Discourse #52

D52 January 2012

THE MAGAZINE OF THE DISCOVERY OWNERS CLUB

Inside: Peter in Brazil Plymouth party weekend New Workshop Section G-WAC brake callipers Northern Land Rover Run

Once registered, you can log on anywhere in the world to catch up with your favourite club, post replies and help fellow Discovery Owners. Subjects range from Caravanning to Humour. There’s optional email notification for individual postings, entire topics or forums.

The Small Print.

For the purposes of this notice, ‘Discovery Owners Club’ and ‘Club’ are interchangeable and assumed to mean the same thing.

Discourse Articles The Club reserves the right to edit or refuse articles received from members. Views expressed by members contributing to this magazine are those of that member and may not necessarily be those of the Club. Every effort is made to verify the contents of member’s articles, but the Club can not accept responsibility for the veracity of its content.

Back Issues Members can obtain Discourse back issues via the club web site, where they are available as pdf files to download.

Advertising in Discourse

Every effort is made to ensure advertisements are bona fide.

The Club can not accept responsibility for the quality of goods or services advertised. The moral is “buyer beware”.

Advertising space is available in future issues of Discourse.

Advertisements can be whole page, half page and quarter page in either black and white or full colour. Suppliers and dealers wishing to advertise in Discourse should contact the Editor for a Rate Card and details of available space.

Public Liability Insurance

Small Ads for DOC Members

Caveat Emptor

Members can place small ads for Discovery stuff in Discourse for free. However, if you have a cottage to let or anything else that would bring in some income, then you’ll also be able to advertise in the small ads section but will be expected to make a contribution to the production costs of Discourse.

The Club has Public Liability Insurance for registered Club events of a non-competitive nature. Cover is provided for full Club members, their spouse or partner and children residing at the same address. Family members as defined in the Club rules travelling in a separate vehicle are also covered. Road traffic accident risks are not covered by the Club’s Public Liability Insurance. It is the responsibility of the member to ensure that they have proper and legal Insurance cover for themselves and the vehicle from leaving home until returning home.

Complimentary Show Tickets From time to time, the Club receives complimentary tickets to shows the club is attending. The Club’s policy is to make these tickets available to those members willing to help on the Club stand during the event. If you are willing to help at the event on the Club stand and/or allow your vehicle to be displayed, please contact the Club’s event organiser whose decision on the distribution of those tickets shall be final.

Surplus tickets shall either be destroyed or returned to the event organisers.

Club Events Activities in particular but not excluding off-roading and green-laning are undertaken solely at the participants’ own risk. Vehicles should be suitably insured and prepared for the undertaken activity. Participation in any Club organised event is on the understanding and acceptance that safety is the responsibility of the participant.

Data Protection The Club recognises its responsibilities under the 1998 Data Protection Act. The Membership Secretary is the Club’s Data Controller. The membership database of current and past members shall be for the Club’s exclusive use and shall not be made available to any third party.

Elected Officers of the Club may have access to member information having shown good reason. Ordinary members may request contact information of another member. This shall only be through a Committee member who will contact the member to first ask permission.

Green Lanes All ‘green lanes’ are highways as defined by the Highways Act 1980. Green laning events require the same level of insurance, road tax, MOT and driver’s licence as normal roads.

Association of Land Rover Clubs The Club is a competitive member of the Association of Land Rover Clubs (ALRC), an organisation bringing together all member Land Rover clubs for organising events (both competitive and non-competitive) and providing many essential services to member clubs. DOC members may participate in competitive events run by other ALRC open club events provided they adhere to the rules set out in the ALRC Handbook. The Club’s ALRC Representative is Janet Smart and Handbooks may be obtained from her.

Committee Meetings Under the rules of the club, members may attend, but not participate at committee meetings. If you plan to come along, please let the Club Secretary know in advance.

Articles for Discourse When submitting articles for inclusion in Discourse, please save the document as a .txt or .doc file without embedded images. Images should be separate from the text and sent either as photographs or digital images in jpg format. All files should be either emailed or put onto CD and sent to the Club’s Editor for selection. Photographs will not be returned unless requested. All submissions gratefully received - we need your input to keep Discourse going!

The Discovery Owners Club is an affiliated member of GLASS (Green Lane Association). GLASS is a national rights of way user group representing the interests of motor car users on un-surfaced minor highways or ‘green lanes’ in England and Wales. GLASS promotes responsible offroading and the Club endorses this.

Club Web Sites & DOC Forum

The Discovery Owners Club Arbons House Water Street, Lavenham, Suffolk.

CO10 9RN

www.discoveryownersclub.com and www.discoveryownersclub.org are the Club’s website addresses. www.doc-forum.co.uk is our forum address. For instant access, all you need is a valid membership number to register on site.

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Executive Committee

Management Committee

Martin Bisby Chair Via the Club’s address Tel: 0113 2383903 Mobile: 07771 666057 Email: chairman@discoveryownersclub.org

ROGER SPENCER Discourse Editor 27 Clarkson Drive, Beeston, Nottingham, NG9 2WA. Mobile: 07795 824111 Email: editor@discoveryownersclub.org

JANET SMART Vice Chair The Bales, Cow Lane, Kimpton, Hampshire, SP11 8NY. Tel: 01264 772851 Email: vicechair@discoveryownersclub.org

LENA ROWLAND Merchandising Officer 9 Turner St, Gt Houghton, Barnsley, S72 0DL Tel: 01226 759618 Email: clubshop@discoveryownersclub.org

CHRIS GORVIN Secretary Via the Club’s address Mobile: 07774 963577 Email: secretary@discoveryownersclub.org

MARK BUMSTEAD Publicity & Press Officer Via the Club’s address Mobile: 07830 290642 Email: publicity@discoveryownersclub.org

ROY PRESTON Membership Secretary "Scawdel", Dove Bank, Wormald Green, Harrogate, North Yorkshire, HG3 3PU. Tel: 01765 677124 Mobile: 07876 473714 Email: memsec@discoveryownersclub.org

PAUL FRANCE Events Co-ordinator 75 Reresby Road, Whiston, Rotherham, South Yorkshire, S60 4DR. Tel: 01709 324945 Mobile: 07855970088 Email: events@discoveryownersclub.org

JOHN FRANCIS Treasurer 8 Cottage Fields, Eaves Green, Chorley, Lancs, PR7 3QE. Tel: 01257 270079 Mobile: 07766 168869 Email: treasurer@discoveryownersclub.org

SEAN BUTLER-LEE Internet Officer - club officer Via the Club’s address Email: internet@discoveryownersclub.org

NIGEL HARRISON (Tiny) Competitions Secretary/Rights of Way Officer 51 King Edward Road, Ripon, Yorkshire. HG4 1RR Mobile: 07884 041234 (anytime) Email: comp@discoveryownersclub.org Email: row@discoveryownersclub.org Email: tiny1973@btinternet.com

WELCOME TO D52 Cover Photos: Front: Peter Chrichton Back: Kevin Eyre

Contents:        

FEATURES 7 Heritage Run 2012 information 8 The Editor’s Inbox A new feature from Janet, try this at home!

9 Hereford and Worcester go all camp They did a little green laning as well 11 Editor’s Inbox again Another pre-production five door found 12 Vibes, grooves and cross drilling Chris puts together some brake info 15 Peter in the Amazon CENTRE PAGE Boy does this guy get around STORY 17 Discoverys on the run Roy reports on the Northern LR Run 19 Discovery Birthday Party Roy was there for the 2011 bash Look what some of us missed

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NEW SECTION FOR THIS ISSUE! WORKSHOP 21 D3 wheel hub assembly replacement 22 D1 replacing a brake calliper 23 From the Forum 24 Leak detection for all Discoverys How to look for air-con, coolant & oil leaks REGULARS 3 Hot off the press. What’s new?

4 Committee Corner. Chris updates us 5 Readers’ Drives. Meet Paul Papper 27 Down Your Way. Local section news 30 Find your LSR and pub meet 31 And finally. One last photo to end with

www.discoveryownersclub.org

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Hot off the Press....

