Build Thread: 1988 Saudi Spec 110
- Thread starter RBBailey
- Start date
First, I'm going to change my priority from the Defender to making sure I can trust the Range Rover. This will also get my son more involved, since it is going to be his truck.
Second, I'm going to keep working on all the little things I was planning on working on while the 110 was driving.
Third, in going to ignore that it is undrivable, and have Ship's fix the transmission. I'll get the turbo rebuilt. And I'll get the oil tested to see if the leak in the head is allowing coolant into the engine, or if it is just an external leak only.
I've managed to work on it an hour or so every few days for the past few months. This has got me to the spot I wanted to be last September. The "big" issues listed above were not supposed to happen now! Oh well.
Along those lines, I did take it for a drive today, right after driving Ryan's 200Tdi for comparison. Ryan definitely has his dialed in. One thing I noticed today on mine is that when rolling, at any speed, then stepping on gas to accelerate, there actually is some black smoke. Not enough to make a cloud. But enough to see in the diffused overcast light we had today. Also, I tried to shoot some video to see if the noises I'm hearing can be identified at all.
The first one is at 25 mph, coasting downhill in 3rd gear. The ticking from the forward transmission/bell housing is clearly heard during this time. But in real life it is much more distinct. https://flic.kr/p/Tw3d6c and I just realized that it sounds exactly like an old movie projector.
The next is at 60 mph with engine just getting warm. The turbo can be heard. It is very distinct in real life. I don't think you can hear any of the warbling or flux in the turbo in this video. https://flic.kr/p/StFQeZ
Thanks for all the help.
Second, I'm going to keep working on all the little things I was planning on working on while the 110 was driving.
Third, in going to ignore that it is undrivable, and have Ship's fix the transmission. I'll get the turbo rebuilt. And I'll get the oil tested to see if the leak in the head is allowing coolant into the engine, or if it is just an external leak only.
I've managed to work on it an hour or so every few days for the past few months. This has got me to the spot I wanted to be last September. The "big" issues listed above were not supposed to happen now! Oh well.
Along those lines, I did take it for a drive today, right after driving Ryan's 200Tdi for comparison. Ryan definitely has his dialed in. One thing I noticed today on mine is that when rolling, at any speed, then stepping on gas to accelerate, there actually is some black smoke. Not enough to make a cloud. But enough to see in the diffused overcast light we had today. Also, I tried to shoot some video to see if the noises I'm hearing can be identified at all.
The first one is at 25 mph, coasting downhill in 3rd gear. The ticking from the forward transmission/bell housing is clearly heard during this time. But in real life it is much more distinct. https://flic.kr/p/Tw3d6c and I just realized that it sounds exactly like an old movie projector.
The next is at 60 mph with engine just getting warm. The turbo can be heard. It is very distinct in real life. I don't think you can hear any of the warbling or flux in the turbo in this video. https://flic.kr/p/StFQeZ
Thanks for all the help.
OK, some good news.
First, although we can't be certain, it seems like the ticking sound is actually the vacuum pump. There is a sort of whine coming from the transmission that will need to be chased down, but it doesn't seem like a failure point the way the ticking sound would be. This is very good. I'm going to put Redline in the transmission and see if that helps.
Secondly, the turbo is very loud, and although Shipman could not hear it when he drove. I am positive I hear the turbo fluttering and making noises I could imagine are not good. I need to have it inspected by an expert, but I'm not freaked out about it, and if I have to replace it. Oh well.
So it is a bit of mixed news, but in my view, a good outcome. Shipman told me to drive it, and we will figure out the issues as they get worse.
So today I brewed some beer, and now I'm going to smoke the official "back on the road" cigar.
First, although we can't be certain, it seems like the ticking sound is actually the vacuum pump. There is a sort of whine coming from the transmission that will need to be chased down, but it doesn't seem like a failure point the way the ticking sound would be. This is very good. I'm going to put Redline in the transmission and see if that helps.
Secondly, the turbo is very loud, and although Shipman could not hear it when he drove. I am positive I hear the turbo fluttering and making noises I could imagine are not good. I need to have it inspected by an expert, but I'm not freaked out about it, and if I have to replace it. Oh well.
So it is a bit of mixed news, but in my view, a good outcome. Shipman told me to drive it, and we will figure out the issues as they get worse.
So today I brewed some beer, and now I'm going to smoke the official "back on the road" cigar.
This may turn out to be a flop, but it's the only thing I can think of right now. The SDO Hazard Switch set up is a must. I've already plugged it in to test it -- it's that easy. And I bought five other Carling switches to complete the set I need for what I have in the truck for now.
I could have bought the switch plate, but I felt that for $45 I would at least try to make my own. If it doesn't work, I'll have to buy the SDO plate.
