G wagon going 4,000 miles to Sahara - Need urgent advice
Hi all,
I'm new to this this forum and a novice when it comes to cars. However I am about to take the daunting step to purchace a 1986 LWD AUTO G Wagon to drive through the Sahara. Please can anyone tell me what to look out for mechanically.
Why you may ask am I doing this (i'm nuts) - well i'm driving from the (UK ) Plymouth to (Africa) Daker 4,000 miles for charity run and then delivering the vehicle to support a local hospital in Gambia. http://www.plymouth-dakar.co.uk
No doubt I will be going through some of the roughest terrain known to man with unpredictable weather conditions, snow/sand and 50 degree heat.
This has never been done in this vehicle and please can you assure me i'm about to make the right choice. The trip will be unsupported and being stranded in the sahara panicks me a bit.
Your earliest replies and tips appreciated..../tijnar
:roll:
Let me see if I understand this right... do you plan to buy a 1986 LWB GWagen for £ 100 and have it "rallye prepared" for less than £ 15 and still expect it to drive you and your companions to Dakar without falling into pieces?
Why not then try?
http://www.miracles-a-la-carte.fr
Man, I typically spend more than the combined amount in fluids alone when doing my servicing! But maybe be you've found a very generous vendor who has agreed to sell you the car for that money to help the cause...
If that is the case, let us have the full specification of the car so that people will be able to advice....
Cheers,
Are you certain that Gambia drive on the right??, now if it were me I would sell it straight away as LHD's are very scarce and in demand, I would then put the money into a diesel as in Africa I guess the fuel quality is suspect and you can run a diesel G on virtually anything, sods law as always, I sold my diesel yesterday (it would do sahara without breaking into a sweat) and ironically I have a place in France where I want a LHD!!! bugger :cry:
Just remembered I still have 5 steel wheels with tubes/bolts (no tyres) if you intend to take a few spare,no charge.
The petrol soaked rag should actually be a heat shield between the exhaust and tank. Look more closely, probably foil covered insulation?
Re. leaking tank. Seems to be normal for G's of that age. Mine was. Got it patched for 40 pound at a radiator repair place. Then treated it with some stuff called POR15 from Frosts. Search of the internet will bring it up.
BTW have seen some of the other looneys that completed this journey........you are seriously nuts!! but good luck.
keep thinking of things too late, BUT, as there is this Gwagen association,and,as nearly everyone on here has a G, they probably have a bucket full of G related rubish in their sheds, I'm only guessing but perhaps you might ask for a few "FREE" bits and pieces from members and in return you might video the trip and post it on here when you get back (if you get back that is :lol: ) rog, I'll ask on your behalf.
Wheel wobble could be just balancing or there is a damper (looks like a long thin shock absorber) on the steering or wheel bearing (understand these are weak on a G). Damper is not silly money from MB. I doubt a second hand one would be worth fitting.
Depends how bad it is. Given your situation you may choose to live with it. I've driven 10's of thousands of miles in LR's with these symtoms and they carryon working.
russ
I'm overwhelmed with the amount of advice and support i'.m getting here !!!!
This is my first ever forum and you'll be hearing a lot from me as I panick through my preperations.
I'll try to answer all the recent and great responces now - responses are to everyone.
Guerdeval:
I had to buy a left hand drive as Senegal will not allow RHD's unless they are no older than 5 years (impossible option as we have to go through Senegal). Combining LHD + Diesel + Cost was an impossible option. Your need for a LHD would be perfect with the vehicle I have just bought, your not going to believe the spec. 36,000kms on the clock only, 10 stack CD player, Heated recarro seats all round, pump electric up seats, 2 sunroofs, colour coded alloys, all the original mecedes tools and stuff, imported from holland and only used for towing horse box on occasions. VGC a real beauty puts a XXX on extras, must have cost someone the price of a small island.
Im happy to give it to you or anyone if someone can find or will swap it for a left hand drive diesel - I take your point on the petrol issue. I'd love the steel wheels or any useful parts anyone can offer. If there is anyone out there who could help in any way please please contact me.
Oh....there will be a website where we will be updating anyone who sponsers us (so far we have collected £200 but need at least £5,000, even if it's a tyre or coffee mug your name will be mentioned on car sticker, TV, Radio, screemed loud in the sahara etc... Rumoured today that a popular TV channel (4) will be following our event and my co-drive tells me Crayola (the crayon people) are going to donate 2 palettes of pencils, pens, paper - stuff that won't melt to support us to give free to schools along Africa to Gambia.