The new Range Rover Evoque has been named Stuff Magazine's 2011 Car of the Year in the annual technology award ceremony held at London's Globe Theatre.

The Evoque, which went on sale in the UK in September, has already tallied up 23 international awards. The new Range Rover fought off stiff competition from the Ferrari FF, Ford Focus, Renault Twizy, Nissan Leaf and Mini Coupe in the Stuff Car of the Year category. The editorial team considered the six entrants based on a combination of technology, design and style, on which the Evoque excelled on all fronts.

Scoring top honours, the Range Rover Evoque was chosen as the outright winner in the car of the year category due to its class leading technology, exhibiting novel features such as Terrain ResponseTM providing all weather, all surface capability and Adaptive DynamicsTM with MagnarideTM giving an ever compliant ride. The judges consisting of the Stuff Magazine editorial team, with consultation from industry experts at Autocar, also praised Land Rover's cutting edge Dual ScreenTM technology permitting the driver and passenger to see two different images on the same screen at the same time.

The Evoque was also commended for its 825W Meridian audio system which is the first example of the collaboration between the two British marques.

Speaking at the award ceremony, Stuff Magazine Editor, Will Findlater, said: "For combining the off-road capabilities of a Range Rover and leading technology with the desirability of a Blade Runner space car, the Range Rover Evoque just had to win it for us."

Land Rover Design Studio Director, David Saddington collected the award and said: "The Stuff Gadget Award means a lot to us at Land Rover and it is fantastic to win Stuff Magazine's inaugural Car of the Year Award.

I am really happy to pick it up on behalf of the entire Land Rover team who put so much hard work into the design and engineering – it is great to be recognised for leading edge and innovative technology wrapped in such a fantastic design."

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COMMITTEE CORNER Welcome to committee corner in D52, and a Happy New Year to everyone. I hope you all got what you wanted in your stocking, although I have yet to see one large enough to encompass a D4.

With the New Year comes new challenges, and this is no exception for the club. We need to keep attracting more new members and encouraging those existing members to take a more active role in the club. Some areas are very active, such as Yorkshire and notably Devon and Cornwall with their superbly organised Birthday Bash, which blossoms forth once a year.

Many other areas are quiet, such as North Birmingham, where they struggle to achieve any numbers.

I appreciate this is a difficult balancing act in these cash strapped times. We do however need to see new faces to keep this Magazine, the events and the committee running. You will soon receive the AGM notification. To my current knowledge, two committee members are not restanding: Mark, who has looked after Publicity for a number of years, and Roger, who has edited and improved this journal immensely. In fact, I would be so bold as to say, Magazine Editor is the most difficult job on the committee, not in terms of the IT skills but just in getting the articles together to fill the issue in the first place. I am never on time for a start. If you fancy a go at either or indeed any committee position, please let me know via the slip you will receive soon, or using last year’s, which is the same, if you still have one.

The AGM this year is back at the NFU headquarters on 25th March – we are changing this to a Sunday in the hope of increasing turnout. We tried something different last year with the added attraction of the museum and shops, but unfortunately, we had a worse turn-out than ever before. Fuel costs and the internet will no doubt have had something to do with this. Local area representatives may consider a mini bus or coach this year. As the NFU provide this venue free of charge to the club, please do not forget to give the NFU a chance to quote for your vehicle or house insurance.

You may not know if you do not frequent the forum, but we have been running a competition with Bearmach for photographs of members’ Discoverys. This has been running as a Forum only event due to time scales. The results will be seen soon as members’ Discoverys feature in their catalogues. Bearmach has also agreed in principle to assist the Club in the restoration of EAC, although final details have yet to be agreed. This tie up could see EAC feature in a least one Land Rover monthly magazine.

Next up an apology; it appears some members who are due to renew in January have received their normal Discovery Owners Club reminder, and a few days later a reminder from the Volvo Owners Club. This error was not of the club’s doing, but was the result of the company that looks after our membership database and renewal service. Apparently, after printing DOC renewals, they attempted to print Volvo Club renewals, entered the Volvo letterhead, but uploaded DOC members. I have spoken to Lavenham about this and they assure me no members’ details have gone to addresses other than their own. It still remains a concern that such an elementary mistake could be made.

Cheers, Chris Gorvin secretary@discoveryownersclub.org 4

It all started with my favourite word… free! A Jap import Disco free to whoever could collect, but it had to be that week due to loss of storage. After a quick call to my boss, I had use of a trailer so I said: “I’ll have it!” So a time was arranged and a few days later I was the owner of another Disco.

The previous owner, a certain Michael Brown, won’t mind me saying it was a tad muddy, more inside than out! There were engine parts inside the car, the flexi arches had been removed, it was looking a bit sorry for itself, but I saw the potential in the Disco, a rust free caprice green V8 auto. I knew that the engine was no use due to a porous block and rear axle being blown, so I started listing all the bits that needed fixing.

I soon decided that once I had the Disco back the on road, it would be my daily runner. It would be a swap from V8 to 300 manual. It was to be several months collecting parts that I found on ebay, but the time had come to take the plunge, so I sold my shiny Disco to fund the rebuild, found a suitable donor Disco, and the rebuild began.

The plan was to fit the diesel engine into the Jap Disco but I found out the engine mounts on the chassis are different, so after a bit of head scratching, it was decided that, with the help of a friend, we’d swap the chassis! The donor Disco was stripped right down and the body was removed to leave a rolling chassis, which, as luck would have it, was rust free and completely sound. It only needed some cleaning and painting with some chassis black, then I had a clean chassis to start with.

New parts soon got fitted, +2” suspension, h/d steering arms, poly bushes, brake lines, as much as possible was fitted while it was a bare, and it was soon time to swap the chassis over… at this point I should say we were undertaking this with no ramp and it was to be done outside over a weekend with only trolley jacks and an engine crane.

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The Jap body was emptied of all but the wiring loom and roof lining to save weight and was slowly raised up to a point we could rest it on barrels and metal beams high enough so that we could roll out the old chassis. This went quicker than planned, and by the end of Saturday, we had the body free and sitting in the air.

Early on Sunday, we rolled in the diesel chassis and, with just a finger width clearance over the engine, it was in. Then starting the lowering of body had begun. By the end of day, the body was resting on its mounts and we had wired up enough to have the engine turn over, which was a very pleasing sound. Only two plugs had to be swapped on the wiring looms, so that saved a lot of time.

Once it was back on wheels, I could get on with putting it all back together, but to make it more fun, the whole interior was swapped from beige to grey, and with rear seats and door cards with the Land Rover logo, it soon started to look really smart. I found some sports seats and they got fitted in the front for some support off road, then more goodies were fitted, like a full length roof rack and BF Goodrich a/t’s, Safari snorkel, extended breathers h/d bumper, the list goes on…

The rebuild had taken three months from when I started, and it was time for the MoT! With a blown bulb being the only problem (sod’s law!) it passed! The Disco, now cleaned and shiny, was looking really smart, and I was really pleased with the result.

It turned out it was almost a year to the day from when I collected the Disco to MoT day! It’s been a couple of months now and it’s still getting pampered with new toys, and more stuff planned, with the final aim to take it to the Pyrenees next year. It may have started as free but ended up costing a small fortune, although the result was worth it. A Disco that will last for years to come.

So a big thanks to Michael for the Disco, my friend Sean for all the hours help, and finally to my girlfriend Helen for putting up with my Disco habit!

Paul Papper

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HMC TO HOST EXCLUSIVE LAND ROVER HERITAGE RUN IN 2012 The Heritage Motor Centre (HMC) is to host an exclusive Heritage Run from Lode Lane in Solihull to the HMC at Gaydon on Sunday 30 September 2012. Starting from the home of the legend at the Land Rover factory in Solihull, the procession will then make its way to the HMC. This Heritage Run is a great chance for spectators to witness 'history on the move'. This special Run will be limited to just 100 Land Rover vehicles including classic and present day models and will be an amazing spectacle to watch.

