Dropping more oil than usual.

I am moving into the phase of lots of small oily jobs such that the engine / gearbox and transfer box can be removed. I have put painting the chassis on hold until I have swapped the positions of what remains of 05 KD 28 and the new chassis. This is necessary due to the location of the lifting beam I installed.

Today’s first job was to remove the handbrake. I think this is the epitome of Land Rovers; its efficacy coupled with simplicity is a marvel. Electronic handbrakes on the D4 cost a small fortune and do the same job.

Next came the handbrake drum and then prop shaft. All came off easily though it may have been helped by the transmission oil sprayed around. Some seals might be needed!

Whilst at the back I also disconnected the flexi hose between chassis and rear axle brake block. This ultimately required the paper this mount to be cut out.

The rear is now ready to remove axle so it is done for now. So stepping forward of the bulkhead once more I started to disconnect the engine from anything that may snap when I lift it out! Cue oily hands. First in removed the front section of the exhaust. Bolt out ok, one stud snapped and one spinning so cut off. I think a new exhaust manifold is needed.

Whilst on this side of the engine I removed the wiring from the oil temperature gauge, the started motor and the alternator. Annoyingly the connector was too big to pass through the gap between the black and the water pump where the cable did. I therefore had to take the plug apart.

Having looked long and hard at the water pump I thought it would be a good idea to relax move one bolt in the thermostat housing so the fuel pipe clip could be released. Of course this bolt broke. So cue removing the housing and drilling out the bolt.

Also removed was the carb, vacuum tubes and the lowers and upper hard pipes to the oil cooler and the flexi and non return valve on the lower side of the oil cooler. Bit more wiring also removed and also I took out the clutch piping.

Most seems disconnected and I am back towards toward the solenoid. This doesn’t look that good but is works!

The last half hour of my day was spent searching for a 3/4 in AF spanner. If anyone finds it, please return to the usual competition address.