Me..... It's not about me.... although........
I was a mechanic and training to be one while at school (upto 1990) and worked most of the dealerships until 1998.
I took an interest into Diagnostics on cars, ECUs' and for some reason, more of an unhealthy interest in computers in 1997.
I went on to learn about MS Windows - How to build computers - how to fault diagnose hardware and operating system issues, but then got sucked into the work of IT when my (IT Manager) Brother asked if I would help him out while carrying out a site relocation.
being an ex-mechanic - I was a fast, but hard worker - and helped them do the move in the quickest of time (reducing the move by a full week)
The rest is history.
Why am I here you may ask....
Well - the Freelander isn't a car I have much experience with I'm afraid, until now...
Freelander - "Why?" I hear you ask.........
The Car belonged to my dad.. he was the second owner of it, from when it was only 2 years old.
5years ago, the clutch went, so he decided to get a local garage to fit a new one.
within 1/2 mile of the garage, the clutch packed up again, so the garage took it back and began investigating.
They found that the crank was moving back and forth, causing the clutch to fail - (end float).
They quoted a couple of grand for a second hand lump and the fitting, but dad declined and asked them to return the car to his home address based on the cost.
This is where it goes wrong....
My nephews - (one pretending to be a mechanic and the other pretending to be useful) - told their Granddad if "he" bought the engine they would fit it for him - so.... he got the engine and agreed he would pay them to fit it. - One Brand New LR BMW M47R Engine later (I never got to know how much the lump cost either :-( .............)
Apparently (I was working away) the engine didn't like coming out of the car - and when they finally fitted the new one, they couldn't get it started - unless they linked out the starter solenoid.
long story short - the car was left on Dads garden for 5 years (which is a grave yard for a Ford Mondeo, Range Rover P38 DSE and "WAS" the Freebie) never to be touched again. sad thing is, my nephews STILL took the money for fitting the engine.
In June of 2015; dad was diagnosed with Cancer of the bladder (apparently caused by handling chemicals such as Diesel fuel when he was the owner of a passenger vehicle dismantlers in the 70's and 80's); and to cap it all; it's an aggressive strain. Dad asked me in June 2015 if I could get the Freelander up and running, because "it's a great car to have, does just short of 40 mpg and he would love to see it running again." - Nothing like pressure - when you have a full time job too!!!
Dad got to the stage where he couldn't walk, or wash himself anymore - and for a very proud, always active man who had been hands-on doing everything all of his life (he re-roofed his bungalow at the ripe old age of 77!) - I know this psychologically hurt him badly.
Anyway... I lived 50 miles from dad, but still picked him up and took him 30 miles for his treatment into Sheffield and then back home before returning home myself everyday for two weeks - (yes I have siblings... for what use they are!!)
Continuing on....... I paid for the car to be recovered to my house (I don't have a garage; just a concrete driveway, and open air) and begun the task of getting it running..
After repairing wiring looms, replacing inter-cooler hoses; diesel pipes, coolant hoses. air con pipes, bolts, brackets etc. I got the car turning over and finally firing up on the key.
I sourced all of the water leaks, and tightened up hoses and got the water to NOT leak out - fitted an EGR bypass mod - purchased a new MAP sensor. fired up the car but it had no drive..... the rest.. is in every post I have made.
So... I initially had something as useful as an ornament. I'm not made of money - as I donated most of my time to the care of my dad - I couldn't do this without by Fiancée - so I want to take this time to say a big Thank you to her - especially as she won't be reading this (I think) and as you can imagine, the stress of my Dads illness, daily work and then the Freebie does take it's toll on me... badly!
so... anymore info.... PM me..... please.... it will add to making me feel "at home and with friends"
I got the car running and MOT'd, but sadly not before dad passed away..
now I have fitted heated leather seats, glass sunroof panels but still have other bits to do before its properly finished,

Yes... "SCRAP IT" can be a funny response, but not in my case. Sorry..... but unless you have read my profile.........this car is dedicated to Dad. Who passed away on the 8th October 2015