My Series 2A Registered Instructor with ITA BC

[Hectorious]

I believe my Series 2A has gone and gotten itself registered with the Industry Training Authority of BC, the Crown corporation responsible for regulating and coordinating the skilled trades training and credentialing system for the province. Any entity conducting trades training leading to a credential must be registered with ITA BC.

Allow me to explain. I got my Series 2A in October last year. In the one year and three months since, I have been led, by my Rover, through a series of technical lessons and on-the-job training activities.

First, my clutch master cylinder popped, requiring rebuild and refitting. you'll note my training started with a relatively easy confidence-builder.

Next, by two-barrel Weber carb, being ill-suited to my truck, led me on a journey of discovery through the fuel system, switching to a Zenith carburetor, learning about the importance of correct air-fuel mixture, choke operation, and the inevitable relationship to ignition timing.

Oil leaks from the wheel hubs caused a foray into the axles, which introduced me to the importance of seals and gaskets. For bonus points, over-pressure in the axles resulted in me learning about the brass vents that, when blocked, do nothing to keep gear oil in and water out.

Another bad oil leak from my front pinion oil seal led to more dismantling, and a stuck pinion flange developed my ability to recognize the need for specialty tools, like a flange puller. I clearly have a very skilled instructor.

The next semester started with a problem-solving exercise. Oil spewing out the various engine gaskets (recognize a common theme?) had me trouble-shooting, and considering what I learned in past chapters. Was it coming from the valve cover gasket? No, but oh, I might as well learn about valve timing. Oil pan gasket? No, but hey, look at all the stuff in there. Why am I still loosing so much oil? What the hell ... ? Wait! Where had I seen this before? Ah yes ... the vent on the axle! My PCV valve was clogged, and the replacement reduced engine oil leakage to a manageable trickle.

Next lesson: stuck fuel gauge. Let's learn about the fuel sending unit, and reseal the leaking float. Oh, time to learn soldering.

It was really running quite well now:
"Running well, , don't you think, wife-of-mine? ... The smell? ... What smell? I suppose I do smell gas in the cab, and I did just fill up .... Well, well ... look at that. A leaking fuel filler tube. Hi, Rovers North? It's me, Chris again. How are you Tony? Kid's ear infection better? ...".

Time came for my mid-term exam. With a loud "Snap" as the light turned green at Royal Oak Drive and Elk Road, my transmission started slipping. I limped home and started trouble shooting. WTF? Hours turned into days. Piece of crap car! What's wrong with this thing? And that's when the truck taught me the most valuable lesson yet: We are not alone. A post to the forum brought me experienced help, and the problem was quickly diagnosed as a sheered lay shaft, replacement of which requires a full transmission pull. Wow ... gears. Cool.

Hey, look ... no pieces left over after the transmission rebuild! Time to enjoy some well-earned driving time. So you see, I must be completing my training program, as I am feeling pretty cocky now! As a result, I've shifted to focus on some minor irritants. I recently put in new, modern headlights, installed a new oil pressure gauge. Just last night I finished a complete refurbishment of my second windshield wiper motor and it was glorious! Just to round-out my experience you understand.

Today, I celebrated with a long drive through some of the narrower roads of the Saanich Peninsula. I was feeling great. I really must know-it-all by now, right? No need for more training, right? Surely I'm jouneyman mechanic by now, right? Let's just enjoy each others company, shall we, Truck? WRONG.

At 6:30 pm at a stoplight at Goward Road and Prospect Lake, I heard a "clunk". All forward motion in 2-wheel drive ceased. Switching to 4x4 got me going, and with just a hint of grinding from under the car, I limped home again. By flashlight in the rain, I was able to see the rear drive shaft spinning when in gear, but no movement of the wheels.

It seems the ITA keeps close tabs on it's vintage auto repair programs, and my instructor is no different. NO SHORTCUTS!

So I haven't certified yet, it seems. My truck tells me there is still the differential to learn about, I see. Does it ever end? Will I ever be red-sealed? Time will tell. :roll:

[franko]

Oh boy! Looks like I have lots to look forward to
With my new to me 68 series lla.
I may have to call on you from time to time lol

[oldgravy]

That DOES seem a bit unlucky...

Great read though.

[ANDYD]

LOL good read for sure ....reminded me of my days in my Series 2a, the first year or two was much the same!

It does get better, there will come a time when you have fixed all those "weak links" and then the grinning can begin....

Then you will be a certified "Master Land Rover Technician" for sure .... :spinning: