Sunday, Aug 04, 2013 at 21:45
The entry point on the passenger side guard is normally for the intake to the fresh air/heater. The item attached is very much non standard and has what looks like a Donaldson air filter box fitted to it with filter. I can't believe it is plumbed into the turbo as the driver side
snorkel has no such protection.
I can only guess that it is to provide fresh clean intake air to the Defender based on what I can see. Given it is a 2009 model, dust will get in at almost every point around the doors and rear door, so I can't see the point. Also the air flow into that vent is not good from new so sticking all that other stuff there will make it worse I would have thought.
Land Rover Defenders are a specialist vehicle, more because they are basically hand made and every one is a bit different. If the dealer does not know much about them and you are unsure of the vehicle history it could all end in tears.
Check that the clutch operation and that there is no "rattle" from the clutch at idle, there is no leak from the rear diff pinion and output shaft from the transfer case (oil on the handbrake drum).
Check that there is no oil weep at the vacuum pump on the upper passenger side front of the engine. Poor performance could be due to the EGR valve which was also troublesome on some vehicles. If it has been chipped, this can cause turbo problems.
Check for rust spots just below the windscreen behind the dash as you can get water leaking in there past the lower foam seal. The bulkhead is steel as are all doors and bonnet. Also
check under the rubber mat in the foot
well for water ingress.
Gear changes for that model can be a little notchy and gear changes should be slow and gentle. If you get major clunking from the drive train this could be cause for concern. Thrashed vehicles can get wear on the splines of the drive shafts and axles.
Check around the chassis at the rear springs for cracking as heavy work can cause damage.
Do your homework. They are a fantastic vehicle but not for everyone.
Good luck.
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