Those that participate on this unique Heritage Run will enjoy coffee at Solihull, a special Plaque to mark the occasion and a photograph of their vehicle on the Run. On arrival at the HMC they will then enjoy free entry to the Museum, a unique guided tour, a special talk, the opportunity to take part in one of the Land Rover Experience activities taking place and a delicious lunch.

Those that have participated in previous Heritage Run’s will be amongst the first to be invited to take part early 2012. Any remaining places will then be released to the general public in April 2012.

Emma Rawlinson, Events Executive at the Heritage Motor Centre stated “This is a fantastic opportunity for 100 vehicles to participate on this exclusive and one-off Heritage Run which is an absolute must for Land Rover and Range Rover enthusiasts.”

The Centre’s highly successful Heritage Land Rover Show, which normally takes place in April, will be taking a break for 2012, and return in June 2013 as a new Land Rover Lifestyle show.

The cost for the Heritage Run is £50 per vehicle with two people. Tickets can be purchased by phoning the ticket hotline on 01926 645029, Monday – Friday from 10am – 5pm or on-line at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk To find out more information please visit the website at www.heritage-motor-centre.co.uk

Roy asked a few questions on our behalf: Q, On the run, how much will it cost for extra passengers in the vehicle?

A, The cost of the Run (£50) is for a vehicle (plus driver and one passenger), extra passengers are £17.50 Q, Will the public be allowed at HMC on 30.09.12.

A, Yes, this will be a normal day in the museum, albeit with a Heritage Run. Q, If so will there be overnight camping 29.09.12 for those who have travelled far.

A, Unfortunately, there will not be any camping on site, I suggest that try one of the following: 1. Anita's Caravan Park, The Yews, Mollington, 01926 750 731 2. Fir Tree Farm Caravan Park, Warmington, Banbury, OX17 1JL, 01295 690 522 3. Heart of the Country Caravans, Hampton House Farm, Combrook Road, Kineton, CV35 0JH, 01926 641 829 4. The Gaydon Inn, Banbury Road, Warwickshire, 01926 640 388 Please note that 2 and 4 are the closest.

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Dave Dorling sent in this photo of a Discovery commercial with a big lift he built a while ago!

THE 2ND COURSE An idea from Val Britton at one of the Wessex pub meets, Janet starts us off here. Please send your favourites to my email address which can be found on the Committee Page – Ed. THE ALTERNATIVE TRIFLE – GINGER AND MANDARIN TRIFLE WITH A HINT OF RUM 1lb Ginger cake 2-3 ozs sultanas 2-3 tablespoons dark Rum 1 tin mandarins 1 pint custard (homemade best to enable it to set) Whipped cream (optional)

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Soak the Sultanas in the Rum for a couple of hours or overnight Slice Ginger cake and cut each slice into smaller pieces, place in a serving dish Drain the mandarins and arrange over the Ginger cake Drain the sultanas and arrange over the cake pieces Sprinkle the rum over the cake, followed by enough of the mandarin juice to soften the cake Make the custard and pour half over the cake mixture, stir gently to mix the custard through ingredients the other ingredients Pour on the rest of the custard and allow to set Top with whipped cream if desired

Janet Smart

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Hereford and Worcester Branch of the Discovery Owners Club organised a camping weekend with optional Green Laning thrown in at Kington in Herefordshire in October 2011. Caravans and tents were pitched at Fleece Meadow camp site on the outskirts of Kington, a level site with hook-up and facilities, with a good dog walking field adjacent, and the River Arrow running around the site.

The traditional trip to the local ‘chippy’ on the Friday evening, and a few cans to wash it down with, soon got the conversation going as we caught up on club gossip. Our numbers were boosted later that evening with the arrival of Paul and his two daughters, Megan and Zoё.

The following morning, after breakfast and dog walking, we were rounded up by Captain Mark (renaming by Megan & Zoё) for Green Laning. Our routes were planned using all the technology available to NASA, by an enthusiast who knows the area like the back of his hand. After a stop for refuelling, our convoy of four vehicles set off. This was my first time at Green Laning, and being a Green Laning virgin, I was expecting a pleasant drive along gently undulating tracks covered in grass cropped short by the sheep grazing in the fields. How wrong I was!

Within minutes, we’d turned off the tarmac down (down being the operative word) a narrow path that I wouldn’t have even considered walking down. After a few yards, the mud and undergrowth cleared to reveal rocks rising to the right, and a ditch falling away to the left. “Help” I thought (or something similar), while at the same time congratulating myself on having decided NOT to come in my own vehicle, but to hitch a ride from someone braver, in return for opening a few gates.

“Oh,” said the Captain, “better walk this one first,” as he parked the car on a 45 degree tilt, and pushed the driver’s door upwards to get out.

Those that knew a thing or two about Green Laning huddled together to discuss. Eventually ‘Guitary Steve’ picked his way over the rocks to get a good look up at the Captain’s differential and slowly guided us down. The others followed in a similar manner and when we were all down we headed off with my confidence in the Discovery’s ability buoyed. After crossing the stream at the bottom of the lane however, we looked up the incline to where our path took us, to see our route blocked finally by a fallen tree.

“That looks terminal” I said, as I looked at the size of the trunk, a mere 4 feet in diameter, with a root ball so massive it had lifted up the bank to the left side of the track for a distance of about 20 feet, while the upper branches were lost amongst the trees and shrubs of the bank to our right.

We all stopped and stared at the tree.

Then the Captain announced, “Its all right, I’ve got my chainsaw in the back”.

We all looked at him incredulously as he brought out his saw with a 12 inch blade! “You must be joking!” was the opinion that most of us had formed by now.

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But undaunted, the Captain set about his task, while the rest of us looked desperately for an escape route. As there was no easy route out, we watched as the Captain applied his chainsaw to the smaller branches (up to 18 inches thick). Amazingly he cut through one, then another, then after refuelling, another, then after refuelling and resharpening the blade there was only one more to go. By now, Tim, with experience of cutting down trees, could sit on his hands no longer, and leapt forward to take on the challenge of the final branch.

There was a loud ‘crack’, and the whole tree shook but stayed firmly in place across the track, as Tim cut through the final branch. We waited and watched, but still nothing moved. Sadly even the Captain doubted that his chainsaw could tackle the trunk of the tree. Then, determined not to be beaten, the men of the Hereford and Worcester branch stepped up and finally put their backs into a job, and pushed. Slowly at first, and then rising faster the tree moved and rose upwards (I had to check at this point that no-one was still hanging on!), and swung back into its original upright position, replanting the bank, fence, and accompanying shrubs back into place as nature had first arranged them. We all cheered and congratulated each other on the achievement. Of course we only did it to clear the lane for other users!

Our group bonding complete, we headed off and completed the rest of the lanes, including sunset at Black Yat, before returning to camp with a story to tell.

Many thanks to Mark for planning the Green Laning, and John for organising the camping, and all who attended this wonderful weekend.

From Gate Lady Lesley, Tiny Tim, Captain Mark, Guitary Steve, Daddy Paul, Megan and ZoĂŤ, John the Feather, Noreen, Charlie, Lucy and Bisto.

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FROM THE EDITOR’S INBOX 1……

Another pre pro 5 door survives, just.

We have a “sister” for G226EAC. Six enthusiasts of early Discos have put some money together and bought G513DHP off ebay. £900 is a lot of cash for a rusty old Disco, but we thought that it had to be saved from the scrap man. It is a V8i, 7 seat in Foxfire, in need of some extensive TLC. In order to put it on the road and take it to some shows, we are looking for more “shareholders” in what we may call the “Project Jay Preservation Group”. Shares are in £100 lots, and I will be the treasurer.

We hope to get a LR magazine or parts supplier interested in some sponsorship, perhaps Jerry Thurston could do some work on it in his marquee at one of the shows, he seems to be a dab hand at restoring Land Rovers of varying vintages.

Any offers of help, either cash or supply of panels, sills, inner front wings etc, will be most welcome.

