Freelander 1 TD4 clean up work starts

Just for interest I started cleaning up my new TD4 Today behind the door hinges and under the bonnet etc etc.The car was never looked after by the looks but the amount of crud in layers probably helped to protect the paint underneath as it all came up like new.
I used a GRP cleaning solution that I bought to clean my speedboat with in 25lt container the sort of product you dilute about 20/1 with water but if used neat it dissolves oil great (warning probably paint too).
I took the decision to remove the battery and do the whole engine bay too and combination of jet wash and stiff brush got all that clean but there is a bit of summer repainting to do on the inner wings and chassis heavy surface rust to remove as well.
The rear door inner trim was hanging off and someone had obviously been in there no water shedder and loads of muck blocking up the drain holes so that got the same treatment.I have found a crack in the door above the wheel mounting /carrier IS THIS COMMON ? and the filler someone has previously used is hanging out and the whole door needs to be repaired/re-painted in summer but overall the vehicle looks great
I have ordered my EGR stainless bypass kit and full service kit with modified breather and fuel filter and also 4 new glo plugs so can't wait to get stuck in.I opted for 10/40 oil semi synthetic as I don't like the very thin 5w oils and the range of acceptable oils is quite broad.One item I would recommend for any newcomers which I find a great bedtime read is the RAVE cd downloaded from e bay it has all the works repair info plus lots more LR related stuff to read forever.
I was pleased to find my Snap On Ethos machine that ran out of updates in 2005 when I left the motor trade works great on this 2006 vehicle with full diagnostic capability and allowed me to clear 6 historical codes and diagnose everything with ease.
I am already tinkering with things and expect to go for drilled/grooved disks and pads next along with drums,shoes,cylinders etc as I'm delighted all these parts are affordable to do myself.
The other item I want and keep looking for on e bay is a full dog guard but the ones for sale are too far away or too pricey so if anyone wants a free diagnostic on a similar age vehicle for one it could suit us both pm me.

Sounds like you have your hands full a new car tends to get the best out of you, only picked mine up last week but will wait till the weather picks up before I delve into mine.
But it does not sound as bad as yours, doing the inline stat thing tomorrow need heat this time of year.
Dave

131commando said:

I have found a crack in the door above the wheel mounting /carrier IS THIS COMMON ?

Click to expand...

No. I expect the spare wheel has been struck, bending the door. This has then been filled, which is what has cracked.

131commando said:

I have ordered my EGR stainless bypass kit and full service kit with modified breather and fuel filter and also 4 new glo plugs so can't wait to get stuck in.

Click to expand...

Be warned that the EGR bypass is now an MOT failure.

131commando said:

I opted for 10/40 oil semi synthetic as I don't like the very thin 5w oils and the range of acceptable oils is quite broad.

Click to expand...

Good oil viscosity choice, although I prefer 5w40 fully synthetic.



Don't forget to make sure it has identical tyres all round and that least worn is on the rear. It's also very sensitive to do the one wheel up test and replace the oil in the IRD with fresh fully synthetic 75W90 gear oil.

Cheers for info all oils will be done just doing engine bay first it's a bit cold out there lol