Haynes Service and Repair Manuals
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Haynes Publications (June 1, 1999)
ISBN: 1859606008
Overall Rating: 4 Stars 
Readability: 5 Stars
Practical Information: 5 Stars
Information for Mechanics: 4 Stars
Utility In The Bush: 4 Stars
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this book
If you are traveling overland in your own vehicle it is essential
that you take a repair manual. Haynes Publishing Group publishes
repair manuals for a wide range of vehicles including many Toyota
and Land Rover models that are popular in the overlanding community.
Haynes Manuals separate the vehicle into major systems, each with
a dedicated chapter, then provides detailed, step-by-step instructions
on how to disassemble the vehicle, fix the problem, and reassemble
the parts. The instructions are usually simple and straightforward,
and many complicated procedures have detailed pictures or diagrams
to aid the mechanic.
The first chapter is dedicated to tune-ups and routine maintenance.
If followed rigorously, the comprehensive service recommendations
will greatly extend the life of the vehicle and lessen the need
to refer to the chapters later in the book. The one fault with
the Haynes manuals, and it is a big one for the overland traveler,
is its failure to guide the mechanic through the repair of specific
parts on the vehicle. For example, the manual will explain how
to remove and replace the starter motor, but it will not discuss
how to fix the starter itself. This is important because when
traveling overland it is often only possible to fix a malfunctioning
part, not replace it in its entirety. There are some exceptions.
Often a complete breakdown of the alternator is provided, but
carefully examine the manual for your vehicle and be aware of
the systems that are not adequately covered.
Also note that some of the procedures discussed require special
tools. Decide which are necessary and which you can do without.
For example, the old Haynes manual for a 1984 Land Rover Defender
110 said that to
change a broken coil spring you need a special tool to compress
the spring before installation. However, in the bush, you are
not likely to have access to this special tool. But they don't
tell you that you can accomplish the same end result, although
not as safely, with two jacks; one to lower the axle, the other
to raise the chassis so you can slide in the coil without the
need for compression. In short, Haynes Manuals are excellent shop
manuals for the nonprofessional mechanic and will be an invaluable
aid to the overland. Simply be aware that Haynes does not offer
any “bush repair procedures”, and if broken down in
a remote location, you may have to rely on your own creative ingenuity.