So I'm using 1.3mm aluminum sheet that is left over from the home-made dash that used to be in my truck. Here are a few pics of the project so far.
I could have bought the switch plate, but I felt that for $45 I would at least try to make my own. If it doesn't work, I'll have to buy the SDO plate.
So I'm using 1.3mm aluminum sheet that is left over from the home-made dash that used to be in my truck. Here are a few pics of the project so far.
Attachments
rovercolorado
Well-known member
Glad your truck is back on the road. It's always a big milestone.
"The first one is at 25 mph, coasting downhill in 3rd gear. The ticking from the forward transmission/bell housing is clearly heard during this time. But in real life it is much more distinct. https://flic.kr/p/Tw3d6c and I just realized that it sounds exactly like an old movie projector.
The next is at 60 mph with engine just getting warm. The turbo can be heard. It is very distinct in real life. I don't think you can hear any of the warbling or flux in the turbo in this video. https://flic.kr/p/StFQeZ"
I just listened to the videos with headphones on and I can hear a ticking sound in the first video that I know mine doesn't make but not sure what that sound is. Sounded like from engine from video. My transmission makes more of a growling sound than a ticking sound if that helps.
The second video has the turbo wine and mine makes that noise and based on others who has heard and driven my truck says it's normal.
I am always surprised how other trucks sound so much quieter than mine BTW. Mine sounds like a tractor with a loud turbo and a very loud transmission. Everyone tells me that it is "normal" for a Defender.
Not sure if that helps in your troubleshooting efforts but the turbo sounds normal to me. Ticking not so sure.
I like what you're doing with the switches and hand made panel. I'm going to do the same so please post up final pictures.
"The first one is at 25 mph, coasting downhill in 3rd gear. The ticking from the forward transmission/bell housing is clearly heard during this time. But in real life it is much more distinct. https://flic.kr/p/Tw3d6c and I just realized that it sounds exactly like an old movie projector.
The next is at 60 mph with engine just getting warm. The turbo can be heard. It is very distinct in real life. I don't think you can hear any of the warbling or flux in the turbo in this video. https://flic.kr/p/StFQeZ"
I just listened to the videos with headphones on and I can hear a ticking sound in the first video that I know mine doesn't make but not sure what that sound is. Sounded like from engine from video. My transmission makes more of a growling sound than a ticking sound if that helps.
The second video has the turbo wine and mine makes that noise and based on others who has heard and driven my truck says it's normal.
I am always surprised how other trucks sound so much quieter than mine BTW. Mine sounds like a tractor with a loud turbo and a very loud transmission. Everyone tells me that it is "normal" for a Defender.
Not sure if that helps in your troubleshooting efforts but the turbo sounds normal to me. Ticking not so sure.
I like what you're doing with the switches and hand made panel. I'm going to do the same so please post up final pictures.
Been slow lately. Seems like I rarely get home before 8 or 9 PM, the weather has still been in the 40s over night, and the wettest Spring in the last 75 years means I really am not very motivated on the days when I do have an hour or so to work on the truck.
I have put 100 miles on it, but it isn't registered, so I'm just doing short trips, looking for oil leaks or other problems. Yesterday, the temp broke 65 degrees for the first time and went right up to above 80, so I took it out for a drive to see what would happen to the engine temps. Everything seemed to check out.
Another thing I did was I covered the vacuum pump with a towel just to see if that isolated the loud ticking sound I have been hearing. At first I thought this was something to do with the transmission, since it seemed to only happen when in gear. But after some careful listening and such, I started to suspect the pump. It is LOUD. And the sound seems to be coming up from the foot well, which isn't yet sealed up. It also is certainly louder when the engine is under some load. Not sure how that works, but I've really confirmed this over and over again.
So I put the towel around it to do one final 'for sure' test. And for sure, it really is the vacuum pump making all that noise. The in-cabin noise became much more bearable as I drove.
I have put 100 miles on it, but it isn't registered, so I'm just doing short trips, looking for oil leaks or other problems. Yesterday, the temp broke 65 degrees for the first time and went right up to above 80, so I took it out for a drive to see what would happen to the engine temps. Everything seemed to check out.
Another thing I did was I covered the vacuum pump with a towel just to see if that isolated the loud ticking sound I have been hearing. At first I thought this was something to do with the transmission, since it seemed to only happen when in gear. But after some careful listening and such, I started to suspect the pump. It is LOUD. And the sound seems to be coming up from the foot well, which isn't yet sealed up. It also is certainly louder when the engine is under some load. Not sure how that works, but I've really confirmed this over and over again.
So I put the towel around it to do one final 'for sure' test. And for sure, it really is the vacuum pump making all that noise. The in-cabin noise became much more bearable as I drove.
