P38 questions

[miniman]

Looked at a P38 4.6 HSE today that a mate has got his hands on. It needs a fix to the suspension - it take ages to raise when it starts (and shows errors on the dash) - but my mate reckons it's a compensator valve (?) and not hugely expensive to fix. Once it's up, it stays up.

It's also got a couple of electric window problems and dodgy driver's door lock. All this to be put right if I want to buy it.

It's on a P plate with 137k. MOT & Tax to Feb. Asking around £2700.

Any thoughts??

[Talkwrench]

If it drops on its suspension whenever it is parked, then the valve block for the suspension is showing signs of leaking. Valve blocks are expensive (much cheaper but a bit risky buying s/h) and sadly, I know of noone selling the parts to replace the valves. If it takes ages to go up then its probably the compressor that is worn out. They can be reconditioned for around £80 (new piston, liner and seal) or replaced for £150-£200. Alternatively, pull the lot out and fit coil springs (£500).
Don't underestimate how much minor things cost to fix and make sure that the engine is sound. At that mileage, it would be an unusual 4.6 V8 that was fit, healthy and pulling strong.
The price is cheap enough if the general condition is good. It could be a bargain if not much goes wrong and you can work on it yourself but start taking it to garages and it'll empty your bank account quicker than a wronged wife.

[miniman]

Thanks for the quick response. Yeah it drops on its suspension when parked and takes an age to come back up again. Lots of flashing lights on the dash too. Rest of it is reasonably tidy, needs a damn good valet but engine seems good and all the electrics seem to work.

[agent006]

Talkwrench said:

sadly, I know of noone selling the parts to replace the valves.

http://www.rover-renovations.com/ 

Everything you need to fix your EAS properly on a budget. Everything is rebuildable. Compressor pistons and sealing rings, valve block seals and lots more.

Edited by agent006 on Sunday 25th November 19:08

[agent006]

Also the forum at Rangerovers.net is a great resource. The market for P38s is firmly on its arse at the moment so haggle hard. I'd spend no more than 3000 on a 4.6 of that age even if it was pristine. Keep the cooling system on form. Fix ANY faults with the engine quickly or be prepared to lose the lot.

[miniman]

Thanks for the link, looks really useful. I'm looking to do a p/ex deal which should work out in my favour if the price is right on the RR.

[GKP]

If the EAS system has picked up a hard fault (in this case it sounds like the pump would be a good starting point, then have a look at the rear air springs for signs of perishing) and is showing the '55mph max' legend on the dashboard, then you'll need to have it plugged in to a suitable diagnostic tool (such as Rovacom or take a trip to your dealer!) to clear the fault code once you've fitted the replacement parts.

[Talkwrench]

agent006 said:

Talkwrench said:

sadly, I know of noone selling the parts to replace the valves.

http://www.rover-renovations.com/ 

Everything you need to fix your EAS properly on a budget. Everything is rebuildable. Compressor pistons and sealing rings, valve block seals and lots more.

Edited by agent006 on Sunday 25th November 19:08

Not quite everything! These kits are ok - and they help - but never include the actual valves. They are small conical rubber valves and they wear and leak over time.