OAUSA Net – August 23, 2018 - Vehicle Break downs and Repair on the Trail

[toms]

Tonight’s topic is Vehicle break downs and repair on the trails. If you break down or damage your vehicle in the outback, at best, you may be delayed in your return trip home and at worst, you may be facing a survival situation, if repairs cannot be made. We plan on discussing the most common break downs, tools, skills, and spare parts needed.
Here is our list of some of the most common problems we have seen on the trail:

1) Battery failure
2) Broken or bent tie rod(s)
3) U-joint http://www.4x4training.com/Articles/Veh ... oints.html
4) Broken axle
4) Broken drive shaft
5) control arm bracket torn off
6) Torn brake line
7) Radiator leak
8) Transfer Case Linkage
9) Loose track bar
10) Hose leak
11) Hydro locked engine
12) Fan belt trashed
13. Broken transmission linkage
14) Punctured gas tank

Some valuable tools to carry:

1) OBD Reader
2) Air Compressor
3) Multi-Meters
4) Extra vehicle fluids and lubricants
5) Water sufficient to refill your radiator
6) Variety of LocTite repair products (metal repair, hose repair, etc)
7) Plenty of Nitrile mechanics gloves
8) Pry bars
9) Work light
10) Grinder and/or Sawzall


We are looking forward to a lot of listener participation again, so post up and share your experiences and "field fixes" for some of the more common mechanical / electrical issues that off-road enthusiasts tend to "run into" on the trail.

What is the most difficult or most interesting repair you have done on the trail? Post it up.
Post tools and spares that have saved you!

[toms]

Reference books
Here are some ideas to get experience with the workings of your vehicle.

Jeep Owner’s Bible by Moses Ludel (models thru 1999)
Jeep Performance Handbook 2nd Edition by Jim Allen
Factory Service Manual for your vehicle from the manufacture – can get them in pdf form & carry on your laptop, notebook, etc.
Try to do upgrades yourself – a lot of learning there
Find a buddy who knows more than you and will coach you (& make sure he always goes with you!)
Help or at least observe all fixes on the trail
Check for automotive courses at the Community college


Systems
Most service manuals organize the chapters by major systems. It is also a good way to begin your diagnose of a problem and to think about what spare parts and tools to take. Some systems require more attention and some are less prone to failure on a new vehicle.

Steering (if you can't steer and brake you can't drive)
Braking
Drive train (the drive trail is high on the list of potential break downs)
Fuel system
Cooling system
Lubrication system
Electrical system
Suspension system

Some trail breakdowns

[Diesel4x]

Thanks for check in, KF6KOC Randy.

[KAP]

Please check me in.
Kevin
KK6DGL

[KA9WDX]

Check in please - thanks - Bernie

[Jeff-OAUSA]

Check in request.

WD6USA
Jeff

[NotAMog]

Please check-in

Bruce - KD6GCO

John - KN6VL

[Wildland909]

Check me in please....KN6FPT

[JackM-KK6WXQ]

Hi Tom,

Please Check me (us) in for tonight's net.

Jack M. KK6WXQ
Kevin P. KK6DGL
John D. KM6FXI

[kk6kwx]

Please check KK6KWX in for tonight's net. Thank You