We take on the biggest mechanical challenge on our expedition...

In the last episode we broke down as we were just starting our lap of Australia... A cracked piston: the engine was dead, defender 2.2 puma tdci. The shock of the event passed, we decided to look forward and get into action mode. We were going to fix it and go back on the road as fast as possible.

The learning curve is steep, everything in this challenge is new to us, but we dive hands and head first in the engine bay to make it happen. Our biggest scare is to break something in the process of removing the old engine or fitting the new engine in. Any damage is extra time delays and potential new heavy costs. Thankfully we are guided by the amazing mechanic Michael from Siv auto in Geraldton who makes space in between his bookings to help us proceed with the most sensitive steps of the engine swap.

We could not have completed this work without the generosity of all of the contributors on the Gofundme and our Patreons. For this overwhelming show of support THANK YOU.

We also need to thank immensely, Michael from Siv Auto who welcomed us into his workshop and helped us complete the work. Last but not least, we will be forever grateful to Jess, Julian, Elena and Emily who hosted us and welcomed us for the 17 days long time of the breakdown as if we were family. Dinners, laughters, football and interesting chats, we will never forget their generosity and openness of welcoming two random strangers like us into their home. We shall remember and we hope we can in turn provide the same support to others in the future.

Until next week, take care!
Nick & Mathilde

00:00 intro
01:19 Trailer to the garage
02:21 Siv's Auto
03:19 Remove the old engine
05:17 Set up the new engine
06:07 THANK YOU
06:47 Set up the new engine
10:23 The new engine goes in
15:22 Will it turn on?
18:48 The road test
20:26 Goodbye Geraldton
22:59 Bloops

Music from: Epidemic Sound (https://share.epidemicsound.com/kd3tcj)

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Join us as we travel the world on an expedition throughout the 7 continents, crossing 88 countries, making new friends, meeting the locals, exploring cultures, traditions, foods and every corners of the continents.
We are traveling in our Land Rover Defender 110 which is our full time home for the next 4 years as we explore this beautiful planet.
Going from one meridian to another. 🔄

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