Despite the problems I'm having in this not being exactly plug-and-play, I have to say I do like this bumper. It doesn't stick out too far. The approach angle at the tires is virtually as stock. It isn't too heavy. pretty close to exactly what I would have built. Good price all around. $500 for bumper and LED lights.
Attachments
OK, so I'm trying to finish up the wiring under the floor and seatbox so I can finalize that area before moving up to the dash.
I figured out which switch was the Diff Lock and which was the Reverse Light on the gearbox. But I am missing the wires that come down and connect to those two switches!
After hunting a bit, I do find a single wire that must be one or the other. It is on the right hand side, and it goes directly into the frame underneath the bulkhead. I'm thinking this must be the Reverse Light wire. It's on the right side, and it goes into the frame, it must run back to the Reverse Light....... But when I give it a charge to test the light, NOPE! Fool! That's the Diff Lock warning light wire. What?
It's almost like Lucas/Rover put it there on purpose to confuse people! It could only be one or the other, and it's perfectly lined up to run back to the Reverse Light! Who would have thought to run it down into the frame and then back up and over to the instrument panel? And it is all alone, it's not like they had a whole lot of other wires going that direction to tie into. They went through the trouble to route that thing just exactly so, when they could have taken a much more direct route.
Now I have no clue where my Reverse Light wires are hiding up under the dash someplace. That one wire seemed to make so much sense!
Curse you, Lucas!
I figured out which switch was the Diff Lock and which was the Reverse Light on the gearbox. But I am missing the wires that come down and connect to those two switches!
After hunting a bit, I do find a single wire that must be one or the other. It is on the right hand side, and it goes directly into the frame underneath the bulkhead. I'm thinking this must be the Reverse Light wire. It's on the right side, and it goes into the frame, it must run back to the Reverse Light....... But when I give it a charge to test the light, NOPE! Fool! That's the Diff Lock warning light wire. What?
It's almost like Lucas/Rover put it there on purpose to confuse people! It could only be one or the other, and it's perfectly lined up to run back to the Reverse Light! Who would have thought to run it down into the frame and then back up and over to the instrument panel? And it is all alone, it's not like they had a whole lot of other wires going that direction to tie into. They went through the trouble to route that thing just exactly so, when they could have taken a much more direct route.
Now I have no clue where my Reverse Light wires are hiding up under the dash someplace. That one wire seemed to make so much sense!
Curse you, Lucas!
OK, It took me two weeks to build a 3 foot long, two wire harness to connect the reverse light properly. Not because it was so hard, or that I was still hunting for the right wires in the main harness, but because I had to work on it for 5-10 minutes at a time! LOL.... Ugh.... been pulling 16-18 hour days for work, and staying up till midnight to make that happen.
My new timeline is to get it back on the road by the end of the next two weeks. I might be able to work on it this coming weekend, but I'm behind on other stuff as well.
Close... so close.....
My new timeline is to get it back on the road by the end of the next two weeks. I might be able to work on it this coming weekend, but I'm behind on other stuff as well.
Close... so close.....
I've been trying to get this thing back on the road as of this week. But I ended up working an extra two days, and only just now got a few hours to work on it... in two months....
So I got some stuff done, including the main instrument cluster in the dash. At first, I went through great lengths to keep everything organized and neat and zip tied and... then I couldn't fit the bezel back into the mount. So I pulled everything out, rewired a few items, tried again... No luck...
The rear of the instruments is so tight that the spade connectors are all bending at 90 degrees where the wire comes in, and I still have a full inch to go. I'm afraid I'm going to have to re-re-rewire tomorrow.
...everything works though.
So I got some stuff done, including the main instrument cluster in the dash. At first, I went through great lengths to keep everything organized and neat and zip tied and... then I couldn't fit the bezel back into the mount. So I pulled everything out, rewired a few items, tried again... No luck...
The rear of the instruments is so tight that the spade connectors are all bending at 90 degrees where the wire comes in, and I still have a full inch to go. I'm afraid I'm going to have to re-re-rewire tomorrow.
...everything works though.
I've got it driving. Amazing that for the last two months I've been saying I only have a couple of hours of work to do before I can actually drive it, get it registered, then work/drive as I go. Turns out, I really did only have a couple of hours of work to do.
Essentially, it is all put together. I still have a lot of work to do on the dash, but all instruments are working, and the main cluster is fixed. The various switches, and finalizing all of the things that are purposefully done only half way, just in case I had to pull it apart again, will come over time this summer.
So here is a moment, and here is a solid list of what I have left, and what concerns me:
Essentially, it is all put together. I still have a lot of work to do on the dash, but all instruments are working, and the main cluster is fixed. The various switches, and finalizing all of the things that are purposefully done only half way, just in case I had to pull it apart again, will come over time this summer.
