I Broke Down and it's a Disaster (Reality of Living in a 4x4)

It's not like I didn't expect a breakdown. Of course, I treated it as a distinct possibility that sometime on this trip, I might face car trouble. Especially travelling in a Defender (yeah I know you're smiling if you're a Toyota owner!). What I didn't see coming is the extent of the damage that I had to deal with.

This is part 1 of the breakdown and repair. Get ready for part 2 next week - even more dramatic and hardcore, with a lot more unexpected bits and pieces breaking down.

Catch up on previous episodes of the Defender series here:
★ EP3: FIRST 48H LIVING ALONE IN MY 4x4 (What Went Wrong):

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[evazubeck]

No, I still don’t want a Toyota. ✌️ 🚜

[tommynikon]

Landrover: turning driving enthusiasts into mechanics for more than 75 years! ps: Consider buying the official Shop Manuals for your vehicle; it takes the guesswork out for diagnosing things, and helpful for people doing the actual work. My Honda has the same and that $100 purchase has saved me big $$$. (mine look like two phone books.)

[angryzombie]

My father always told me for millions of time that when you drive a car, you need to learn about it.
With new car you probably didnt need to learn much, but with older car it will MAKE you learn about it, its all part of the process. Enjoy it like a cup of coffee.

[hossp]

This is so sad Eva. I wish you well. I have been a diesel mechanic for 40 yrs. If you want a Land Rover, any Land Rover, you have to fall in love with it and be prepared to constantly repair it. They really are that bad - and I have no love for any brand of vehicle. But, on the positive side, Defenders have been appreciating in value so get the thing repaired, sell it and buy something reliable. Or, smile each time it breaks, accepting that this is what it will do, and take it as part of the journey. Good luck.

[husrebel]

It's not just a car, I think most of us get you Eva, it's sheltered you, taken you places. It's no different than seeing your home break down. The best thing most humans can feel is that appreciation and respect to things that keep you alive and happy. Head up!

[FelipeFerrazDF]

I live in Brazil and own a Defender. It’s so comforting to know I’m not alone with all those issues. So many times I’ve cried, in the middle of nowhere, only me, my wife and everything we own inside a broken Defender. But we still love her s2

[hasibmomen]

I really appreciate that she is following a video to learn how an engine works. It shows her great positive attitude.

[roguegunfighter]

I've never owned a new vehicle in my life, but I learned very early that a vehicle is a complex machine that you literally trust with your life every time you use it. Throughout my life I have built and customized a couple dozen cars and trucks (and even won trophies at a few local car shows) . The best advice I can give is that no matter what you drive, make it a point to learn as much as possible about that model, it's potential problems, and prioritize regular and routine maintenance. Pay very close attention to common problems with your make and model and to the warning signs that a problem is developing. It will save thousands in later repair costs.

[chrisnewtownnsw]

Love ya Eva. Ever since I saw you did that 115 mile run you gained my respect forever. Gosh that was a feat.

[brucelumsden]

The only serious car trouble I have had was when my wife and I were on our honeymoon 42years ago. We were not driving a Land Rover. Had the vehicle repaired, only to have the same problem reoccur. Now smile over the memory.

[mrneutral]

I feel your pain.
Our transmission broke in Istanbul when we drove from Cyprus to France down to Greece.

Exactly the same thing happened to us, expect it was on their motorway at 2:30 Sunday morning.

The people were very friendly and we were lucky to get away 2 days later.

[truter]

There are some amazing mechanic youtube channels out there, but for you who do not have a garage and space for a lot of tools I would highly recommend ChrisFix.
Not only does he explain things very well, he goes over fixing and maintaining parts from the easiest like replacing a bulb to the hardest like fixing an engine and he does so in good detail.
Some universities even use some of his content

[Levi-Daisyyoung]

its never about the destination, its about the journey. 
and aye,
you can crawl in the back of your home because its always with you,  
even if its broken down..
this is what makes a story.. 
much 💜
from Australia

[Lukionest]

I love the way your car tried to hug you back at 22:00. So sorry she only got 30 KM before breaking down again.

[frankd]

I have a 72 year old, 42 year old and 30 year old rover. I've driven from Maine to Key West to Oregon and all over the island of Jamaica . The 200tdi motor is bullet proof when maintained properly. I have never been stranded in one. Even if only in one wheel drive, or having to buy and skin a goat Deep In the bush of Jamaica for seals to fix oil seals. I've always made it home....

[tomek.]

Owned a Model 88 (circa 1973) and I can appreciate your tribulations owning a Land Rover. Agree Rovers drives like a tamed wild beast. Yet, when they temperamental, and when stop working, they do it in style. Good luck with your travels.

[sanelatutaris]

I’m so sorry. I know how that feels. Hang in there. I live on a sailboat. Something always keeps breaking. This morning was my diesel heater but I fixed it quickly. As you live this lifestyle longer, it will become easier. You will know what to do eventually. Just be patient with yourself. All this is part of learning

[adventurepantsmcgee]

I had my car towed once and I cried. It wasn't even that serious. I wasn't living in it or anything, but I had a good cry. You're a brave soul and so strong and resilient. 🔥 Keep your chin up.

[phoenixgaming]

The toyota fanboy inside me wants to say ha should have bought a landcruiser, but the kind human part is saying it happens to every make and model of car, its just part of the fun of owning an older 4x4. If I could give you one pice of advice I've learnt from owning a 23 year old landcriuser its no one is going to love your car as much as you not even the mechanic everyone in the town recommends, the best part about older 4x4 is they are relatively simple and in an ideal world you'll learn how to do a lot of stuff yourself (yes it will take time) but after you've put in the work you'll be able to diognose problems yourself and even do simple fixes to get you back to somewhere you can get more help from.

[martinwyke]

Land Rovers are actually one of the simplest vehicles to fix. The mechanical technology of a Defenders is thirty years old. There are several good YouTube channels dedicated to them. One of the best is "Britannica Restorations" who is an old school mechanic that knows his stuff. I can do basic mechanical repairs but I always learn something new from his videos.
Land Rovers enthusiast have a saying, "They don't leak oil, they mark their territory".
The place you placed that paper is below the engine, not the gearbox, which is further back, under the gear stick.