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[roverandom]

JESUS WEPT! I would really like to to offer a silver bullet fix for this guys rover but it is difficult enough to give advice via the forum when the info is clear.

How much did he pay for this Rover?

With little to no money and even less mechanical aptitude the purchase of a 'fixer upper' may be a little ambitious, especially a RRC, these things can be a nightmare when you know what you are doing.

In addition to this, if I understand the text correctly, the Rover has been to several different shops and has had a number of undisclosed modifications done by the previous owner.

I'm afraid until some one gets down there and performs some correct diagnostics (which may or may not include a partial engine tear-down) that leads to the root cause of the problem (perhaps more than one) you will be chasing this fault indefinitely.

Perhaps if the fault cannot be quickly and cost effectively identified (considering the owner of the RRC has no mechanical skills, limited means and is already vastly out of pocket with nothing to show but a unreliable, poorly running truck) the case could be made that he should cut his losses and sell the truck and have one of you helpful chaps living in the area give his next purchase a once over before he buys again.

Hopefully after you guys take a look you will be able to give a more concise, first hand account of the symptoms and a parts list of modifications etc. that will better aid those that wish to offer any advice.

If I can help, I will. But to offer any 'solutions' with current info would be pointless speculation at best, and this poor guy has been talked into buying too many needless parts already. Good Luck!