So here is a moment, and here is a solid list of what I have left, and what concerns me:
- My speedo isn't working at all. It has power. Shows 0 speed and 0.0 miles. I'll post more in the VDO thread.
- I'm going to put Redline in the transmission. It whines more than I'm used to, even for a Rover. And it sure feels as if 2nd sync is going out.
- A few oil leaks that I need to watch to make sure they go away with use, as many Rover leaks often do.
- The turbo is the loudest thing about the car. Windows up or down, fast or slow, it is the thing you hear. And it flutters. It rarely has a solid whistle, it flutters. This worries me.
- My new VDO voltmeter shows about .23 volts higher than what I'm getting at the battery, or out of the same spot when using my cheapo multi-meter.
- The ticking I was hearing is still very loud. It is the vacuum pump. Not really sure what to do.
- Some kind of flooring and carpeting for being nice and for sound.
- Plug various holes where heat is getting in.
- Paint the bulkhead, wheels, roof
- Fix roof leak. (And in the roof on our house that is only one years old...)
- Sue someone over the bumper problems
- Install an electric cooling fan. (It was 80 degrees outside during the test run, it only once crept up just a sliver above 190 water temp. Stayed between 180 and 190 almost the entire 45 minute drive, with several idling stops, and several hills. EGTs never went above 850 for anything.)
- Adjust brakes. They feel a bit soft.
- Interior/exterior lighting.
- Begin the process of getting the cargo/camping system worked out.
- Fix leaking fuel tank/line or whatever.
Also:
These are the things that need to be done before I really call it done, then I will begin the rear cargo and camping upgrades.
This would include a modular shelf/box unit. A canopy. Extra water storage. Top secret locking safe that is installed, but needs to be refurbished. Tie-downs, and other bits. I don't plan on making it a camper, but I want to be able to convert it to overland ready in a short period of time.
- Accessories circuit and battery disconnect/dual/etc...
- Interior roll cage
- Rear tire carrier
- Rear cargo door "repair"
- Rear cargo door lower seal
- Lower door seals
- Winch set up
- Install heater fan/blower and make it work with NAS 110 style venting.
- New position for power steering fluid
- 12v power accessories plugs
- Interior trim on rear windows.
- Garrison window fix
- Install 2 meter radio
- Update and install center console
These are the things that need to be done before I really call it done, then I will begin the rear cargo and camping upgrades.
This would include a modular shelf/box unit. A canopy. Extra water storage. Top secret locking safe that is installed, but needs to be refurbished. Tie-downs, and other bits. I don't plan on making it a camper, but I want to be able to convert it to overland ready in a short period of time.
Jrose609
Well-known member
That probably seems like a lot of stuff, but it will go pretty quick, and you'll be camping before you know it.
I like the idea of NOT being a dedicated camping rig, but you are able to convert it at a moment's notice.
It was June 30th, 2015, when I cleaned out the garage and pulled the truck in to claim its spot for the project. It was July 1st, 2015, when I started pulling the first screws and bolts off.
As of today, although it is far from done, I can say the truck is actually on the road. Registered, licensed, and ready for daily driving. Exactly two years.
I can call it a running restoration now!
https://flic.kr/p/vsDh8m
As of today, although it is far from done, I can say the truck is actually on the road. Registered, licensed, and ready for daily driving. Exactly two years.
I can call it a running restoration now!
https://flic.kr/p/vsDh8m
The current state of things:
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhcmbailey/34851631063/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4218/34851631063_274d74c1d6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhcmbailey/35541689021/in/datetaken/" title="110 Dash Coming Together"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4290/35541689021_6e7fc005fb_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="110 Dash Coming Together"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhcmbailey/35632442806/in/datetaken/" title="110 Dash Coming Together"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4049/35632442806_1a98437015_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="110 Dash Coming Together"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhcmbailey/34851631063/in/datetaken/" title="Untitled"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4218/34851631063_274d74c1d6_z.jpg" width="640" height="480" alt="Untitled"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhcmbailey/35541689021/in/datetaken/" title="110 Dash Coming Together"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4290/35541689021_6e7fc005fb_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="110 Dash Coming Together"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhcmbailey/35632442806/in/datetaken/" title="110 Dash Coming Together"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4049/35632442806_1a98437015_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="110 Dash Coming Together"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Put over 100 miles on it today. Looking for that 1/2 tank mark to fill it up again. Also trying to figure out the issue with the turbo.
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhcmbailey/35298500370/in/datetaken/" title="100 Miles On the Clock"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4013/35298500370_6680a4b061_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="100 Miles On the Clock"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/bhcmbailey/35298500370/in/datetaken/" title="100 Miles On the Clock"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4013/35298500370_6680a4b061_z.jpg" width="640" height="424" alt="100 Miles On the Clock"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