The car is under cover in my garage, so it is out of the wet for the winter.

If you are interested or can help, I can be contacted on email4graham@tiscali.co.uk or 07809 380144.

Graham. “The Coachman” #2752

FROM THE EDITOR’S INBOX 2…..

Has anyone out there got a 2.0 Mpi ??

Mr C Ball, a member who lives in The Lizard, Cornwall, would like to correspond with anyone who has a 2.0 Mpi. He has no Internet access and would need to either phone or correspond by letter (do you remember writing? We used to have a white ceramic pot of ink, which was sunk into the desk, and a pen and nib; you would dip the pen into the ink --------) If you have an Mpi, or recent knowledge of the workings of one, please let me know and I will let him have your name and address.

If we haven’t got a member with an Mpi, then perhaps that is another model that should be saved/restored?

My address details are on page two.

Roy Preston. benji89 #1354 11

VIBRATIONS, GROOVES AND CROSS DRILLING The following text is a collection of quotes and statements from a number of brake disc manufacturers in the UK and Europe. These guys have responded to a number of questions I asked via email one Friday afternoon after looking at all the discussion on various forums about grooved disc, hard pad and warped discs. Their answers were all given in good faith and although it is a bit like asking the banker why the banking crisis happened, I have no reason to disbelieve them. I also have no way of double checking all answers so I will not be held responsible for inaccuracies in the information below.

At least one said the answers he gave were his opinions and not necessarily those of the company Above: A new disc on Chris’s D3 he works for. I would like to thank those engineers and managers who responded from TRW, AP Caparo, EBC brakesuk, TMD Friction (Bremtech Textar, Mintex, Pagid) Honewell (Jurid, Bendix) Eurac, Brakes international, Brake Engineering, Nitrac, Mtecbrakes, and National Auto Parts.

Pad type The consensus is that the best aftermarket pads are from any manufacturer that makes for OE such as Ferodo (premium only - not FAL); Jurid, Bendix, Textar, Mintex, Pagid. Others include: Lucas Apec and Lockheed.

These will generally use OE Factory production cells, same "family" of friction material, quality control standards etc. and meet regulation 90 EBC – say pad type is personal preference on braking, their standard pad will be similar to OE, Greenstuff will be a first stage upgrade for someone who wants more response and yellow stuff is the ultimate upgrade for high performance usage and towing, EBC pads are made in their own factory in Bristol.

One engineer commented: “There are many suppliers of friction material, most not even manufacturing the product, therefore limited to nil in terms of test capability. LR produce for the army as well as on road vehicles, they use one grade of friction for all applications (I would question this - ed) Pads termed as harder or coloured material are marketing gimmicks not real science. If they were, I am sure LR would offer at least some of them. There are many cheaper pads, sometimes even dearer pads but LR still use the same suppliers, there is obviously a reason for this, they have to be sure everything works to its full potential at all times!”

Comparison on wear, I am led to believe, is almost impossible to quantify, as if depends on the environment they are used in, “Harder” pads do not absorb heat as well as the OE material, and are likely to cause extra wear on discs, and when too hot, they have far worse fade characteristics. One of the main issues with braking systems is noise. I know one OE supplier spent many months working on reducing the noise (squeal) on the Discovery with different pad materials and pad shapes.

It is worth looking for Reg 90 Approved Replacement Disc Brake Pads – Reg 90 is a brake safety regulation outlawing cheap, non conforming friction materials. The new regulation requires “type testing” of each brand of brakes compared to the original equipment on the exact model of car.

The regulation affects only models of motorcars and trucks registered after 1st January 1999.

One final comment on pads “If standard pads are not fading then there is limited benefit in using upgraded pads.”

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Disc-Run out The recommended run out for disc varied between 0.15mm to 0.3mm depending upon application, on this everyone seemed to be in agreement, although the unit of measurement varied from mm to thous and microns A couple of comments were: “when fitted to the vehicle the run out can be up to 150 microns”.

“Some run out is necessary to prevent the pads "dragging” Disc-Warpage and Vibration In answer to this question all the responses followed the same line: “Brake vibration that occurs around 2-3000 miles after fitting is always an incorrect fitting procedure. The instructions on the box must be observed exactly or this vibration will occur.

Discs never warp, it is always something else. It is ESSENTIAL that the vehicle hub is thoroughly clean, particularly around the bolt holes. Then lightly smear the cleaned surface with non-metallic grease (stops the early rusting). Our testing on "warped" discs before and after cleaning the discs shows the amount of run out to drop by up to 3 times”.

“Avoid leaving the foot brake on after a prolonged stop. Heat transfer from pad to disc can temper the metal and result in a different wear rate. The higher quality disc is more resistant to these abuses.”

“Vibrations are felt through the car with a pulsating pedal when braking. ‘ Pedal bounce’ If the steering wheel vibrates also, this tends to indicate the problem is with the front brakes.

“Cause: Usually due to variations in disc thickness - DTV. These variations in thickness are usually the result of excessive disc run-out, caused by mating the disc to dirty or distorted hubs.

When driving (brakes off), the pads are normally in close contact to the disc. However, when there is excessive disc run-out, the pads scuff the ‘high’ parts of the disc on”.

“Solution: Replace the damaged discs, but when doing so, inspect the hubs properly and use a dial gauge to ensure disc run-out is less than 0.1mm (0.004”). This will avoid damaging the new discs. Alternatively, if the discs are only slightly worn, they can be machined on the car so that they run perfectly true”.

“Facts: If you fit new discs and they’re great for the first 1,000-2,000 miles and then you start to notice a very slight judder developing, you’ve probably got DTV caused by run out”.

“If you fit new discs and they immediately judder, then it’s probable (although very rare) that they have been machined incorrectly or there was a flaw in the casting”.

Groove/Cross drilling Here most agree, the only two comments that are different do come from manufacturers of grooved discs, the first comment: “ For off roading, grooved discs would be an advantage as they aid with water dispersal. This is of particular advantage, given the large pad area on Land Rover Discoverys”.

Whilst another went on to say: “It really is personal choice as grooves will give better braking at the extreme of temperature normally only found on a track day so for your cars it really is personal preference for something that looks better. Off road it is not recommended to use grooves or drilling as it all fills up with mud etc. and this then spreads across the disc so it is better to use a plain disc for off road”. The more standard line was – “Grooves and cross drilling will make no effect on normal driving, other than to make the braking noisy and to severely reduce the wear life of the pad - Cheese grater syndrome”.

13

Less common type of groove on rear discs (coating wears off within a few miles)

Further comments : “Grooving and drilling help with cooling and pad de-glazing. Whether it is worth it for any individual application depends on the use to which the vehicle will be put and the preferences of the driver, so to some extent, this is a "how long is a piece of string" question I'm afraid. Drilled/Grooved discs will give a better performance in high stress situations, eg track use, or with high performance or heavy vehicles. It is in the latter area I suspect that might be of interest to your club members. We certainly have a number of customers with range Rovers and Land Rovers who have found our discs to be of benefit with heavily laden/towing vehicles used on motorways, for example. In low speed applications I would not see much benefit to grooving and/or drilling unless the vehicle is so heavily laden that they are experiencing brake fade with conventional discs and pads”.

“Cross drilled brake discs are designed to increase cooling of the disc. The holes drilled in the disc allow more air to flow in and over the disc, which in turn helps reduce heat ‘build up’ which reduces brake fade, popular for fast road and semi track day use”.

A more common type of groove, on a steel disc with integral drum for the handbrake

“The grooved version of brake discs are designed to increase friction between disc and pad which increases stopping power, popular for fast road and semi track day use”.

“Grooved or cross drilled discs are designed for fast road or track use and it’s unlikely you would notice any benefit in off road use”.

So of 11 responses only one would suggest grooved discs off road, but as the second guy said it’s personal choice.

Disc material Like most brake discs that are intended mainly for road use, discs are made from grey 220 grade iron. With a hardness of around 26 rockwell, some special disc are made from a slightly higher grade.

