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The words and opinions expressed here are my own, and do not, in any way, represent the views of my employer (OnCourse).
You are here: Home / Archives for Mechanical

Coolant and Thermostats – Are They Necessary?

Published October 5, 2015 By Mick Farmer

No Coolant Corrosion

Coolant. Water is great as a coolant. However, the disadvantages are it causes corrosion and evaporates easily when hot. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mechanical Tagged With: 4wd, Mechanical

Why You Should Care Which Handbrake System Your 4wd Has

Published June 30, 2015 By Mick Farmer

interior landrover defender 110

There are two common types of handbrake systems fitted to 4wd vehicles: A handbrake which works on the rear brake shoes. A transmission brake that is fitted to the rear output of the transfer box. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: Mechanical, off-road driving

Raised Air Intakes – Are They Really Necessary?

Published April 9, 2015 By Mick Farmer

Raised Air Intake - 110 Defender

It's hot, it's dusty and it's dry - so why should you consider fitting a raised air intake? … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Equipment Tagged With: Mechanical, off-road driving, raised air intake, recovery gear

Are Bilstein Shocks Worth It?

Published February 4, 2015 By Mick Farmer

Bilstein-Shocks-Landrover-Discovery

Over the last 15 years we have tried various types /makes of suspension. The only shock absorber that we have found to deal with the rigours of off road and security training and just driving around on East African roads are Bilstein. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mechanical Tagged With: Mechanical, shock absorbers

There are Tools and then there are Tools

Published April 30, 2014 By Mick Farmer

I was trying to remove a drop-arm from a Landrover Defender steering box. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Rants and Raves Tagged With: Mechanical, review, tools

Is your battery clamped down and secure?

Published April 11, 2014 By Mick Farmer

Battery without a clamp.

An unsecured battery is a major cause of why vehicles burn to the ground. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mechanical Tagged With: Mechanical

What to Check on Your 4wd (Vehicle Check Over)

Published March 15, 2008 By Mick Farmer

driver inspecting toyota landcruiser

I am often astounded at how few people, attending our training, know how to open their vehicle bonnet (hood), let alone carry out a basic /routine inspection. So, although I have previously written about vehicle checks, I thought this time, I would cover in more detail the what, how to and why's of an inspection. A routine vehicle inspection is broken down into three parts. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mechanical Tagged With: checklist, Mechanical

Keeping 4wds Simple for Harsh Environments

Published October 1, 2006 By Mick Farmer

off-road driving - high range training - malawi

Electronically Challenged During my apprentice days, I came across the KISS principle. You found out what this meant as soon as you tried to offer up a complicated solution to a problem and met with the answer, "K(eep) I(t) S(imple) S(tupid)!" … [Read more...]

Filed Under: This and That Tagged With: Mechanical, toyota landcruiser

A Daily Morning Vehicle Checklist

Published May 26, 2004 By Mick Farmer

under-the-bonnet-view-toyota-landcruiser

Here are a few points of what to check, what to look for and why it needs checking.  Also, when checking levels make sure the vehicle is on flat, level ground. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Mechanical Tagged With: checklist, Mechanical

Free Wheeling Hubs: Why Have Them?

Published January 22, 2004 By Mick Farmer

Free Wheeling Hub

What they do and don't do Free wheeling hubs then; first let me dispel a few myths; They do not engage 4wd - this is done in the transfer case; They do not lock the front differential. … [Read more...]

Filed Under: 4wd Operation Tagged With: free wheeling hubs, Mechanical, off-road driving

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