So, sadly the Rover falls victim to a series of bad events… I know it will be back and running but seriously!  You work to ensure that you go to the right ppl pay the big bucks to get ‘good quality’ work, parts, etc so the Rover is treated right – all things we can do AND this happens.  I am sad that those I trusted didn’t provide the level of service I thought they were capable of… and that I recommended them to other Rover enthusiasts 😦

The Rover is in for the ‘TLC’ and I get the news… ‘sorry the motor is worn out…’ Well, here we go… I have that gut wrenching news – gonna have to rebuild the engine from the ground up.  It is never a good thing to hear, but I am hoping that I will be happy in the end with the outcome.

Rover, getting ready for surgery

Pulling the parts…

Carbon anyone…?

WTH!!!

So the plan right now is to have the worn out 4.6 Bosch revitalized, yup – bring it back to life please.  Hopefully we’ll get lots more enjoyment from this Rover!!

I am putting my Rover into the capable hands of Adam Chappell of Diesel Rovers The engine will get:

• All new gaskets
• Top hat liners (video to show what this is)
• overhaul of the heads
• ARP studs
• etc etc.. (All the goodies)

As the process moves along I’ll put out updates on how the Rover is doing, right now ETA to be back on the road is looking like 6 wks, it will feel like FOREVER… but to get good quality work and have the piece of mind that the rover is in TOP shape I believe that it is just the price to pay.

Don’t worry, the Rover will be back up and running for the Summers plans… Roaming Rally … and all!  Next update won’t be for a while.

STAY TUNED

So, been a busy few months, moving, school, new house… etc etc etc (lots of excuses to not get out) – but the stress builds up AND I just need to get out.  So this was adventure 2, we headed out to Effingham lake. A large lake only accessible form the North by snowmobile / ATV trails – right up the alley of the Rover.

Have to say that the off-road adventures in Ontario are much different from Colorado 🙂 BUT still a great time none the less…  The trails are fun, lots to do and see.  AND man the colours and the lakes – wow!!

Today was a success….from the point of view that I got to get out enjoy the outdoors, time with my family 😀 and the Rover was it’s normal Rover self… 😀  Had the chance to stop by the lake short for lunch and just explore a bit, what a great area…  we also enjoyed a meal thanks to the Jetboil 😉

Amazing times!  Here is to future adventures….

Weekend fun with Ryan, we got the Rover out to do Rover things… 😀  I have been yearning to get out and hit a trail, although at the same time, I know it won’t be what I enjoyed in Colorado (frankly nowhere else in the world measures up), BUT Ontario and its plethora of lakes and forests has lots to offer.

I took the opportunity to head out with my youngest (Ryan) to explore Puzzle Lake Provincial Park.  And I have to say we were not disappointed.

The area is an outdoorsmen’s heaven… there is no shortage of small lakes, trails and fishing spots.  Oh and there are tons of primitive camping locations!!  Absolutely beautiful.  On our outing, we found an old farm-house to explore plus we made it to the lake – which had several campsites and a canoe launch.  AND the views were nice…

So the drive… as this is the start of fall the leaves were getting ready to turn and fall… which made for some nice scenery along the drive.  And along the trail too.

The trail.. .the Rovery bits… 😉  Well it was not as challenging as some of the other trails we’ve done, however it was not a fire road either.  I would rate it as a 2 out of 5 only because of the water.  There was a significant amount of water and this added some level of ‘stress’ as each spot had to be surveyed to ensure it was passable.  Some were considerably deep too…

Overall the road / drive and scenery added up to a great day!  If you are in the area of Kingston / Ottawa I would recommend taking a drive out this way.  Even bring your kayak or canoe and BBQ make a day or weekend of the trip.

I know we will be back here again!!

So… as I have already said the Rover is Canadian!!  😀  But I wanted to shout out to a few locals and Ottawatonians that helped get the Rover here…

• Diesel Rover
• Madeley Automotive

There were some difficulties with the MTO and the decisions made by the inspecting tech, but that is a difficult thing to pin down.  The Rover was picked up for a couple of things as I described before… but in my ‘laymens’ mind only one item was necessary.  AND the others were not.  Either way it is done!!

First of thank you to @Adam Chappell and the guys at Diesel Rover… they were quick to repair an issue I had and made my life easy!!  I would highly recommend this shop and Adam to any Rover owner.  I would not hesitate to go here again.

Second was Madeley Automotive – where Brian and his team were amazing!!  They did what had to be done and know how to treat my Rover and customers.  The work they did was exacty what I needed and very good work.  I will be frequenting this shop as needed, for future Rover needs.  Oh and they are local, so I can easily access the shop!

Despite a rough MTO safety, the experience brought me to these 2 great shops!!  I am glad I met both Adam and Brian.