The design of these discs has not changed since disc brakes were developed. Pad construction, however, has changed dramatically, and as we all know, the modern non- asbestos pads will eat through discs at the rate of 1:1 in some cases. This was supported by all who commented on disc wear.

One interesting comment: “Brembo brake discs are used for Land Rover applications. The reason for this is that Brembo are the only brake disc manufacturer who guarantee to replicate the Original Equipment quality in their discs sold into the aftermarket”.

A couple of final notes: OE discs mainly are manufactured in Europe from castings conforming to DIN1619 and GH190.

They offer specifications consistent with original equipment and provide enhanced braking performance. The world’s leading manufacturers include Bremtech, Brembo, Lucas, Bendix and Bradi, If used off road and /or towing, then life expectancy of brakes will be reduced when compared to normal driving but perhaps the adage: "You get what you pay for" rings somewhat true. And the black deposit seen on the surface of disc is more often vitrification ‘burnt on’ pad material.

Chris Gorvin Right:Cross drilled iron disc with aluminium bell on a McLaren MP4-12

14

Over the last Summer I’ve been keeping in touch with Peter Crichton during his latest trip. Peter and Eileen are members of the club and as some of you may know have completed the most comprehensive circumnavigation of the world you could imagine in their Discovery, with books and supplements documenting their travels. The following was received at the end of September 2011 and is just a snippet of this most recent journey Peter has sent me for Discourse.

Land Rover Owner magazine is publishing a series of six articles about the South American journey. If you want the complete story about this, and 4x4 travel in this part of the world, check out the series starting with the February issue.

“Good morning from the beautiful island of Santa Catarina off the Brazilian coast. Eileen let me know of an incident that got a lot of publicity in the UK. They were on the RB319 in Brazil and descended into Hell from a bridge as it collapsed below them.

The British couple got into a spot of bother in their Unimog on the RB319 a few days after I had the terrific pleasure of travelling the route in Rabia – our 1992 Disco V8i. It’s not a road as such, although the Brazilian Government’s intention was that it would be. That was 40 years ago, and the remains of the initial attempt to drive a route through are still there for the intrepid 4x4 enthusiast – all 900 kilometres of it. A better Disco test track you won’t find in many places around the world.

The problem with this track, from Manaus in the north of the Amazon Basin to Porto Velho in the south, is that it attempted to form a road through pristine Rain forest, and nature is a really powerful force here.

It didn’t work, and the plan was abandoned, leaving nature to take over.

15

The problem though, is that 137 temporary wooden bridges were made over nasty ravines by that time, to facilitate the road building work.

They are still there, bridging very deep river beds in some cases, and successful passage along the remains of the route depend on careful and conservative assessment of the bridge structures before crossing, as I found out at the early stages of the journey.

I kept GPS positions of every bridge and a record of its condition and about nine were in a derelict and dangerous state.

Other 4x4 travellers had made their own assessment before me, and most of these bridges had a side track that dived steeply into the ravine and out the other side, bypassing the risk.

Another ten or so required some rebuilding on the entry and exit to the deck during my trip and were otherwise OK. The unfortunate couple were travelling from the south and had reached bridge 46, (numbered from the north), so they had covered a good proportion of the track. The bad news is that all the really dangerous bridges were still ahead of them, so the 7 ton Unimog could have caused the collapse of any of these, if a bypass had not been followed.

Apart from the bridge risk, the route is a fabulous way of connecting the northern and southern sectors of South America.

The access it provides to un-spoilt Amazon rain forest must be unique. But it will go soon as there is word of the original road building project being re-instated and the fun will be gone!

All the best, Peter” PP…Steve Gadd (Muddyblue)

16

The Series III & 90 -110 Land Rover Club organise three road runs for their members around the country. The Midland Run, the West Country Run and the Yorkshire Run. The runs are non-competitive, no prizes for the quickest, the slowest or any other special driving skill, just a great “family” (Land Rover family) get together to meet friends old and new, and the run is open to non members too.

The Northern Run this year was the 10th run for the area. 55 Land Rovers of all models started from Knaresborough in West Yorkshire and ended at the Eden Camp in North Yorkshire, just North of Malton.

The Discovery Owners Club contingent, Tiny and family, and me and Margaret, left in convoy from the Conyngham Hall car park and were soon out of the town and through Boroughbridge past the Roman Town of Isurium and on to Raskelf. Once through Easingwold we climbed the Howardian Hills and passed a number of parking places, which are placed at strategic points for viewing into the valley below.

We were soon on the approach to Castle Howard, which took us through the arches where a photo shoot was taking place of all the Land Rovers on the run. After skirting north of Malton through the villages of Amotherby and Great Habton we turned south at Ryton to the gates of the Eden Camp.

The camp is located on the outskirts of the market town of Malton and is a multi-award winning Modern History Theme Museum housed within the grounds of an original World War Two prisoner of war camp.

There are upwards of 30 huts showing the various stages of World War Two. It was developed into a museum by a local businessman, to stand as a tribute to all people, civilian and military, who endured hardship throughout the war.

After a look round and a light snack in the café, we bought a copy of the photograph taken on the run and joined the queue of traffic, which was making its way back from the coastal town of Scarborough.

An enjoyable run and we hope to take part in the Northern Run again next year.

Roy Preston. Benji89 #1354.

17

Scott sent me a text re Discourse being "Club mag of the Month" in Land Rover Owner (November)...

So I got hold of a copy

"edited by Roger Spencer. It's a highly professional A4 publication with a good balance of news, events coverage and features" As they also point out we hit issue number 50 this year which made me think (rare I know) as this is my 3rd year in the chair I must have produced a lot of them! So I checked, my first was D32 so this issue will make 20. Possibly more than any other Editor as there were at least 3 before me if I remember correctly?

Many thanks to all that have helped, written articles, sent in photos, proof read and come up with ideas...

Roger Spencer Discourse Editor #840

18

DISCOVERY BIRTHDAY PARTY, PLYMOUTH 15TH-16TH OCTOBER It was the brainchild of Graham Bethell in 2009 when he had the idea of a return to the Hoe in Plymouth to celebrate the launch of the Discovery in 1989, where 86 new Discoverys were assembled for the press and dealers to view and test drive over a few days.

Due to a communication problem with the authorities in 2009, only one Discovery was allowed on the Hoe, and that was because it could display a Blue Badge. For the 21st birthday in 2010, Lee Hayward and Ian Williams were given permission by the authorities to re-enact the launch, and 77 Discoverys assembled on a fine morning.

Roll forward to 2011 and the party took place again, starting on Friday 14th where a group met at The Butchers Arms, St Ive, for a run out to some green lanes in the Cornish countryside. Knobby and Gary put the route together and navigated the group around some very scenic lanes. On Saturday morning participants started to assemble on the Hoe at 9.00am, where Ian and Lee and their band of helpers were busy lining up all the Discoverys and completing the booking-in forms. By 10.30 all the cars were lined up and made a magnificent sight. Roger Young, the local Land Rover Dealer had an Evoque and a Range Rover on display.

We left the Hoe at noon to cross the river by the Torpoint ferry. After a stop at the car park near to the Tregantle Fort we went forward to rendezvous at the Mount Edgcumbe Estate, where we settled at the waterfront for a while. Before leaving the estate we had an off-road excursion through the deer park. At the 2010 event a local gentleman, Laurence, came to the Hoe and told us that in 1989 he was in charge of cleaning the windows of all the Discoverys at the end of each day (see the October 2010 G-WAC Notes).

19

At Mount Edgcumbe this year, Gary Bryans, another local gentleman, recognised G526WAC as a launch car. He introduced himself and showed me a picture, which was stored on his iPhone, of a photograph that he had taken in 1989 of his grandfather posed at the side of 525.

After a pleasant afternoon in the sun we made our way back to Plymouth to get ready for the party. The party took place at The Millennium House, St. Ives, with a nice relaxing disco. We enjoyed an evening meal of Cornish Pasties and chips, together with a finger buffet, provided by Kelly and helpers. The raffle raised ÂŁ550.00 for local charities, Shelterbox UK and Devon and Cornwall 4x4 Response.