Russ280
Thanks for you advice 'russ280' I have been concerned all night that replacing the tank would cost a fortune and fail the mission before I have even started. Please can you send me the details of the guys who patched up your tank. (I'm in london but don't care where I have to go to save money - even if I have to walk). I'll look into the wheel wobble as soon as I get the tank fixed - i'm also in Wales a lot, my partners family live there.
Yes I do agree with you on the (I'm nuts), however this has been a very easy decision for me. - I believe it's my time to learn more about myself and push the mental and physical boundries of my current existence, to have the opportunity to express myself while changing the lives of just a few people on the other side. With every responce and support I get and look foward to, you'd be amazed of how capable I and the GWagon feel.
Everyone
So basically, I'm a mature nut doing a 4,100 mile trip from Plymount to Africa through some of the roughest terraind known to man to aid a local Gambian Charity.
I will donate the GWagon I have just bought with all my saving to help change the lives of many poor children and the desperate need for transportation the local hospital needs. I'm going to... with all your help and support take a the brave steps forward by trying to get a G Wagon prepared ASAP. I'm looking for whatever help I can get, I'm no mechanic or millionaire but I do have the stamina to suceeed.
Please spread the word 'Dynamo Madame Sepia - Our GWagon is calling to all owners and GHearts and GMechanics for help. If anyone can help me find a sponsor or makes a large donation -i'll even change the name. (Big TV coverage - I hear now)
I am sure someone on here will swop the goodie bits on yours for something more hardwearing (and suitable) for Africa AND pay you good money for the privilege, if you want to sell the alloys on here ask at least £200 without the tyres or £300 if the tyres are good, then use my steel wheels and new "very" all terrain tyres which you can pick up cheaply, the CD must be worth a bit too especially if its MB, rog
Hi Russ,
Thanks again for the repair contacts. A local mechanic is going to remove the tank for me next week and I'll take it from there following your advice. Good idea about selling off all the bits that I won't need on the trip. As a non-mechanic I do have reservations when removing anything from the vehicle - I'd probably break something.
Any idea how much mpg the 280GE does and how or if I could improve it?
I'll also look further into any other thoughts you may have.
around 16 to 18mpg and you cann't,rog
Tijnar, if you're interested I may have 2 owners locally (Looe) who will pay for the seats ,cd and wheels and replace with something more suitable for Africa, let me know if you're interested, where are you based? regards, rog
Hi Rog,
I'm in London although I lived in Falmouth for 4 years. The G's with a kind mechanic having the tank repaired and given a once over. I was told the G's do oround 22 mpg and the shock of 15-18mpg has taken me back a bit - not sure we can afford the petrol over 4,100 miles at this point. I'll get back to you with pictures when I get her back. If you saw the G you'd understand what I mean. She's a beauty and might have to go to a good home unless we can come up with an improved plan to raise £5,000 for the charity.
Thanks for all the support rog, great to have someone helping.
.../Tijnar
I was told the G's do oround 22 mpg and the shock of 15-18mpg has taken me back a bit - not sure we can afford the petrol over 4,100 miles at this point.
22 mpg is what you would get on a long run with a W 460 300 GD Manual SWB, which is the most economical GWagen that there is with the exception of the latest CDI-engined models.
On soft sand crossing the Sahara it can be as bad as 8 mpg for a 280 GE and 12 mpg for a 300 GD.
If fuel cost is an issue I would steer clear of the 280 GE....
Cheers,
Where abouts in london are you. If you want I can come as see it and give it a going over for you. I run 2 280 auto.
Ian 07838 100931.
Gulp !!!! - I thought I had cracked it with the right vehicle. I'ts all down to how much funding I can raise in the next 5 months then. The thought of 8 mpg over a 4,100 miles sounds like a very expensive task. I'm rubbing my head together right now and thinking about what to do.
My Friday thoughts are:
1) Sell it sraight away and get a more economical vehicle.
2) Post a swap with me advert somewhere (doubt there's many LHD vehicles out there)
3) Beg for someone to sponsor me big time.
4) Get picture of the G and post them here for someone to come up with ideas.
5) Don't panick
6) Ask you all what to do.
7) I wish I had a lot of money
8) Come up with something creative this weekend
9) Work on the premise I'm gonna do it and that's that - its a minor hurdle
10) Stop tricking myself into believing the car does 20pmg
11) Work it out
I'm surrounded by like minded people so I believe I'll work something out together with this clubs help- everyone have a great weekend.
