Last week I went to take UGU for her first run of 2016, but on starting her I knew immediately something wasn't right. Parked in an underground garage she limped to the garage door but didn't have the power to pull up the driveway and was running so rough that anyone would have thought she was a diesel.
UGU sounding very sick
Unsure what to do I called my mechanic, who unfortunately was still on Christmas holidays. I then turned to my Facebook group W(A)114/115, and posted a video of UGU's state of ill health. It was here that I got my course of action.
UGU still looking pretty even with her bonnet up :)
It was suggested that UGU was running with at least one cylinder not firing, and that by systematically disconnecting the spark plug leads one at a time, any lead removed that did not cause the engine to run differently was at fault.
As it turned out both cylinders 2 & 4 were not firing! (No difference made to the engine running)
With my little helper and original Mercedes-Benz spark plug tool I carefully removed these two spark plugs and replaced them with new ones.
Daddy's little helper
Original Mercedes-Benz tools
Whilst doing this I was terrified of a similar result to that of my W116, where one of the spark plugs had been installed incorrectly stripping the threads, ending up with a halo coil being inserted.
Thankfully UGU's spark plugs came out easily, and the new ones went in without any problems. I crossed my fingers and turned the key, yeeha! She's alive and well.
The spark plugs that were removed were absolutely black, I am not sure if this is because she hasn't been on any decent runs in a long time, but for the minute the new ones are in, UGU is running and I am happy.
YUK! Source of the problem
New spark plugs ready for insertion with "neck collar thingy" removed
I proceeded to replace the remaining four spark plugs with a grin on my face and with them all replaced, I washed up and took UGU for a drive, finally her first run of 2016!!!
UGU on her first run for 2016 to Perth's iconic Kings Park
Whilst out on my cruise with UGU my efforts were rewarded as I was driving along Bagot Road in Subiaco, I just had to pull over, I couldn't believe my eyes!! Sitting parked at the side of the road, hiding from the sun under the shade of a tree, was a brand new Land Rover Defender 90, limited edition "Heritage"!
Land Rover Defender, Special Edition Heritage, WANT ONE!
Now in business I am often referred to as a "details man", therefore it would not surprise many as to how much I love this Landy!
The Heritage Defender references the 1948 design features of the first Land Rover Series 1, affectionally know around the world as "Huey", his number plate was HUE 166. You will see this number on the badges on the wings and as embellishments on the seats, the wire mesh style grille replaces the previous plastic version, door hinges are painted silver to acknowledge the original galvanised ones and the "Land Rover" badges on the grille and mudflaps have all been reverted back to the way they used to be.
A nod to "Huey"
Original branding badges make a welcome return.
Also check out the company on the wheel cover Milvill and Moon, they have some beautiful stuff, hand made in Africa
With the Defenders days now numbered and buyers going crazy to snap up the last models, the Heritage will be a future classic I have no doubt, perhaps it already is a classic?! In the future, when all the planets align, the clouds are the right shape, and a pig flies gracefully through the air, I hope to have one to park alongside UGU and Leif.
Find out more about the Limited edition Land Rover Heritage: Land Rover Defender, special edition Heritage
