Hello all. I'd really appreciate your thoughts/critique my plans with regards to preparing my truck mechanically for longterm global travel later this year.
My vehicle is probably unfamiliar to the majority here, a 1996 Renault Messenger 2.5 turbo diesel. Fully mechanical Iveco engined, beam axled, very basic machine (ideal for me).
I bought it almost a year ago and I've been putting it to the test to assess its mechanical condition while I fit out the living quarters, and overall I've been very pleased indeed. It's covered 200,000km with at least one loving owner in its past, doesn't use oil and pulls very well. Brakes are rebuilt, suspension is indestructible leafsprung beam axles in good order. The turbo began making a very light noise indicating worn bearings so I currently have the turbo on the bench to receive new heavy duty upgraded 360° bearings and new seals. It also has a slight leak from the crankshaft seal.
Because I'm planning to go far and want absolute reliability I plan to pull the engine and rebuild it. Here's what I'm thinking:
-Remove and strip down cylinder head, clean, skim, replace valve stem seals, lap in the valves.
-Strip down bottom end, clean, replace main bearings, all seals and gaskets, replace piston rings and hone bores, renew core plugs.
-New water pump, cam belt and tensioners, ancillary belt, oil and fuel filters and fluids (including gearbox and differential).
Now considering the engine is showing no signs of real wear, but has covered 200,000km, is this too much? For instance, I'm replacing the piston rings not because they're worn but because I'm 'in there' and might as well. Is that overcautious? Same goes for the main bearings. Too much or might as well? Assuming I don't find any obvious signs of wear, what else would you do just for the sake of it?
Conversely, are you in the 'get a grip and don't fix it if it ain't broke' camp, thinking I should just do what is needed and take a gasket set and a few parts with me? What would you scratch off that list? I do have to be careful with expenditure but I don't want to cut any corners.
I ask these questions because after seeing plenty of accounts of people who just kicked the tyres on some old yoke, packed a bag, set off and had an amazing adventure, I'm highly conscious of the idea that I might be one of those people who spends his life in his overalls taking readings and checking torque settings in his shed instead of swimming with dolphins with the beautiful people.
Please help me strike the balance so I can have a trouble free adventure.
My vehicle is probably unfamiliar to the majority here, a 1996 Renault Messenger 2.5 turbo diesel. Fully mechanical Iveco engined, beam axled, very basic machine (ideal for me).
I bought it almost a year ago and I've been putting it to the test to assess its mechanical condition while I fit out the living quarters, and overall I've been very pleased indeed. It's covered 200,000km with at least one loving owner in its past, doesn't use oil and pulls very well. Brakes are rebuilt, suspension is indestructible leafsprung beam axles in good order. The turbo began making a very light noise indicating worn bearings so I currently have the turbo on the bench to receive new heavy duty upgraded 360° bearings and new seals. It also has a slight leak from the crankshaft seal.
Because I'm planning to go far and want absolute reliability I plan to pull the engine and rebuild it. Here's what I'm thinking:
-Remove and strip down cylinder head, clean, skim, replace valve stem seals, lap in the valves.
-Strip down bottom end, clean, replace main bearings, all seals and gaskets, replace piston rings and hone bores, renew core plugs.
-New water pump, cam belt and tensioners, ancillary belt, oil and fuel filters and fluids (including gearbox and differential).
Now considering the engine is showing no signs of real wear, but has covered 200,000km, is this too much? For instance, I'm replacing the piston rings not because they're worn but because I'm 'in there' and might as well. Is that overcautious? Same goes for the main bearings. Too much or might as well? Assuming I don't find any obvious signs of wear, what else would you do just for the sake of it?
Conversely, are you in the 'get a grip and don't fix it if it ain't broke' camp, thinking I should just do what is needed and take a gasket set and a few parts with me? What would you scratch off that list? I do have to be careful with expenditure but I don't want to cut any corners.
I ask these questions because after seeing plenty of accounts of people who just kicked the tyres on some old yoke, packed a bag, set off and had an amazing adventure, I'm highly conscious of the idea that I might be one of those people who spends his life in his overalls taking readings and checking torque settings in his shed instead of swimming with dolphins with the beautiful people.
Please help me strike the balance so I can have a trouble free adventure.
