Oka owners group newsletter

Over the past 8,000 kms, it's had no adverse effect on fuel consumption and might even have improved it a tad, due to the ram-air effect.

I can provide pictures if required. David

Hi guys,

I've heard complaints about this problem before.

I can't tell you why, but our #196 is standard in this department (except that I have added a vacuum gauge so that I can monitor air cleaner condition) and it is NOT noisy! Peter

A member turned the exterior cover, over the air intake, through 90 degrees. Thus the intake was now facing the rear of the vehicle and this made it a lot quieter.

I think that was Collyn Rivers. He does seem to know what he's doing.

Sort of on the same subject, I have a set of Bose noise-cancelling headphones that I often use. They have an on/off switch that, when switched on, eliminates about 75% of regular noise (yes, you do have to be wearing

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them!). They can be used alone or plugged into the stereo. They make an OKA frighteningly quiet - you'll need a tap on the shoulder if somebody wants to talk to you, and you do tend to watch the gauges a lot more because there are probably a few noises you just won't hear!

I got a headphone jack put in the dash and wired such that when the headphones are plugged in, the speakers are cancelled out. It's obviously great for when you're driving alone, but also when you have a passenger who's asleep and doesn't want the music blaring, you can just plug in the headphones, have whatever volume level you want, and they get nothing; especially if they're wearing their own Bose headphones, switched on and unplugged.

Bose cost heaps more than most, so I started out with Sony's "equivalent". The Sony version was fine on planes, but didn't work in the OKA; the noise reduction would 'pulse', and they also didn't knock out as much noise as the Boses do. Fortunately I lost them somewhere, so I replaced them with Bose, and never looked back.

I'm keen on the general noise reduction thing, but have my doubts about how much more can be achieved with more insulation. When we've done out best, we'll still be surrounded by three big sheets of flat glass, which are really bad for noise level. They're flat for good reason, but all regular cars have all curved glass for a(nother) good reason. Hal

I took the plastic cover off the air intake pipe behind the drivers seat and all the foam insulation inside had disintegrated.

I packed it with some more accoustic foam (from Whitworths the boating people) and then sealed the whole thing by surrounding it all with more foam. That should reduce the interior noise a lot. Generally, covering all interior exposed metal work with thick foam or similar helps with noise reduction, even those areas already insulated like the engine cover.

I have also seen a taller snorkel type attachment on the outside to raise the level of the air intake, like a truck, as I believe that is where the much of the noise originates (90mm storm water pipe fits). The opening can then be reoriented to to the front, which should also help air flow into the intake.

Pointing it rearwards might reduce the noise level but intuitively it seems wrong and might inhibit airflow rather than help (ie reduce the air pressure outside the intake, like airflow over an aircraft wing reduces pressure above it). dandjribbans

I read in a newsletter, I think, some time ago where a member turned the exterior cover, over the air intake, through 90 degrees. Thus the intake was now facing the rear of the vehicle and this made it a lot quieter.

Michael Hession

OKA Spare Parts And Suppliers.

Please add to this list or Email any Additions To [e-mail]

OKA Parts and Technical Advice

Technical advice and Parts are available from OKA Direct, Bibra Lake (Perth) 08 9434 1300, ask for Angelica (very helpful & knowledgeable).

Or

Fidler & Clarke (Bob or Rob) at Alice Springs 08 8952 2637. (good blokes, both very knowledgeable and attentive.)

Or

OKA, Kalgoorlie, Robin Wade maintains OKAs in the Goldfields (good bloke, parts and repairs and sound advice, a gentleman!) 08 9091 6195.

Or

Paul Knott, East Coast OKA's, Home:03-95511340 Mob:[phone]

Grease

Grease type LE 3752 expensive! Doesn't get displaced, hangs on and does not emulsify with water. Cantankerous to wash off, WD40 cleans it off your hands.

Lubrication Engineers Pty Ltd, Prospect, NSW, [phone] Allan Green

Or Try:

Yamalube Marine grease sticks like shyte to a blanket) high quality marine grade, I have used this grease on off road motorcycles including in competition for several years in conditions that would kill an OKA (or any other 4WD) stone dead and it is a seriously top rate product as are all other Yamalube (Yamaha) products I have used over the past 30 years or so.

Oil

Engine Oil: Castrol RX

Hydraulic Oil (Power Steering): Castrol Transmax M,

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Diff, Front and Rear: Castrol LSX90,

Uni Joints

Steering 5 332 X Spicer No.

Make sure they have a grease nipple this No. joint should have.