Last thought - anyone live in London who wouldn't mind having a quick look at my G to give some advice.
I doubt you'll be down to 8mpg for the whole 4100 miles, looking at the other sort of vehicles also doing the journey, it must be on at least half decent roads.
I agree with Mark..... 8 mpg is the worst scenario, meaning driving over soft sand dunes. On the road at moderate speeds but allowing for a roof rack and lots of weight it can easily do 15 mpg which is not great but not as ugly as 8.
The alternative of selling/swapping your car is a bit scary. I know from experience how difficult is to sell a LHD car in this country because I was there. You are not going to try to sell it in the continent because once you discount the cost of selling it there you would be left with peanuts.
OK, we know that the ideal car would be diesel (less consumption and can live with fuel of the quality found in third world countries easily). On the other hand the 280 GE has a low compression engine and can put up with low octane petrol. Also The performance on the road is far better than that of the diesel.
If your car is in fairly good nick, I'd probably stick with it and concentrate in raising enough sponsorship to pay for the fuel.
Good luck,
Hi Again,
Sorry for the delay in response, just realised our chats have moved onto a second page.
I feel a little bit better today to know it's not all doom and gloom and could probably do a little bit more than 8 mpg. The G's at a local garage getting the petrol tank problem fixed, however I would truely appreciate some expert G advice once I get it back. Peter 'I would love it you came over and gave it a good inspection and calmed my nerves'.
I live in south london near Dulwich and should be getting the G back next week.
Dhillon : 07931 543 089, Oh! what pertrol should I be putting in it, 4 star or unleaded? the last thing I want to do is repair the tank and muck up the engine.
I have some long range tanks that are still under my LHD 1989 230GE,would they be of use to you ? if so then your more than welcome to them gratis
I have some long range tanks that are still under my LHD 1989 230GE,would they be of use to you ? if so then your more than welcome to them gratis
This is the kind of solidarity that I love seeing amongst the G-Wagen fraternity... Keep it up boys!
Do you know how much petrol costs in Africa. I know 10-12 MPG might be expensive in Europe but not necessarily Africa. The bigger problem is the range between fuel stops
Hi everyone,
Just got the G Wagon back yesterday from the garage, so apologies for not chatting any sooner. I had a few problems with a police man deciding to crash his patrol vehicle into my run-around car - whilst I was stationary in a car park - can you believe it, he's totalled it. I was going to sell the dam thing to raise further funds to support my drive over to Africa.
Sorry about the rant...just had to let go for a minute, must be heat stroke - it's a great day outside.
The tank is like brand new and thanks to all your advice it cost me a mere £90 to fix. At the same time I had all the pipes and seals sorted, a few quid more - at least I know there's no more problems for at least another decade underneath.
The mechanic that put the tank back on said it was a solid as a rock and one of the finest cars he's seen in 20 years, however he new very little about the soul and breed of the G Wagon's.
Peter, as my local G Guru I'll be in touch very soon, I would love for you to give it the thumbs up or down to be sure.
I'll be running it on the motorway this weekend to see what happens, I'm feeling confident and in the spirit of G Fun.
Roly, I have absolutelly no idea about the cost of petrol in Africa, however I was recently told we would have to drive with a local guide through 30+ miles of hidden landmines in the desert , this kind of made me drift off the petrol thing, I'll look into it straight away, a valid point and potential bonus you have highlighted.
Mjamo, Thanks for the kind offer of the tanks if the ones I have currently won't do can I get back to you?. I'm so non-mechanical I'm still trying to find out if I put 4 star or Unleaded in the tank - please help (anyone) if you can with this query.
Jesüs, This notes particulary for you as I heard you breath these vehicles and their in your blood, My driving partner and I recently got a Isuzu Trooper 3dr LWB more or less donated to us for the charity drive (to sell on or drive over) - he has it of course. This surprise left us with 2 cars we thought we should test until December. No guess which one I believe will make it to the starting line. The deal is that the poorest perfomer gets sold prior to us leaving for the 4,100 mile trek. I know nothing about these either, but I do know this site and the people on it are great and I look forward to continued support.
So I'l be posting the mini Isuzu Trooper vs G Wagon competition were having with current developments as we prepae for the Plymouth to Dakar rally.
I'll also be looking out for any events in the near furture were hopefully you can see the G beast.
tijnar
I am on holiday from 1/8/04 for 1 week I can come over and look at it any day of the week begining Monday week.
Oh....there will be a website where we will be updating anyone who sponsers us....
I can probably help you out here if you need it...
