Thanks, bro. In the evening, we got to start up the beast, since it was missing a battery, and the fuel line to the gas tank had been disconnected. The Ustaad who I'd called did a good job of fitting a used water bottle to the fuel line (as a jugaar), after we fitted a new 100 aH battery.
One flick of the switch, and the engine roared to life! Initial diagnostics seem to suggest that the engine is in pretty decent shape, with just minimal blow, if any. This of course is to be expected, since it's been standing for the past 8-9 months, and hasn't really received the TLC it deserves.
However, after the initial static inspection, I insisted on taking it out for a bit of a test drive (about 3-4 km). The pick is good...the sound is good...the brakes are not so good. The steering is pretty responsive...the gears slot into place, perfectly. The transfer case shifts from low to high, with precision, and doesn't stick, at all.
In short, I'm overjoyed!
From tomorrow onwards, the Punga goes to receive some necessary attention. On the cards:-
1) Oil changes (gear, motor, brake, diff, etc).
2) Flushing (fuel tank, radiator, brake line).
3) Lubrication (axles, hubs, suspension).
4) Tuneup.
5) Electricals.
I have a feeling that the beast should be good to go, in another 5-6 days. When that happens, I'll probably shift it to Pindi for some expert work, pertaining to the suspension lift, etcetera.
Cheers!
Fouad.