Tail Shaft K5 GB10RHD

Again these ones have grease nipples and heavy duty seals.

I recommend you carry both these Uni-Joints as spares.

Both these Uni joints are available from:

Truckline, Wetherill Park, NSW [phone]

Truckline Virginia in Brisbane (make Trevor a believer) got tie rod ends from these guys. Once pushed a bit they will try hard and get what you need. Airfreighted parts at no great expense.

The real heros though were Whitehorse trucks in Morewell Vic whom Truckline phoned to confirm part numbers etc (Whitehorse have been known to supply parts to OKA in WA first class svc so stick with these guys) some of you will already know all about this so I leave out the details.

Grab Handles

Inside cabin (black), secured by 4 screws, also other OKA Locks & Catches

Universal Engineers Supplies: http://www.uesint.com (cache)

2/42 Birnie Avenue, Lidcombe NSW 2141 (02) 8745 9000

16 Tikalara St, Regency Park, South Australia, 5010 (08) 8340 1599 38 - 40 South Link, Dandenong, Victoria, 3175 (03) 8787 3100

4/ 5 Bishop St, Stuart Park, Northern Territory, 0820 (08) 8946 4500 8 Boulder Rd. Malaga, Western Australia, 6090, [phone] 1-3/36 Pritchard Road, Virginia, QLD, 4014, [phone]

Front Side Blinker Lights

I find blinkers continually get smashed off in the scrub. Order through Repco - OKA tail lights, mirrors etc.

Britax Part No. 10430.01 (Blinker Lights) these blinkers use a small cap less bulb.

Drive Shaft Repairs

Diff & Gear Box, yokes, slip joints etc & modifications, also balancing.

Hardy-Spicer

For Tail Shaft Repairs

http://www.hardyspicer.com.au (cache)

1. 10/ 30 Heathcote Rd, Moorebank, NSW, 2170 (02) 9600 6333, Colin Hancock 2. 56 -58 Churchill Rd North Dry Creek, South Australia, 5094 (08) 8349 6400 3. 1/9 Monterey Road, Dandenong South Victoria, 3175 (03) 9792 4744

Springs

Front & Rear, Shockers, Resets, Alterations, Modifications, extra leaves. Setting the old fashioned way, A true professional.

Southern Cross 4WD

1385 Burragorang Road, Oakdale, NSW, [phone]

Brisbane Springs (they have detailed files!) but I bought the last of the shackle pins and bushes they had. Still they know how to get dem OKRE parts and are a very professional outfit. Speak to Geoff King and Tell em

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Nols sent ya)

Diff Repairs Modification, resetting

D & R Diff Repairs

Chipping Norton, [phone], Forget the rest give Glen a ring.

Rear Axles

Left & right hand standard 32 spline rear axles in stock for OKAs!!! Will make oversize axles 35 spline to suit OKAs with modified rear diffs. Makes them on the premises! Good bloke. Axles must be replaced in pairs after a breakage!

Anthony Natoli Enterprises, Hoxton Park, NSW [phone]

Batteries

I have found Odyssey Batteries (DRY) have been very good and reliable in rough and broken, washed out tracks, compared with lead acid type batteries. They also can take a high charge very quickly and have a high discharge rate to overcome high cranking load or winching loads. They don't have problems in cold weather, cold cranking (-18C) 930 amps each battery. I buy Model ES12V, (don't be put off by it’s smaller size, it out performs batteries twice its size)

Or: The Delkor 31-900T, 900CCA (-18C) with reserve capacity of 160amps, Don't Be put off By Price these batteries are cheap at only $170 each

Battery Warehouse,

South Windsor, NSW, [phone] (Russel Batt)

Independent Battery world Mitchell Park, SA

Drive Belts

For Air Conditioner Alternator, Window Winders (front doors)

Belt Part No. Air con 9520 13A1320 Alternator 9425 13A1080

Window winder 510L0507250DS

Carry ALL belts as spares

I have found Gates Green Stripe Belts the most serviceable, available from:

R. P. WALLIS, Unit 2, 158 Newton Road, Wetherill Park, NSW, Phone [phone]

Also Try Mick's Truck Bits in Capalaba (Bris-Vegas) Mick is very savvy in the truck biz and can find parts at a reasonable price. He has helped me out a bit and once he got a handle on OKA's (helped by having mine parked in his doorway(all of his doorway); he has been able to source most of the stuff listed here at good prices (including a bigger badder jack- 10 tonner of same quality for price of the 6 tonner since no 6 tonners were available that day!) 20L of Castrol RX for $72.00.and all filters supplied at less than quoted several dealers elsewhere.

