P38 Advice

Author
Discussion

Meeja

Original Poster:

8,289 posts

249 months

Friday 20th July 2007
quotequote all
Went to have a quick look at a 2000 P38 (4.6 Vogue) this lunchtime..... would like to go back (when it's not raining!) to have a closer look.

I know that the pourous liner thing is a huge weakness, and that some of the electrics can fail.

Is there anything you can do to check for the engine problems?

Is there any preventative maintenance to stop the pourous liner thing happening?

Anything that I should pay particularly close attention to?

Plan would be to convert to LPG.

Thanks in advance...

Meeja

Edited by Meeja on Friday 20th July 14:10

Hughesie II

12,573 posts

283 months

Friday 20th July 2007
quotequote all
Meeja said:
Anything that I should pay particularly close attention to?
Make sure you spend a good 10 minutes with the air suspension settings - the pumps are know for failure so when on a drive play around with it and make it go updown/mway setting etc.


P100

619 posts

207 months

Friday 20th July 2007
quotequote all
The eas compressor is the least of the problems!

Yes check it is working correctly, but you will need to remove the cooling system header tank cap, and sniff the fumes coming out of the top.(you should do this when cold), also check that when you start it from cold it does not misfire for the first couple of seconds. This a sign of head gasket/block problems.
If you can smell exhaust fumes (or a petrol type smell) walk away and find another!
These cars are really good when they are working right and give little problems if they are maintained correctly. However, garages that do not know these cars skimp on the service schedules, and use inferior parts which starts the trouble.
Always renew the radiator at 60 000 miles to prevent future cooling problems and it will be fine!

Cheers Roy

Meeja

Original Poster:

8,289 posts

249 months

Friday 20th July 2007
quotequote all
Thanks Roy,

That is the kind of advice I'm looking for.... I know the problems are well documented, but I need to know the kind of simple checks that can be made on the forecourt to spot any potential issues.

Much appreciated.

I have got an LR specialist lined up to take a look at any potential purchase, but obviously there is a cost involved... so I want to present him with something that won't have a fault that I could have spotted.

Skier

485 posts

224 months

Saturday 21st July 2007
quotequote all
"Is there any preventative maintenance to stop the pourous liner thing happening?"

As someone who experienced this problem I would offer the following advice:

- If you want to ensure prevention get the engine 'top hat linered.'

- At the first sign of overheating or unexplained minor waterloss get the car looked at.

- Some people believe that the slipped liner issue is all down to overheating due to poor maintenance of the cooling system. I couldn't comment on the truth of this but a new radiator every so often is a great deal cheaper than a new engine.

- I had a new engine (5.3ltr) fitted by V8 Developments to replace the fried 4.6. The engine is excellent and has been absolutely faultless though was far from cheap!. Have a look at their website http://www.v8developments.co.uk/ Excellent service - rubbish website!

Some other general stuff.

- When it comes time for a new exhaust buy a stainless steel one from somewhere like Rimmer Brothers or RPI engineering. It will come with a lifetime guarantee, cost less then the mild steel option from a main dealer that only lasted me two years and gives you options in terms of styling if you want.

- Check the air conditioning fully. Run it and get the engine fully warmed up then switch of the engine for a few minutes. On restarting ensure that fans aren't at full speed and that you're not turning to ice despite not having altered the desired temp.

- Don't pay main dealer prices for spares. There are plenty of online spares places.

Enjoy!

Skier


shentodj

401 posts

229 months

Friday 27th July 2007
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Other things you can check yourself are:

Electric seats:
  • move in all directions (inc headrest up/down)
  • heating mechanism (broken on mine, and too expensive to fix)
  • memories (inc mirrors) work correctly.
Mirrors:
  • heating elements work
  • memories work (with seats) including Dip settings when reversing.
Aircon:
  • as suggested already, goes hot and cold properly.
Cruise Control:
  • set it ok (used to work, but broken on mine. Believe it's a new steering wheel cassette required).
Central Locking working ok:
  • should be two key fobs which will work the 2 seat/mirror memories.
All windows, sunroof + interior lights ok (inc Dashboard lighting which also includes the LED message centre under the dials).

I can also recommend the Rimmer Bros Stainless Sports exhaust (including Sports Catalysts). Twin pipes look smart and slightly sportier noise (though nothing excessive). The performance from 60upwards in kickdown seems a improved slightly. Rimmer Bros service is very good.

Good Luck,
Shentodj.

David Beer

3,982 posts

268 months

Friday 27th July 2007
quotequote all


Electric seats:
  • move in all directions (inc headrest up/down)
  • heating mechanism (broken on mine, and too expensive to fix)
  • memories (inc mirrors) work correctly.
The heated seats are easy to repair, done mine twice now, different places of course. Just need to dismantle the seat and find the break in the wiring, solder up and its done.
Had the liner problem, had many air S problems, made my own unit for levelling.