Cape York - diesel quality

Thanks for the tips Rosscoe :)

Yup - The 'ol VivandRon book is on the "to-get-immediately" list.

I'll investigate the Wynns.... although Jeep and Mercedes (maker of the Jeep's engine) both argue strongly against fuel additives. I guess they don't expect their engines to be sent anywhere north of Rocky..... ;) Does the Wynns combat the hygroscopic nature of the fuel and dissipate water?

Plenty of filters and belts... and shocks & springs (one each - front and back) are ready to go. Cooper ST's x 9 (4 car, 2 trailer + 3 spare) should be OK.

We're allocating 6 weeks - with maybe a week extra incase. We'll also all be dragging H/D offroad trailers with roof-top tents on the trailers. Should be great fun. I usually do most of my off-roading in mountain country - Vic & NSW high plains. We have a property in Cooma, so all that is very close. Be great to see the "other side".....

I'd be very interested in seeing your photies if you point me in the right direction :)

Cheers
Chris

Chris,
I'm led to believe that that is exactly what the Wynns product does. I've been told to, but never have, get a sample of diesel and water in a clear glass mix and then add some Wynns.
Maybe someone can tell us if it works.
I took spare shocks, a trolley jack and all the recovery gear -- didn't use any of it but it sure weighed a lot.

If you have the patience go to:-

www.sausmagoo.com/queensland and page through.

This is my son's web site but the techno-nerd let me put my phots on it, god bless him!

Rosscoe

Great photos!!!!!! Loved them!

Interesting to see that you took a shot of the "Bottle House" at Lighning Ridge. My folks-in-law just bought the "other bottle house" at the Ridge - the "Black Queen".

I just say that I have to respect a bloke and his wife to go all the way up there with a darn big van in tow and no snorkel (I presume you re-routed the air intake further back inside the engine bay??). Fantastic stuff!

Thanks for the link. I'll be going there heaps.

Cheers
Chris

Chris,

I ain't that brave!

I left the van at Port Douglas and camped all the way up. AND, we only did it one way as well.
We put the car on Sea Swift's "Trinity Bay" and sailed back down to Cairns. Whatt great trip. The ship sails inside the reef, takes two nights and most of three days and they feed you like you wouldn't believe. Took the van everywhere else though.
After a lot of toing and froing I decided against the snorkel and stayed with the standard air intake set up. It was late in the season and I had no problems with water.
For me it was the right decision.

Regards,

hehe... I realised this of course..... well...no...actually I thought that there was a Maccas and truck stop at Tribulation... ;)

When I say "picky" about the fuel, the CRD injectors on the Jeep are presurrised to 23,000psi (about 1,600 bar), and have a double injection cycle. They squirt a pre-charge into the cylinder and then follow that up with a full charge milli (if not micro) seconds later. Pretty sophisticated, but prone to blockage if the fuel's crook. This is why Toyota and others haven't bought common-rail engines to Australia yet.

I just have to go with pre-filters (if the fuel line itself isn't already under some pressure from a tanl-mounted pre-pump) and try the additives if required.

Chrispy it sounds like you have got the wrong vehicle for outback Australia!! Good for American feeways though I guess!

Mick - I'm not sure that this fourby isn't the best one I've ever had.... and I've had quite a few..... most of them lifted competition trucks. It's live axle front and rear at least - and it really does go most places my 6" lifted Patrol ever did.....and in far more comfort. I'm impressed with it so far. It isn't just a show pony... which Grand Cherokee's have unfairly gained a reputation of over time - but I think that that's due mainly to the type of people buying them (like the Rangie) than the vehicle itself. The only thing holding it back might be fuel susceptibility.... but we'll see.

Excellent!

Are these filters useful for both dirt/sediment as well as water?

They are a normal fuel filter with a glass underneath to let you see if there is any water in the fuel.
Almost every large boat & piece of machinery in Australia would have one fitted.

Thanks Shaker

I'm new to diesel - this one is our first. I'm happy to say that I now know what I was missing... now I just have to learn the finer points of owning one.

Cheers
Chris

Thanks for that Eric

I'll just have to see how it goes. I'll take all reasonable precautions with filters and other in-line devices - and talk to Daimler Chrysler about it first. I'm lucky in that I have some contacts there who will make sure that everything's OK with warranty etc, and let them know about the trip. I doubt that anyone has taken one of these vehicles up to the top of Oz yet (the CRD is too new), so the company might (hopefully) take an interest in its performance. I feel like an explorer breaking new ground and I'm optimistically excited about the adventure.

I've done close to 50,000 kays in both dusty and wet conditions so for with no ill effects. The car has performed flawlessly - I love it. It is really quite capable for a stock vehicle, and as a tourer it is fantastic.

Good to hear that you haven't had any troubles with diesel up there.

Cheers
Chris