Filters

Air Filters

Primary: DONALDSON Part No. P133765 Secondary: DONALDSON (safety) Part No. P136401

Engine Oil Filter: Donaldson Part No. P554407 or FLEETGUARD, No L.F.699

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Hydraulic Oil Return Line Filter: Donaldson Part Number: P550162 or RYCO, Z79A

Fuel Filters

1st Filter Element only FLEETGUARD, FS 1240

1st Filter Sediment bowl & filter element (both parts) FS 1240B

Note, Next (filter) is a fuel sediment and water bowl only and needs inspection and draining and cleaning when necessary.

Fuel Filter On Engine: Donaldson Part No. P557111 or Perkins No. 26561117 Power Part

For All Donaldson Filters Contact:

http://www.donaldsonfilters.com.au/homepage/home.asp (cache)

or Rasch Industries, U2 1069 South Road, Melrose Park, South Australia, Ph: [phone]

Wheel Bearings (LT)

Front Inner cup 382A Inner cone 387A

Rear Inner cup 45220 Outer cup LM 104911

Outer cup LM 104911 Outer cone LM 104949

Inner cone 45291 Outer cone LM 104949

Note: All "DAN....." Part Numbers Listed in the OKA Parts Manual Can Be Converted By CBC Bearings as they are a Genuine Dana Part Number and are Listed on their Conversion Charts

Rear Hub Seal

National Federal Mogul 415086N

Rear Diff Pinion Seal

National Federal Mogul 9316

Steering Box TRW

New TRW Steering Boxes and Rebuilds (To NT Standard)

Australian Importers of TRW Boxes and Seal Kit, Workshop Facilities For Rebuilds: Complete Steering Australia Pty.Ltd.

U 1/ 55 Cherry La Laverton North 3026 Phone [phone]

Steering Damper

Powerdown Steering Dampener, Part no: SS-2716.

http://www.powerdown.com.au/ (cache)

Contact: Gus Dalfarra, [e-mail] for your nearest Outlet, Let him Know you are from the OKA Owners Group For a Good Price.

In Sydney: Wholesale Suspension, 129 Coreen Ave, Penrith NSW 2750

Phone:[phone] Fax:[phone]

In South Australia Contact:

Safety Steer, 22 White Road, Gepps Cross, South Australia, Phone: [phone],

Ball Joints etc

K.S.A. Truck Parts & Repairs Pty Ltd , 1 Moore St Leichhardt 2040(02) 9692 8222 Truckline Truck & Trailer Parts, Lot 3 Ormsby Pl, Wetherill Park 2164

ph:[phone]

Shock Absorbers

Monroe, Magnum 60 Gas Shock Absorbers, Front and Rear, Part Number 66638

Jack

(Hydraulic) Ideal for OKAs as it has a 2 stage lift 250mm (2 rams) to raise high profile tyres clear of the

ground with ease!! Also has a 75mm high screwed section so minimum packing is required. Its capacity

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is 6000kg safe working load

Ring Jutco Pty Ltd, Unit 1 30/34 Maffra St, Colaroo, Vic 3048, Phone [phone] for the agent closest to you Jack Part No. 60113 Price around $110.

Water Pump

Water pump and any engine spares try Geoff Walsh

on your engine parts requirements telephone our Engine Parts Hotline on 1800-810-507 Australia -Wide or EMAIL [e-mail]

Sydney:

EIP Diesel P/L, 37 Eddie Road, Minchinbury NSW 2770, Phone: [phone], Mark Brentnall Email:[e-mail]

15 Chain Street, Mackay, Queensland AUSTRALIA 4740 P.O.Box 555, Mackay, Queensland AUSTRALIA 4740 Telephone [phone] Fax [phone]

Perkins 100 Series Motor Parts

Sydney:

EIP Diesel P/L, 37 Eddie Road, Minchinbury NSW 2770, Phone: [phone], Mark Brentnall Email:[e-mail]

Adelaide:

A W Diesel Repair Services, 12 Fifth St Wingfield, South Australia, 5013, [phone]

Locking Hubs

The freewheeling hubs are AVM

(made in Brazil, see http://www.avm.com.br/products4.htm (cache)),

Model No. 439 for Dana 60 axles with internal mounting. I got them from ARB Adelaide who were cheapest ($213 a pair for Oka Owners Group).

