Stuck in Argentina with a tranny problem

[Nicolanders]

Thanks Robert! Can you please elaborate? Is it the rear propeller shaft we are talking about - the shaft that goes from the transfer case to the rear axle? Meaning the place where the rear axle meats the shaft? The mechanic in Tucumán who repaired the transfer case told us that there was almost no oil there! He filled it up. Later on it has sometimes leaked a little oil (but very little).

[Nicolanders]

We have found a mechanic in Tupiza - or rather, we have found all three Urgate Brothers who run a shop together. We asked at one of the big tour operators here who maintains their fleet of four wheel drives, and they said they go to these guys whenever they have something the drivers themselves can't fix. Lots of Toyotas, Nissans and Mitsubishis drive around these streets.

We immediately god a good vibe when we entered the shop seeing this:

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Together with one of them we did a test drive to show the problem. He immediately diagnosed the problem as being the clutch pressure plate. He said the part in the center (the diaphragm?) needed to be replaced. We showed him the videos and talked about what other people had said, and they seemed less sure. They suggested it could be the transmission input shaft, but that might be because we told them of the bearing retainer. Tomorrow morning they will take the tranny/transfer case out as well as the clutch and have a good look. We will also have them look at the engine bases. So we should be able to know! They said we could be present while they do it, so we will take lots of photos!

They seem like knowledgeable and thorough guys, and they even say all parts can be sourced in Bolivia (even gears and shafts). We tend to believe them since they're already working on a 60s Patrol.

We are very happy to be in Bolivia. Very, very nice people.

Tomorrow, we will post an update!

[Coyote Patrol]

Well im glad you found someone there in Bolivia, i even have a good feeling about it. Its so hard to diagnose thousands of miles away, i feel helpless. Weve been worried about you guys and wishing you could enjoy your journey. I agree with Robert you shouldnt throw money at this just to band aid it. But i know where you were there, wasnt much choice in the matter. I dont agree with running it till it quits, it could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere. Now that you are in Bolivia i think you will have more options and parts available. Hopefully these guys will have you up and running soon.

[moore_rb]

Thanks Robert! Can you please elaborate? Is it the rear propeller shaft we are talking about - the shaft that goes from the transfer case to the rear axle? Meaning the place where the rear axle meats the shaft? .

Yes, the large housing (the pumpkin) where the rear propeller shaft connects to the rear axle. There are 2 large gears inside there...

But, lets hope that your latest diagnosis is accurate and it turns out to be the clutch - that would be ideal, since parts are easier to come by, and it's a less costly repair

Like I said earlier - a noisy, jerky clutch can still provide years of reliable service.

I dont agree with running it till it quits, it could leave you stranded in the middle of nowhere..

C'mon Ron! Where is your sense of adventure...? Of course you're right.

[Coyote Patrol]

He he, these two have a lot more guts then i do! I couldnt emagine being in a foreign country like that with serious car troubles. WOW! Hopefully its clutch or the retainer. Maybe you guys should inquire about a transfer case while you are there, sure maybe the repairs on yours are ok, but it wouldnt hurt. Maybe there is one there in good shape at a good price. just a thought. Its going to be interesting to hear what they find tomorrow. good luck guys.

[Esteban]

Fantastic find with these mechanics! I think you'll be in good hands and agree with Ron. That picture of the Brother's Patrol is great!

I hope that at the end we can make the Urgate brothers honorary members at 60Patrol

At least we can end the speculation at this point, and hope the brothers find something and can fix it.

Thanks Robert! Can you please elaborate? Is it the rear propeller shaft we are talking about - the shaft that goes from the transfer case to the rear axle? Meaning the place where the rear axle meats the shaft? The mechanic in Tucumán who repaired the transfer case told us that there was almost no oil there! He filled it up. Later on it has sometimes leaked a little oil (but very little).

I don't think the problem is caused by the rear differential. It would have disintegrated by now if that's the case. In all these Patrols you have to constantly watch the oil level of the pumpkin (differential) since they tend to develop some minor cracks in the cover.

Good luck

[moore_rb]

I don't think the problem is caused by the rear differential. It would have disintegrated by now if that's the case.

I definitely agree Esteban- it was a very, very unlikely chance that the ring or pinion gear was broken. All other possibilities would have to be verified first.

[RiverPatrol]

I just gotta say



YAYYYYYYY!!!!!!

[Nicolanders]

Thanks guys! It's always a good feeling to post in here with the response we get

We're back from The Brothers. They spent the morning taking the tranny/transfer case down as well as the clutch. The clutch took quite a while, but no problems. Having looked at it, they say the problem is the clutch. That should explain the jolt. We have pictures for you:

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A couple of pictures of the flywheel. We noticed some marks in the casing. Is that normal?

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The clutch bearing retainer:

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We're not sure if this tells you anything:

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They told us the problems are amendable and that we shouldn't worry.

In the afternoon we will look at the case together with them and take more photos. Hopefully we get a chance to take photos of the parts that our previous mechanic put there. Also we hope to find out if the noise was coming from the transfer case or from the clutch.

If it turns out there are indeed big problems with the transfer case, like Ron suggests we will try and ask what a new one will cost (or maybe the one sitting in that Patrol they are working on).

[Flaggoni]

A few observations.
On the flywheel surface, if the scratches are only in one segment and not all the way around, it suggests that the flywheel may not be mounted level to the crankshaft flange and is thus wobbling like a bent wheel.(perhaps it's only the photo misleading me). Should there be a pilot bushing/bearing in the end of the crankshaft? Don't see one in the photo.
The photo of the input shaft splines seems to show a very rough edge on one spline. That could also be just grease in the photo, however. That splined shaft needs to be able to slide a small amount easily in the clutch disc internal splines each time it's used.
I'm possibly enjoying your adventure more than you are, but I'm impressed with your determination.
This is like "Apollo 13, Latin America." (Including the lack of oxygen, now that I think about it)
Mild Bill