Big Bertha makes a Pit Stop in MAN Santiago

Big Bertha makes a Pit Stop in MAN Santiago

Where to start? Dave noticed that Big Bertha has been consuming coolant (antifreeze) in the last few months. Around a litre over 1000km. Not a lot, but concerning nonetheless. It could be for many reasons – being a modern engine, the coolant circulates everywhere: in the EGR cooler, block, cylinder head, compressor, and the high pressure and low pressure intercoolers.

The only clue we had was a white stain around the gasket between the EGR valve and the exhaust. A new cooler in South America is circa €3000. That’s a lot of spondoolies! And so David elected to buy the parts in Europe and bring them back with him from our May trip home for a family wedding. This was risky as we were not certain the EGR cooler was the culprit. Luckily, when MAN dismantled the EGR on our return it turned out to be the fault. Phew.

However, whilst at MAN, the starter motor started playing up AGAIN. MAN investigated and determined there was damage to the ring gear and the starter was worn out. So the gearbox was dropped and a new flywheel with ring gear and starter motor was ordered. Genuine MAN parts this time.

Dave also decided to have all the oils changed. A little early, but, aside from the engine oil, this will mean we are good for another three years (we never get near the kilometres). The fuel filters, air filter and air dryer were also changed.

Dave asked that MAN reseal a rear hub cover (it was weeping). We took the cover off and, like Pandoras Box, another horror was revealed. Suffice to say that the rear half shafts have an inner circlip to restrict the outer sun gear and this had come adrift, both sides. This led the sun gear to float on the axle and suffer some damage. It’s a repeat of what we found in Africa. MAN Santiago has a German expat team from the factory and Hans-Peter recommended we weld the inner circlips in place. New sun gears and ancillary parts were ordered (from Germany). Something had been done wrong in the past (Dave doesn’t know what or when) – circlips should not require welding in place. We hope this problem has finally been put too bed now.

We also took the opportunity to repair a small blemish to Big Bertha’s rear end; a result of a lamp post jumping out whilst Dave was reversing. Dave thought it was maybe half a day’s work – some filler and a quick spray. But rather like Rowan Atkinson’s character of the salesman, who insists on wrapping a gift in multiple ways in ‘Love Actually’, it was “so much more than a bag” and we got a Rolls Royce finish.

And lastly Big Bertha was treated for a long overdue wash.

We spent 22 days at MAN Santiago. Andres, the workshop manager, was very hospitable and allowed us to use the staff canteen, water and electricity, and showers, for which we are very grateful. During our journey over the past years, many people have marvelled at our trip and asked jokingly if they could join us. However, on this occasion, we did consider kidnapping Luciano and taking him with us!