RAGNAR BENSON

RAGNAR BENSON

New Member
The chassis on my 90 is in good very condition, but I've noticed that there is a fair layer of silt accumulated within the chassis members. This needs clearing for obvious reasons, but access is limited.

I would like to flush this out using a hose (when the ban gets lifted) but am fearful of water and crud pooling and stagnating within the box sections of the chassis.

Is it best to do this on a gradient to make sure the water runs through completely? I am thinking of fitting a slightly narrower length of silicone tubing to the end of a hose to increase pressure and improve access.

I've seen on another thread here that some people have used pressure washers inside chassis sections with good effect.

Any hints or tips on cleaning the inside of a Defender chassis would be much appreciated. :)
 
I've had this exact thought. Mine seems to have a lot of silt in the rear crossmember but I cant work out how to clean it out. Maybe flush it out with high pressure on a really hot day then park it on a slope.
 
There are holes at all the low points to allow water to come back out so as long as you keep poking them as they block with silt they should keep running free.

If your plan is to clean out the chassis before putting Kurust or something similar into it to convert any rust, then applying waxoyle or similar then I would drill the drain holes out slightly bigger to help with the cleaning process.

One way would be park it on a good incline, drive the back end up onto blocks or something and let a hose run through the chassis for a good while - I would suggest taking the front bumper off to help with draining as the bolt holes would then act as a low drain point whereas with a bolt in place they water would only be able to come out the hole in the end of the chassis which is higher and heavier silt might not drain out.

The loose stuff will come out easily but it really needs a good soaking and water to run along the chassis for some time clean it out.

The best option would be one of those drain cleaning attachments for a high pressure jet, it's a small nozzle that fires water in all directions, pushing that through would blast everything and flakey paint/rust which would be ideal.
 
Excellent - thankyou! :)

I was wondering about the front bumper as it looks like this caps off the two main chassis members at the front.

Looks like a pressure washer is probably the only way to go. I don't want to end up just saturating the silt without shifting it.

I'd still have to connect the pressure washer to a mains water supply though - damn this hosepipe ban!
 
RAGNAR BENSON said:
Excellent - thankyou! :)

I was wondering about the front bumper as it looks like this caps off the two main chassis members at the front.

Looks like a pressure washer is probably the only way to go. I don't want to end up just saturating the silt without shifting it.

I'd still have to connect the pressure washer to a mains water supply though - damn this hosepipe ban!
Click to expand...
You need one of these.
Nilfisk 15m Drain Cleaning Tube Cleaner for Pressure Washer Jet Wash | eBay
Go in through the front and the hose will pull itself along then slowly pull it back to clean out the silt. They are not cheap though and you also need a jet washer.

Forget the mains supply. Have you got a water butt? Use rainwater. My washer will self prime from any source of water.
 
Thanks shifty, cool looking bit of kit and will save the nightmare I had last year trying to get all the muck out of the chassis before I applied Andorra wax!!
 
how about a drane cleaning co if thay can get **** out pipes thay should be able to get mud out a chassis
 
chris07 said:
how about a drane cleaning co if thay can get **** out pipes thay should be able to get mud out a chassis
Click to expand...


I like it, "Hello is that UIS HP drain cleaning division? Yes could you book me in for a chassis clean... A chassis... a CHAS-SIS... Yes... Really..."
 
discomania said:
I like it, "Hello is that UIS HP drain cleaning division? Yes could you book me in for a chassis clean... A chassis... a CHAS-SIS... Yes... Really..."
Click to expand...


i just asked one of the drain guys in the street . he sad he will wash enaything out with it for £50 a hour :drum:
 
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