, the part number is the same, ordered it and once arrived it is indeed the same. Some sharing of parts between factories. Yippee!

Top one is the new ACU5037, bottom is the original. The middle one is the AMR6676

Once the new part was refitted, with the arrow pointing towards the rear screen, screen wash pumped from the reservoir to the rear window. All worked well, no leaks. This is likely to be the first time in nearly 19 years since new that the rear wash has been working.

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Have had out all the rear carpets so that can thoroughly clean the rear load area. Before refitting the carpets, thought it would be best to stick down the backing. Used some contact carpet adhesive. Masking off and a liberal spray, worked a treat. Opening the windows and rear door to avoid getting too high on the fumes. Have never used contact adhesives before. Something odd about spraying glue, leaving a couple of minutes and then mating the surfaces together. Anyway, it was an instant grab and took really well.

All cleaned up ready for the refit. Same treatment applied to both the carpets for either side of the rear load area.

Before the refit, also took the opportunity to inspect and clean out behind the rear lamp covers.

All the rear load area was cleaned thoroughly. Used three cans of sticky stuff remover to get rid of all the prior carpet tape. Also a bundle of jay cloths and old T-shirts to clean off all the panels. As usual, the air compressor and garage vacuum cleaner helping to get into all those corners.

Anna helping me with fitting replacement double sided carpet tape. Used 20mm 3M tape which is the same width as the original.

A satisfying job.

Once the side carpets were fitted, it was time for the main rear load space carpet to be laid down. Fitted a new seal and carpet retainer plate. As mentioned earlier in the blog, before Christmas ordered a new load bed mat retainer strip that goes across and covers the carpet edge below the rear door. Bit of stress trying to find the part which fits without me having to redrill the body work. Essentially the current superseded part (AFP710120) is not compatible. The holes have the correct spacing, however, the holes are 23mm from the edge as opposed to 18mm as per my original part. The part number required is actually ALR4769B and the differences can be seen below.

Orignal in the middle, AFP710120 on the left and ALR4769B on the right.

Tried to source the original order part number ALR4769. However, this does not seem to be available any more. Did find one manufactured by Bearmach though. Have used this as really didn't want to drill any holes into the bodywork.

When fitting the rubber seal, used beads of silicon sealant on both sides. This helped a bundle in that it kept the seal position firmly when fitting the carpet retainer plate. Also a good sign when silicon comes out of the screw holes and the screws tighten firmly. Wiped of the excess and really pleased with the result.

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Went to start Sluggie the other morning, which was a particularly cold one, the solenoid simply clicked away. No engine start. Having some concerns as to the age of the battery and its state, took the decision to get a new one. 

Did some research and decided to go for a Type 019 Varta Silver Dynamic Car Battery 12V 100Ah. with a CCA rating of 830A. This battery is 353mm in length and therefore just fits into the battery compartment allowing for the J retainer bolts to be fitted. Ordered this from Tayna Batteries who delivered when promised. Would recommend them.

Given the state of the battery connectors, decided to replace those too. As can be seen, they were quite corroded. Also wanted to ensure both terminals had covers on them too.

Here's an image of the new negative terminal and cover.

With the new battery fit, once the glow plugs had been heated, it was an instant start. Very happy. My intention is to further clean out the battery compartment, block some of the holes with grommets (other than the breathers), lay down a rubber bed mat for the compartment and fit a battery housing clamp. More on that soon hopefully.

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End of January came quick enough and Sluggie was just about ready for the trip planned to the Lake District. After stopping off at my Dad's overnight in Preston, headed off in glorious sunshine and arrived in the Lake District which was plastered in snow. So rather than hitting the bridle ways, decided to take the opportunity to get a bundle of ridge walks in before meeting up with friends in Wasdale later in the week.

Here's Sluggie and my friend Jeremy's Subaru parked outside the Wasdale YHA. Great place to stay for a few days. Thanks for the image Jeremy.

On the way back, took Sluggie over the Hard Knot and Wyrnose passes. First gear crawling on roads in places running with water, tight switch backs and 30% gradients. Quite atmospheric given that the cloud base was quite low. Engine got a workout on the descents too.

As can be seen, noticed that the rear offside tail light connection is dodgy. Another for the list.

Images courtesy of Matt. Thanks.

Happy that it cruised between 60 and 65mph on the M6 too. Need to get the radio fixed/new one fitted though.

Also on the trip, found out that the front intermittent windscreen wipe does not function. Again, another one for the list.