30% of my mechanical problems have been caused by dealers making mistakes.

On the way through Mozambique towards Tete the clutch was dragging and it was getting harder and harder to find neutral.

It got a lot worse once the engine was hot. I hoped it was the seals on the hydraulic clutch failing again as that would be easy to fix.

When I measured the clutch movement it was a lot less than it should have been so could have caused the problem. However, since I had the clutch cover off I was advised to check the clutch plates anyway.

What a bit of luck I did.

One of the rivet heads had sheared off and was fowling the clutch plates causing the drag.

It had been made by the Auckland dealer when they cocked up my order.

I had asked for a complete new factory clutch outer hub even though they could build me one from the component parts in stock. I wanted to get the best quality - the factory.

A few days later I discovered the parts guy forgot to order it so I missed the monthly parts shipment.

It was either wait or make one from the parts - exactly what I didnt want to do.

This is what failed in Mozambique.

Another lucky escape - it could have happened anywhere.

Visit www.fowb.co.uk for more details on this and previous trips.