P38A diesel auto screaches at me

Hi, I'm new to this forum.
I have a problem with my 2000 P38 diesel auto which has been regularly screaching, it appears worse in warm weather. I checked the auto box oil level last week and it was just dripping out with the engine running. Oil and filter were changed about 5000 miles ago. Well today I was towing a trailer approx 2 tonnes up hill and it seriously lost power and had to crawl the 2 miles to home. Engine appeared to be Ok when stopped but as soon as I started up hill lost power again. The auto box appears to work fine so I guess it might be the torque converter. or have you any other suggestions as to cause of screaching and loss of power? Is replacing torque converter an easy job?

No idea sorry but some one might have, in the mean time take your post code off as location, back of beyond or something like that is near enough.

Screeching and loss of power could well be turbo not playing nicely, does it screech if revved up out of gear.

Split in turbo pipe

Check above ^^^^^ easiest/cheapest options first torque converter is a gearbox out job.

Hi All, Thanks for the constructive comments. Just spent the evening checking the turbo as it was the easiest option. Turbo OK and no holes in turbo pipes, all pipes were secure . This evening the engine revved ok and no screaching but didn't have the time to test drive it as can only do this when I have a back-up to get home!. The main issue is the screaching as it sounds worse than bad brake squeal. It can happen when the car is stationary in park, reverse,neutral or drive, and when in drive on the move. I will try revving the engine when I can take it out and it starts to screach. Anything else I can check or adjust in the meantime?

Aircon belt / compressor? Try pressing the AC switch on the HEVAC and see if it stops.

Grrrrrr said:

Aircon belt / compressor? Try pressing the AC switch on the HEVAC and see if it stops.

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^^^^^ good call, the aircon belt on the project car has started screeching after being stood for 3 months. Not sure if it's just the belt or if the compressor is fecked. The noise level is pretty impressive, turning off the aircon stops it.

May be a good idea to remove the a/c belt incase its the tensioner bearing, it's only a 13mm bolt to loosen the tensioner,

tomcat59alan said:

May be a good idea to remove the a/c belt incase its the tensioner bearing, it's only a 13mm bolt to loosen the tensioner,

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It's not the tensioner bearing on mine Alan as that continues to rotate when the aircon is off, it only screams when the aircon clutch engages. The belt is suspiciously tight so I think it may be the compressor.

Datatek said:

It's not the tensioner bearing on mine Alan as that continues to rotate when the aircon is off, it only screams when the aircon clutch engages. The belt is suspiciously tight so I think it may be the compressor.

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Morning Keith, my post was aimed at the op, my thinking was if he needed to ask if changing the torque converter was a big job then perhaps he's not mechanically minded. Stay safe.

tomcat59alan said:

Morning Keith, my post was aimed at the op, my thinking was if he needed to ask if changing the torque converter was a big job then perhaps he's not mechanically minded. Stay safe.

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No problem, hope the sun is shining up your way, getting hot here

Datatek said:

No problem, hope the sun is shining up your way, getting hot here

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Scorching here, its like waking up in Fuerteventura.

tomcat59alan said:

Scorching here, its like waking up in Fuerteventura.

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But without the eye candy on the beach

Datatek said:

But without the eye candy on the beach

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I never look,well not much.,internet playing up and I've been summoned to the kitchen to make tonight's curry.

tomcat59alan said:

I never look,well not much.,internet playing up and I've been summoned to the kitchen to make tonight's curry.

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All that DIY and doing the cooking? No wonder you're falling over. Ehat next? Vacuuming in an apron? Just an apron mind!

Grrrrrr said:

All that DIY and doing the cooking? No wonder you're falling over. Ehat next? Vacuuming in an apron? Just an apron mind!

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What no stockings and a feather duster? I do make a mean curry.

tomcat59alan said:

What no stockings and a feather duster? I do make a mean curry.

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Mean as in one cube of braising steak and sn awful lot of sauce or have medical staff and a stomach pump on standby?

Grrrrrr said:

Mean as in one cube of braising steak and sn awful lot of sauce or have medical staff and a stomach pump on standby?

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Toilet roll in the freezer mean mate

Hi All,
I'm sorry I haven't responded sooner but had to wait for a new air con drive belt to arrive - old one seriously cracked and polished.
Well, you lads are great and much appreciated - you diagnosed the issue - even with my mixed up symptoms.
I worked out the problems as this - The battery was a bit flat so jump started P38 but connections weren't great on the batteries and it took a few goes to start it and I suspect it may have put it in to limp mode and therefore lacking power towing up hill. So separate issue from the screaching. Have put on the new drive belt and checked the tensioner pulley - OK and now quiet! Must admit I'm a bit deaf and was having problems determining where the screach was coming from - well my wife says I'm deaf so that's the end of any argument!
Thanks so much for your help.