- Joined
- May 27, 2010
- Messages
- 369
For a few years I have included in my spares kit Electrical repair spares.( especially as my bruiser being an automatic, no tow start) I believed that if my starter motor gave up on a trip I would be able to effect a repair because I had the offending replacement parts with me. Well, to be fair, I could/ would have been able to “ get out of trouble”. A week ago my starter finally gave up in the traditional way in that kept running after the engine had started, it had been playing up for a few weeks but I wasn’t in a position to change right away ( long boring story) I had already bought a replacement from Rough Trax , So now I have no option, it had to be changed. I looked at some U tube vids, I thought “ no big deal” Well, I don’t know if it’s my model ( VX ) but the whole job was hindered by huge wiring loom bundles effectively blocking access to the top stud, it took me eight hours!, ( jack up, wheel off etc) I was over it , under it, a gallon of tea, you realise I’m no spring chicken, but what an ordeal! It’s only when a friend gave a little help that the offending nut removed, and yes I have a comprehensive tool kit. Putting the new on was a doddle, Imagine, being on a nice froading excursion and have this to contend with out in the back and beyond. ( the Duchess tutting and sighing, )
So, my resolve? After an alternator fiasco in Sardinia last year, and now this, I will carry my rebuilt alternator and now carry my rebuilt starter, the stubby socket we used to get the top nut off will be labelled and stored in the car with any other “ special bits”
You can’t beat hands on experience and I now would be able do that job a lot easier, but a real lesson learnt for me in that one can’t assume anything , “ hope for the best, prepare for the worst”
Best regards to all, Bill Westley
So, my resolve? After an alternator fiasco in Sardinia last year, and now this, I will carry my rebuilt alternator and now carry my rebuilt starter, the stubby socket we used to get the top nut off will be labelled and stored in the car with any other “ special bits”
You can’t beat hands on experience and I now would be able do that job a lot easier, but a real lesson learnt for me in that one can’t assume anything , “ hope for the best, prepare for the worst”
Best regards to all, Bill Westley