The bright Sunday morning saw us on the move again with a start at the Lee Mill Tesco Superstore, where a number of families had a hearty breakfast before heading off to the South Devon Railway at Buckfastleigh.

The 10.45 train to Totnes was soon booked up by the influx of Discovery owners, and the porters arranged a ramp for Margaret and wheelchair, to gain access to the luxury guards van, which was kitted out with comfortable seats.

The trip by steam locomotive took just over two hours and we had a nice snack for lunch afterwards at the station cafĂŠ.

After the birthday cake was cut and eaten, we left the station and headed over Dartmoor along some very narrow roads through villages, to arrive at the Two Bridges Hotel for cream teas. After our goodbyes to the gathered enthusiasts, we made our way back up North to complete a round trip of 850 miles in our trusty G-WAC, and look forward to another trip to Plymouth next year. Have a look at the birthday site. http://www.discoverybirthdayparty.co.uk/ Roy 20

Welcome to the newest section of Discourse, in each issue from now on you will find all the repairs, modifications, technical know-how, tricks and cheats all together here in one easy to find section. Please share your experiences and ideas with other members. My contact details can be found on the Committee page.

Discovery 3 wheel hub assembly Discovery 1 calliper replacement From the Forum, by Dave Leak detection, for all sorts of fluids

PAGE 21 PAGE 22 PAGE 23 PAGE 24

We start with my Discovery 3 LARA, I’ve had a bit of a vibration of late, here’s why.

With the MoT and annual service due I put up with the vibration for well over a month as I thought it was caused by a loose exhaust clamp or one of the belly plates coming loose? As soon as Stretch got in to drive to the MoT station he said “wheel bearing”!

The MoT guy agreed, with the vehicles weight off the front near-side wheel he got hold of it top and bottom, it moved! Bad news indeed as the D3 has “nonserviceable” bearings; a complete new hub assembly was required. Stretch got on the phone and found no two prices the same. They ranged from £450 plus VAT (less than a mile and a half from my house in Nottingham) down to £150 cash from Chesterfield. You can guess where we ended spending the money?

Back at my place Stretch got on with the service and we arranged to fit the new hub assembly the following Monday after his father-in-law had collected it for him.

I must say the D3 keeps impressing me with how easy a car it is to work on sometimes. In this case all that needed to come off was the wheel, brake pads and their calliper, the calliper carrier and the disc (held on by a single fat screw).

The hard part was removing the four bolts which go through the back of the knuckle into the hub assembly then getting them to part as they are a very tight taper fit. The old unit was in a right old state by the time it came off, coved in hammer and cold chisel marks.

Fitting the new part was very straight forward, copperslip grease was used all round for the hub so if need (I hope not) it can be replaced a little easier next time). All in the job took under an hour and a half with coffee half way and the packing of tools away.

I can’t believe how much quitter LARA is now, I must have got used to it as the noise grew over time.

Roger (Terrierking) Spencer Editor #840

PHOTOS: Top, the new hub.

Middle, knuckle with hub removed.

Bottom, new hub bolted up.

21

I am not a heavy user of the brakes, and with the high driving position in a Discovery it is easy to read the road ahead and lift off the accelerator in time to slow down for any looming obstruction.

The old and the new, guess which one’s which?

In order to check that the brakes are there for an emergency, I do give them a good test occasionally on a quiet road when it is clear. When I checked them recently, with only a light pedal pressure, there was a tendency for the steering to pull to the left, but centred and pulled up straight with more pressure on the pedal.

This led me to believe that the front callipers on the right hand side needed a higher pressure to push the pistons out than those on the left side. With the right hand wheel off I could see that the exposed part of the pistons were very rusty.

With the car on stands and both wheels off, the pad retaining split pins were removed. I found that with the steering on full lock it was easier to get at the splayed ends of the split pins in order to squeeze them for removal.

After taking out the pads I pumped the brake pedal to send out the pistons so that I could give them a clean up. Without the brake pads in place I am never sure whether the pistons would come out of their cylinders, with the consequent loss of brake fluid and a most difficult task of getting the pistons to go back in, so before I pumped the pedal I replaced the pads with some old pad backing plates with the worn out friction material cleaned off.

With a good pedal pressure, two of the pistons expanded quite easily but the other two needed a heavy push on the pedal to get them to move. I gave the pistons on both sides of the car a good clean but I could see from the rust and the displaced dust seals that some serious work on the callipers was called for.

In the past I have overhauled this type of calliper using a piston and seal kit part number AEU2539 and pistons STC201 from Land Rover. I have also used the part exchange system operated by Partco. On browsing through the LROI magazine I came across the advertisement by Paddocks who at the time were offering new callipers at a price less than the Partco exchange, and with no old units to return, so I bought a pair and can now overhaul the spares at my leisure.

Changing the callipers is not a difficult job but bleeding the air out of the system on your own is not easy. So while I was in a spending mood I bought an Eezi-bleed tool (shown on the right) from www.frost.co.uk together with a pair of hose clamps. (on the left). The Frost catalogue is a very good source of parts and tools for the DIY mechanic.

With new callipers and pads on both sides of G526WAC, the brakes were tested and found to be pulling straight. The most difficult job for me was lifting the steel wheels back on and getting up from the floor! (with you there Roy –Ed) Roy Preston. Benji89 #1354.

22

Some problems and their solutions members have posted on www.discoveryownersclub .org Compiled by Dave Dorling our Technical Editor

D3 Total Electrical Failure by Dr Neil Should have realised something was up when I started it up this morning. The car was slow to start, GPS flickered, etc. On the way to work the windows were slow to lower or raise. When at work I got a “special programmes off” message, thought the battery was on the way but it’s only a year old. On the way home from work radio was quiet (low power mode). Coming up to a roundabout every warning light came on, transmission failure, park brake warning, etc. Complete blackout other side of roundabout, so…

1. Put in Park 2. Call breakdown services 3. Low loader arrives, tell driver need we power to put it into Neutral 4. Second low loader arrives, first one didn’t have boost pack 5. D3 gets winched onto truck after boost pack gives enough power to select Neutral Spooky writes…..

You can get out of Park manually without power. Remove the blanking panel just behind the parking brake switch, then have a fiddle at the back of the gear selector…. There’s a small white lever to operate- this will override the solenoid, allowing you to get out of Park.

Dr Neil finishes with..

Back on the road tonight, the alternator was fried!

Unstable Rev. Counter on a D1 by Terry6084 My rev counter flickers all over the place. Is this a common problem?

Lawrence 5981 replies…

On the back of the alternator is a spade terminal, remove the connector and give it a clean and tighten the spade connector with a pair of pliers.

Terry6084 finishes with…

Yes, worked a treat.

D1 200series fuses by Moleman Nick Just had a problem with fuses on a 200Tdi, radio and clock went off when you opened the door!! And the lights didn’t work. Checked the fusebox and a number of fuses were not getting a supply, so started looking for main fuses.

They are listed in the Haynes manual as fuselink 10.

In fact they are not fuses at all but fuseable links in the wiring loom. These are wrapped in a material type insulation in the engine bay, drivers side, near the brake servo. Follow the large cable from the positive terminal on the battery.

Hope this helps, as we spent an hour looking for another fuse block like on the 300’s!