AVM also sell a "Service Kit" at ~$40, but it only contains oil seals and circlips, not any of the breakable parts inside, which is what I needed

Starter Motor

Part Number and Supplier Required

Alternator

Part Number and Supplier Required

Keys

Ignition key Silca blank number NE38. Door key Silca blank number V01. See Your Local Locksmith

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Hi Everyone,

OKA OWNERS GROUP (PUTTING PEOPLE AND THE ENVIRONMENT FIRST)

NEWSLETTER June 2007

Thank you to all those who have sent articles and information for inclusion in the newsletter. I am only the editor, so I rely on members to provide the input. Our email address is: [e-mail].

There have been some very successful Oka get-togethers since our last newsletter. Congratulations to Rowena for getting 26 Oka’s in one place at the one time. Just taking the photo below must have been quite an undertaking! An enjoyable Easter was also spent at the Quigley’s farm at YatteYattah. It is fascinating to see the differences in the various Okas on these occasions. Of course they are designed to be manufactured according to the buyer’s specifications, but each owner then seems to imprint their own mark on their Oka, or come up with some new modification or addition. While camping might seem to be the major reason for owning an Oka, they are used for all kinds of things – our own is used for farm work – in between trips of course.

The Oka website is running beautifully and information on all kinds of things can be easily accessed there, but I have taken the liberty of using extracts for the newsletter as some owners don’t have a computer or internet access, and the information is too good not to share. Don’t forget the website address: www.okaownersgroup.info . You will need a password to get into some areas, so if you don’t yet have one get in contact with John Hendriks at [e-mail] and he will set you up.

We are hoping to be off travelling again this July, and have planned to visit Arnhem Land and have permits to the Coburg Penninsula. They only allow 15 vehicles per day, so you need to plan ahead. We are looking forward to visiting the Diamintina Lakes, Riversleigh and Lawn Hill and also to see the Lost City near Cape Crawford on our way, and plan to travel to Nulumbhuy in Arnhem Land as well.

If you are tripping this year, don’t forget to let us know how you get along, not just with the things you see and do but also what problems and solutions you have with your Okas, what spare parts you take and what modifications you would include next time.. This information is always interesting to others in our Group.

Drive safely

Marj Parsons (Editor)

MAJORS CREEK, NAGAMBIE – 27^th -29^th April 2007

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Written by Rowena Paterson

Great to see some rain finally falling in Victoria over the weekend. We had over an inch of rain on Friday & Saturday night at the Majors Creek camp.

Attendance:

Fred Hallett & Vicki Blackley

Ian & Jackie Jones

Greg Boyle with Thomas, Emma & Robert

Rowena Paterson

Ray & Robyn Quigley

Peter Davis, Serena Fraser & Cameron

Paul Nott

Chris & Arlene Deed & Bradley & Wyatt

Greg’s parents Jim & Julie in their Landcruiser and Caravan

The rain made the ground very slippery to walk & drive on, with Gregs parents getting bogged on their way in Saturday morning. Greg rescued them using an OKA and snatch strap. The same bog hole claimed another 2 4wds driving through the area over the weekend.

During the weekend we had a communal BBQ around the campfire, enjoying these really nice donated sausages and hamburgers thanks to a footy club camped next to us Friday night. The Footy Club drank and partied all night in the rain, keeping Fred, Vicki, Ian & Jackie up most of the night. They didn’t eat much, so the coach donated all their food to us as they were leaving Saturday morning. Maybe the coach felt a little bad for keeping us up for most of the night, but we were happy to accept the food.

Paul brought along a Pee Wee 50 motorbike for the kids to have a ride on. Paul took Cameron for a ride as he was a little too small to ride alone. Cameron was yelling out with delight, but wasn’t so sure when Paul headed near the creek, “don’t go near the water” he would yell. The Boyle kids also had a fantastic time trying to master the art of motorbike riding.

The Record Breaking OKA Rally at Mornington, Victoria Sunday 25 March 2007

A few OKA owners from South Australia were going to be in the Melbourne area on Sunday 25 March, so Rowena organized an OKA Rally at Jurgen and Claudia’s place at Mornington so that everyone could get together and meet other owners. Before the weekend, it was known that at least 20 OKAs would arrive but everyone was overjoyed when the 26^th OKA pulled into Jurgen’s acreage. Just as well he had a big paddock!

