SALLHAM from Belgium

[SALLHAMv8]

Good day,

My nickname, SALLHAMv8, referring to my first RRC, many (second hand old worn down 4 doors) followed after and still one 2 door RRC is in the barn.
Active on the Land Rover scene in Belgium, currently traveling with the 110 sw TD5 through South America. (http://www.dreamitdoit.be)

Things are not as smooth as wanted. The Defender is not behaving at all.
When climbing up to paso Agua Negro we had a stop over for the customs. When stopped we lost 3 liters of cooling water through the black cap. Water was boiling.

We returned back to Vecuna for repairs, after filling up the expansion tank at the customs. We drove a 150 km (down from 2500 to 600 meters)mwith out problems. I do not really understand where to look for a problem. Thermostat has been tested 2 weeks ago in Coihaique and OK, radiator is cleaned out same time.

No spares are available in Santiago Land rover garage. We have spend a full week in Santiago last week for repairs (condesner, brakes, ....It's a never ending story...

Kind of 'HELP ME' introduction, sorry for that.

[Carlosbeldia]

Does your car hace any chip or similar for additional performance?

[SALLHAMv8]

Yes the car is chipped, performance increased with VNT turbo and all the 'goodies'.

We are not heading for Agua Negra. We take the safe and 'flat' road along the coast.

[Carlosbeldia]

Do you have a chip or a repro ECU?

[Carlosbeldia]

Here in Colombia right now is a TD5 with exactly same problem you have. They have changed 3 times the head gasket, all kind of internal stuff and added a revotec fan... still same issue. At the end, the problem was the chip they have installed. Thing is this chips are designed for european conditions, not Colombian geography.... this mentioned car have chip, big intercooler, boost box and other helps....

[SALLHAMv8]

Yep, same for me, never though I would made it to South America, and for sure not in Defender! Defender is build up for European routes.
i keep control of temperature by easing the right foot!!
It's a reprogrammed chip and boost box.

Thanks for the reply and happy new year!!

[Carlosbeldia]

Not true... I have a reprogrammed td5 with 320.000 km with no temp issues and believe me is used harder than any nis**n or to**ta in my city. Thing is most chips are Designed with europe un mind and just die here... Go to original parameters

[SALLHAMv8]

Done that, software is controlled with the nanocom we received in Peru, and Defender is behaving like before. It's still a unbelievable good car.
Thanks for thhe feedback