23

LEAK DETECTION

Détection de fuites

Ricerca perdite

Detecção de fugas

Lekdetectie

NO

Lekkasjeregistrering

Lecksuche

Detección de fugas

Läckagedetektering

Wykrywanie wycieków

FI

Vuodontunnistus

CZ

Odhalování vytékání

Professional Multi-Positional Heavy Duty LED Inspection Lamp • Rechargeable & cordless for convenient use • 6 LED UV lamp function to help show florescent dyes that are used to detect leaks • 30 high intensity LED inspection lamp • 5 LED torch function • Pivot design allows multi-positioning for directional lighting • Strong magnet at base of lamp for hands free use • Tough robust polycarbonate lens • Anti-slip comfortable grip • 2 x Integral hanging hooks • Li-ion battery for faster consistent recharging • Includes AC mains charging adaptor and 12v DC charging lead

1000 lux

Light output

A B C

6HR

5HR

Energy efficient

Operating time

Charging time

Part No: Battery: Operating time: Charging time: Mains adaptor:

UV

Barcode: UV inspection

RIL3100 2000mAh Li-ion 6hrs 5hrs Input 230v 50/60Hz Output 5v 600mA 5055175221229

Multi-positional

Magnetic

UV Dyes • Find leaks easily and quickly • Dyes to cover automotive oils and fuels, coolant systems, air conditioning systems, and surface water leaks • Safe to leave in any system • Accessories include an inline dye injector (RLD5) for use with RLD1- Air Conditioning System dye, and a cleaner/degreaser (RLD6) to clean up excess dye

RLD5

RLD6

Ring Automotive Limited, Gelderd Road, Leeds, England LS12 6NA UK Sales: +44 (0)113 213 7389

Export Sales: +44 (0)113 213 7309

+44 (0)113 231 0266

autosales@ringautomotive.co.uk

K/Auto Catalogues/New Product Launch/CAT137

www.ringautomotive.co.uk

LEAK DETECTION

Détection de fuites

Ricerca perdite

Detecção de fugas

Lekdetectie

NO

Lekkasjeregistrering

Lecksuche

Detección de fugas

Läckagedetektering

Wykrywanie wycieków

FI

Vuodontunnistus

CZ

Odhalování vytékání

Automotive Oils & Fuels • Detect Hydraulic, Engine Oil and Petrol/Diesel fluid leaks • Suitable for all oil types (mineral, semi synthetic and synthetic) • 25ml will do 8-10 of petrol engine oil, 3-5 litres of diesel engine oil, 10 litres of hydraulic fluid and 15 litres of petrol/diesel fuel • Each pack contains 6 x 1 dose bottle Part No: Quantity: Barcode:

RLD4 6 x 25ml 5055175226132

Coolant System • Add to coolant system to detect leaks in water pipes and radiators • 25ml will do 10 litres of either OAT(pink)/IAT(yellow) automotive coolants • Each pack contains 6 x 1 dose bottle

Part No: Quantity: Barcode:

RLD2 6 x 25ml 5055175226118

Surface Water Leaks • Spray directly onto bodywork and window seals using a spray bottle (not included) to detect any surface leaks • 25ml diluted with 10 litres of water • Each pack contains 6 x 1 dose bottle Part No: Quantity: Barcode:

RLD3 6 x 25ml 5055175226125

Refrigerant Systems • Using RLD5 inject into A/C system and detect any refrigerant leaks from the system • 5ml per 250ml of refrigerant • Each pack contains 6 x 1 dose bottle • Engineers who conduct A/C tests must be F-Gas registered Part No: Quantity: Barcode:

RLD1 6 x 25ml 5055175226101

Ring Automotive Limited, Gelderd Road, Leeds, England LS12 6NA UK Sales: +44 (0)113 213 7389

Export Sales: +44 (0)113 213 7309

+44 (0)113 231 0266

autosales@ringautomotive.co.uk

K/Auto Catalogues/New Product Launch/CAT137

www.ringautomotive.co.uk

Local Section Representatives “Down Your Way” Over the next few pages you’ll find details of your nearest local section meeting. The following areas do not have an LSR or a Pub meet organised: Norfolk & Suffolk, North Birmingham & Coventry, Northern Ireland, and last of all Shropshire & the Black Country. Contact the club vice-chair for details of how to start a new section should you feel like filling in one of these gaps

The LSRs play a big role in the DOC, and this is where you can find out what’s happening near you. Local meets, days out laning, caravan and camping weekends, barbecues and pub nights are an important part of the Club, and we want to hear what you have been up to. Send a note to editor@discoveryownersclub.org

NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Several hardy souls together with friends and families met at Matlock Bath one very cold late autumn evening. The aim of the exercise was to see the famous riverside fireworks and the illuminated boats on the river Derwent.

It was like being at a football match on a semi-final day, it was so crowded.

Because of the huge numbers there we all parked in near-by Cromford and walked in. Again there was a missive queue, this time for the river gardens. So we gave up and went for a hot drink in one of the café’s before standing on the road above the river (with several thousand others) to watch the fireworks. Not too bad a view as it turned out, apart from the tree tops getting in the way of a few of the lower ‘bangs’. So after another walk, this time back to the cars we headed for home, a mere 28 miles away. My daughter decided to say over with Steve and Sue at their little place in the hills so they had a far shorter drive than most.

It was a good evening out in the fresh air (read as very cold) and we got to stretch our legs a bit, which was different for the time of year. The firework displays happen every year and cover several weekends from mid-September to the end of November so keep your eye open for them next year if you’re in the area.

Roger Spencer #840

www.derbyshire-peakdistrict.co.uk/matlockbathilluminations

26

WESSEX We had one of our best ever turnouts to the pub meeting in November which coincided with local member Jon Radcliffe having a chat about “Country Watch”, a scheme much like neighbourhood watch but for rural areas run by Hampshire Police. You may have seen a write up about the scheme and his work in LRO. Unfortunately he couldn’t bring his Defender as the Police mechanics had broken it!!

Hopefully by the time this reaches you we will have had a “Day of Discovery” (as we call them down here!) to the Watercress Line, see www.watercressline.co.uk , done some laning around The Plain and be looking forward to our Christmas meal which we always hold in the middle of January. The build up to Christmas is normally hectic for most of us so it’s good to have something in the New Year to look forward to (plus you get more for your money once Christmas is over, the Yorkshire section should be proud of me!!)

One thing that I have noticed over the years that I have been a LSR is that I find it increasingly difficult to organize events that achieve a good attendance from the membership, apart from Dunsfold 2011 which was very well attended but with members from many sections. We even had a day arranged around The Plain and not one member took part in which is unheard of up till now. So if there is something that YOU would like to do please let me know. The chances are that if you want to do it, there will be others that would be happy to join in.

I wish you all “A very happy New Year”.

All the best, Dave.

DURHAM Members of the Discovery Owners Club - Durham County, Teesside and Yorkshire came to the rescue of the Great North Air Ambulance.

One of our members needed the urgent assistance of the GNAA when their daughter, Jessica, was prematurely born, and needed passage from Scotland back to the North East.

After finding that the GNAA is totally selffinancing, receiving no funding from the Government, we decided to raise money to keep the Air Ambulance in the air.

The average cost of just one launch is £2000, and they even have to buy all their equipment and essential items like bandages and plasters from public donations. This was our goal, to raise enough to save one life. Over many months at The Red Alligator during pub meetings, we held raffles and pub quizzes. Also, money was raised at car show weekends with sales of GNAA merchandise and at off road sites and ‘Green Laning’ with members donating to a ‘chuck wagon’ supplied by one of our own.

27

Jessica, as guest of honour, along with members from the three sections, attended the GNAA site at Teesside Airport a few weeks ago, to present them with an honorary cheque marking the occasion of us passing the £2000 barrier. She went into the control room and met the flight crew, one of the crew actually recalling Jessica as her first paediatric transfer. She also got to sit in the helicopter just before it was scrambled on another mercy mission.

Jessica has also been asked to be part of the GNAA Christmas fund raising campaign, an honour indeed, and a worthy cause, for which we, as a club, will continue to support.

Chris Heaton LSR Durham County

MIDLAND ROVER OWNERS CLUB MEMO TO ALL CLUBS THAT VISIT EASTNOR DEER PARK Dear Club Members

MAJOR’S MEMORIAL TRIAL 2011 – Ground issue Firstly, we would like to thank all those clubs, marshals and competitors alike, who came to the Deer Park in September for supporting the Majors event during tough economic times. There are many ingredients that all combine to make this a successful event and you are one of them, without which the Major’s would not happen.