Eleven OKAs arrived early on the Saturday night for an impromptu barbecue. Then on Sunday morning everyone was awaiting with baited breadth for all the OKAs to arrive. The yard resembled an agricultural field day with all and sundry talking OKA language, looking at each other’s innovations, gaining more ideas, checking whether this or that worked or was worth it, etc, etc. Each OKA was different. Each owner had incorporated his/her own designs and wants into the basic shape. Some were complete motorhomes, some had slide on campers, some were dual cab with the tray, some yet had to be finished but all caught the eye of each owner and there was always a story to be told. Even the paint jobs received a mention. Some were still in the camouflage colours, some were green and some were white. One had ants crawling all over it – inside

and out. What a talking point. It even had a big goanna on one side and Sturt’s Desert Pea on the other. Yes,

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it was from South Australia! The OKA kids had fun with Luke’s tractor. Luke found a makeshift trailer, loaded it with an old tyre and enjoyed rolling down the hills. The pool was also a favourite spot for the kids and mothers – less OKA talk!

The number plates intrigued me. OKA6, OKAXT, OKALT, OKAON, LTOKA, MYOKA, THE OKA, ROMMY 2 all brought a smile to my face. ‘MYOKA’ even had the ‘Driver Under Instruction’! There were also three South Australian number plates and one from Western Australia. Normal number plates included RCP (Royal Canadian Police), UFN (Unidentified Flying Nomad) and UNI (Under No Instruction)!

After such focused attention on OKAs, lunch was a shared barbecue around the pool. More socializing with everyone. Then the OKA fun! Jurgen took his OKA around a 4WD obstacle course. What a ripper! A few others attempted it too. Cameras were going ‘click, click’ with all the action shots. At one stage Jurgen had only one wheel on the ground! Great driving with quite a few thrills. Not to be outdone, Luke, with the help of Thomas, took his tractor over the obstacle course. Luckily his Mum didn’t see that!

Next, the grand photo had to be taken to capture this momentous day. The marshals had an interesting time trying to line up 26 OKAs across the paddock for the photo shoot! Eventually all was in readiness. Rowena was asked to stand in front of her achievement – organizing a rally for 26 OKAs! Everyone captured the photo from the top of Jurgen’s 4WD hill. Then the photo with all the owners in front of their vehicles. What a great day.

The last part of the day was to drive in convoy through the streets of sunny, seaside Mornington. Chugging up and down the main street which was busy with Sunday visitors from Melbourne was certainly a highlight – if not for the OKA owners but for the people at the sidewalk cafes. There were waves, smiles and stares of disbelief as these monster vehicles roared past. Even the local policemen had huge smiles on their faces. With over twenty vehicles driving along the street the other motorists had to push in between them to get through. Eventually most OKAs found their way back to Jurgen’s peaceful property.

After another great rally many people then said their goodbyes while quite a few stayed for another barbecue and late night. Some drove home while others decided to stay and leave next morning. Thanks Rowena for another amazing rally. That’s two I’ve attended. They were completely different from each other but a lot of fun (and I don’t even own an OKA). I must say that I know a lot about OKAs now and many would like me to own one!

Many thanks to Jurgen and Claudia for your great hospitality and allowing the OKA owners to just take over your beautiful place. It should be tranquil again this week with only one OKA in residence! However, the OKA owners now know of a fantastic huge barbecue which will easily accommodate so many hungry enthusiasts! I love your pink thongs, Jurgen. Yes, we noticed you in the crowd of OKA owners!

To those of you who own an OKA and haven’t yet been to a rally, please go to a get-together. You meet a lot of like minded people and learn a lot as well as have a tonne of fun. Thanks to all the OKA owners last Sunday for making me feel part of your special group. I thoroughly enjoyed myself (again).

Submitted by Margaret Cooper

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Attendance: Jurgen & Claudia Mauracher & family, Glenn Davies & Jackie Stenford, Wayne & Lisa Simmons, Rowena Paterson & Margaret Cooper, Greg & Maree Boyle & family, Paul Nott, Peter & Margaret Wright, Ruedi & Susi Schoensleben, Peter Furlong, Darren Visser & Janine Ridley & family, Ian & Jackie Jones, Wayne Overall, Ross driving Rommi’s OKA, Arthur & Christine Adams, Peter Davis, Serena Fraser & Cameron, Chris & Arleen Deed & family, Andrew Crowther, Fred Hallett & Vicki Blackley, David & Genine Hallandal & family, David Fewster & Helen, Geoff & Annette Lloyd, David Lang, Geoff & Sandra Wilkinson, Lex & Corina Brown & John & Dianne Smithard.

Easter 2007 Rally at Yatte Yatte NSW

by John Hendriks

First....a big THANK YOU to our hosts Ron & Lyn Quigley, who made us most welcome on their unique property. All the other OKA owners out there missed a great weekend with lots of laughter as well as serious OKA discussions.