I am also new to G's, but I was told my the guy who sold me the wagon that it's fine to put unleaded in, hopefully that's correct! Sounds like an exciting adventure you're taking on, need anymore people?
Hi all,
I'm back to rant on again.
Peter I'll be contacting in the comming weeks once I have sorted out a few things on the G Wagon. Need new number plate, wheels balancing and sort out slow puncture. The mechanic also has to replace one more pipe around the petrol tank which should be arriving shortly.
Took her for a drive on the motorway recently, WOW I never thought they could go so fast and be so smooth. I love it. The G also has so many extras I can't seem to work them all out. I hope you can help out here Peter Perfect (hope you had a great holiday).
For anyone interested in finding out more or doing this trip next year then find out more at - http://www.plymouth-dakar.co.uk/
Be back soon....
waiting for your call with eager anticipation
Tijnar,
I grew up in Southern Africa and crossed the Kalahari and Namib several times
Few thoughts on your planned trip:
Good Luck and do it!
THIS IS IN CAPITALS BECAUSE IT IS THE MOST IMPORTANT: NEVER, NEVER, EVER TRAVEL WITH ONE VEHICLE ONLY!!! Seriously, every year people disappear... Words can't describe the feeling of finding a "good vehicle" in the desert with just a broken axle-shaft or a burst water hose or broken fanbelt, yet inside or beside or underneath are fully intact and still partially clothed human skeletons...
The vehicle you chose wisely. You'll need every bit of power from the 280 if you have to get over some dunes. Stick with it. Diesel will be cheaper to run but not much and wouldn't get you out of trouble. We used to use chevy V8's with detroit lockers front and rear and still had to zig-zag some dunes...
If it was me I'd carry 300L fuel, 100L water, 20L oil, etc plus spares like alternator, starter, water pump, hoses, wheel bearings, fuses, filters, etc
Don't forget tools, survival equipment, phone, rope, sand-ladders, winch, gps, etc.
If you're going to carry stuff other than your own gear, better sell the G and get a Unimog.
Educate yourself in mechanics and welding - things will break and they will break in the middle of nowhere...
Ditch the alloys - one powder hole with a hidden rock will do it for you if you don't. Steels can be straightened with a sledge-hammer. Fit steel wheels with available-in-africa commercial 750-16 tyres together with heavy duty merc-springs. Stay away from mud-terrain tyres!
Modify the exhaust to exit before the rear wheel. Merc engineers obviously never saw how african heat and a perfectly intact exhaust can cause a fuel tank to internally combust - I saw both petrol and diesel... Petrol explodes and then just burns; diesel at the right temperature becomes a cutting torch melting bodywork and windowglass all the same...
When calculating fuel cost, factor in getting lost, making detours, etc. to a factor of 30%.
Finance-wise, why not sell seats in the G-wagen, meaning "tour accross the Sahara by G-wagon". You can even charge for accompanying vehicles... But be careful who you let drive with you unless you want to tow them all the way... Read an article the other day of a group of G-wagens and a M-class crossing part of the Sahara. Apparantly the M-class had to be towed most of the time...
Feel free to ask as many questions as you like - they are free and the advice as well....
Best of luck!!!
unleaded was sold on the continent long before we got it - take the vin and engine number to your main dealer and ask...
Wobble: wobbles at speed and when braking/pulsation under pedal = adjust wheelbearing preload - often neglected!!
wobble all the time at all speeds = bent wheel or loose wheel bolts or dirt between wheel and flange
wobble and certain speed the goes away = wheel balance or "kingpins" or play in steering at 'box/rods/tie-rod ends
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Ok I've paid a little bit more than £100, however the gentleman I bought it from was very charitable and wanted the car to go to a good cause as he no longer needed it.
I bought it last night and this is the spec. 1985 280G LWB LHD AUTO. on a B plate
I drove it down the motorway last night and felt a wobble in the steering - I assume this is caused by wheels needing balancing, apart from that it drove like a dream all 45 miles, motorway to town. But the first obvious problem I found was this morning, Yipe!! to see my sahara companion and protector leaking petrol (loads) after I had filled her up last night.
I looked under the exhaust and found what looks like a petrol soaked rag (left it there until someone can advise). I believe I have inherited a rusted fuel tank although its not visible to the naked eye.
The car was apparently imported from Holland to the UK and left satanding for a long period due to some oil leak in the engine which has now been repaired (engine sounds very sm0oth).
I can't affor expensive repairs as the whole purpose is to save for the charity run - so any recommendations would be wholey appreciated.
I already love this car