However after the event this year we found a burnt area of grass and a pile of burnt wood and ashes, plus about 60 nails.

We would therefore like to clarify a couple of things: 1. The park is a SSSI site and a designated Area of Outstanding Beauty (AOB) 2. A skip is provided at great cost, suitable for cold ARTICLES FOR DISCOURSE ashes Share your experiences and tell the 3. Fires and BBQ’s on the ground are not allowed members of your days out, holidays or 4. ANYONE wilfully or neglectfully damaging any modifications you have made to your areas of the park will be asked to leave the site vehicle. Don’t forget any odd photos you immediately, NO excuses. may have for the ‘And Finally’ section on This type of behaviour threatens MROC’s continued the back page. use of the Eastnor Estate & Deer Park and WILL Please remember to submit any written NOT be tolerated. work in ‘Word’ as a document.

Of course we also have another alternative – ban Accompanying photos should be sent ALL fires – but we want our visitors to thoroughly separately as jpeg images. All can be enjoy their weekend. emailed in or sent by snail mail on a disc.

We appreciate your assistance and support in helping us keep Eastnor Estate open to our club and Thanks the events we all enjoy.

Roger Spencer Discourse Editor.

Thank You Richard Smith Chairman 28

The national gathering next year will be held at Hawkstone Park and Follies near Wem in Shropshire.

The dates for this great event are Tuesday 5 June 2012 to Sunday 10 June 2012.

At Hawkstone Park there are lots of things to do for all the family, including:               

Three off-road sites Beautiful follies to walk around Caves to lose the children in Cliffs Woodland walks with wild birds of prey Guided evening tour with head keeper (separate charge) Clay pigeon shooting (separate charge) Archery (separate charge) Golf (separate charge) Gift shop Café Supermarkets only 8 miles away in Whitchurch.

Green lanes are nearby (small map book type thing provided) Local Land Rover parts on call up to 10pm.

Independent Land Rover garage also on call till 10pm.

Now for the good bit…

Camping field has water, showers, toilets and electric (tbc) Camping per unit (5 nights) and off-roading for 2 days…………………....£40 Hotel per room per night - Tues – Thurs……………………………………£76 (per night) Hotel as above - Fri- Sun…………………………………………………...£86 (per night) (Hotel prices based on two sharing with breakfast included) Golf per person per 18 holes………………………………………....£25 advance booking.

Clay pigeon shooting per 25 clays…………………………………...£35 advance booking.

Archery per person per day…………………………………………..£10 advance booking The cost of the guided evening walk is dependent on numbers.

Please note the prices for camping are capped for this year only.

It does not matter whether you are staying with us for one night or five nights or off-roading or not it, will still be £40.

Please have a good old think about this, a booking form will be available soon via Discourse and the forum.

29

SECTION & LSR BRISTOL AND GLOUCESTER Richard Knapp CAMBS/BEDS & HERTS Paul Papper CHESHIRE VACANT DEVON & CORNWALL Lee Hayward DURHAM COUNTY Chris Heaton ESSEX Paul Sargent KENT VACANT LINCOLNSHIRE Tim Smith LONDON Joanne Harrison NORTHAMPTONSHIRE Graham Beales NORTH WEST/LANCASHIRE Paul Kemp NORTH BIRMINGHAM Graham Bethell NOTTINGHAMSHIRE Steve Gadd SCOTLAND James Curtis-Dawson SOMERSET & DORSET VACANT SOUTH WALES Gerard Brooks STAFFORDSHIRE Mark Manning SURREY Nigel Dawes TEESSIDE Neil Ridsdale THAMES VALLEY Lise Hunt COVENTRY, WARWICKSHIRE, & OXFORDSHIRE WESSEX Dave Dorling WEST WALES Ross Brooks WORCESTERSHIRE & HEREFORDSHIRE Bill Jones YORKSHIRE Richard Wilcox COULD THIS BE YOU?

CONTACT DETAILS

PUB MEET LOCATION

knappster1@hotmail.com 07974 570621

The Railway Tavern.

Charfield.

p.papper@ntlworld.com 07977 053369 N/A

Plum of Feathers Little Wymondly The Bluebell Inn. Tushingham.

SY13 4QS The Morley Arms.

Laira Bridge, Plymouth. Pl9 7HP The Red Alligator. South Church, Nr Bishop Auckland.

Refer to the LSR

hayward_lee@yahoo.com 07788 996644 chrisjheaton@btinternet.com 07967 284801 / 01661 835608 tdi.bird@btinternet.com 07876 215360 N/A caravan@babes1.fsnet.co.uk 07786 721260 N/A grahambeales@hotmail.com 07718 626226 paul@kemp75.freeserve.co.uk 07801 285747 email4graham@tiscali.co.uk 07809 380144 suestours@googlemail.com 07766 186840 curtis84@btinternet.com 07977 157562 N/A

WHEN 1st Monday of the month, 20:00 onwards.

2nd Sunday of the month, 18:00 onwards Last Thursday of the month, 19:30 onwards 1st Tuesday of the month, 19:30 onwards.

1st Monday of the month, 19:30 onwards.

2nd Sunday of the month, 19:30 onwards.

Refer to ‘Pub Meets’ on the Club 1st Wednesday of the Forum. month, 20:00 onwards.

The Durham Ox. Maun Rd, 3rd Thursday of the Thimbleby, Horncastle. LN9 5RB month, 19:30 onwards.

Refer to ‘Pub Meets’ on the Club 3rd Tuesday of the month, Forum 19:30 onwards.

The Quays. Crow Lane, Little Billing, 2nd Wednesday of the Northampton. NN3 9DA month, 19:30 onwards.

The Beehive.

1st Wednesday of the 991 Chorley New Road, month, 19:30 onwards.

Bolton, Lancashire. BL6 4BA Refer to ‘Pub Meets’ on the Club 2nd Monday of the month, Forum.

19:00 onwards The Nottingham Knight. West 1st Monday of the month, Bridgeford. (A60/A52 junction).

18:00 onwards.

The Buchlyvie Inn. 1st Sunday of the month, Buchlyvie, Sterling. FK8 3LX 14:00 onwards.

N/A N/A The Old Post Office.

Bonvilston. CF5 6TQ The Dog & Doublet.

Sandon, Staffordshire. ST18 0DJ The Woolpack,186 High Street, Banstend. SN7 2NZ Manor House Pub, High Lane, Maltby, Middlesbrough. TS8 0BN Banstock House Stables. SL6 3QD & The Halfway Inn. Refer to ‘Pub Meets’ on the Club Forum.

1st Sunday of the month, 12:30 onwards.

2nd Monday of the month 19:30 onwards.

2nd Tuesday of the month 20:00 onwards.

3rd Monday of the month, 20:00 onwards.

1st Wednesday of the month, 19:30 onwards.

1st Monday of the month, 19:30 onwards.

dorling1@tinyworld.co.uk 07788 926623 rcb123@btinternet.com 07842 144731 billjones448@btinternet.com 07756 448751

The Golden Lion 99, Alresford Road, Winchester. SO23 0JZ The New Inn, Pentregat Rhydlewis.

Landysul, Ceredigion. SA44 5PT The Kings Court Hotel Kings Coughton. B49 5QQ

2nd Tuesday of the month, 19:30 onwards.

2nd Thursday of the month, 19:30 onwards.

2nd Tuesday of the month, 20:00 onwards.

rtrawilcox@hotmail.com 07736 350878 ?

Squires Café Bar. Newthorpe Lane, South Milford, Leeds. LS25 5LX ?

3rd Tuesday of the month, 20:00 onwards. ?

N/A manthing@slate67.f9.co.uk 07900 601040 ndawes@hotmail.com 01293 824470 neil.ridsdale@ntlworld.com 07758 444420 lise106@gmail.com N/A

 Please pass on any required changes/updates to the Club’s vice chair at: vicechair@discoveryownersclub.org and copy to editor@discoveryownersclub.org 30

V2.6

A shot from Kevin Eyre

AND FINALLY‌

www.discoveryownersclub.org