P38 or D2....Can't decide! please help!

Most likely the pump has been overworked feeding leaks & burnt out the thermal switch (didnt know you could fit an external switch)? I'd check to see whats been done to the EAS system lately as it could be masking an underlying problem with leaks etc.

hayden2222 said:

Thanks for all your help.

Also just found out the p38 has ''EAS pumps internal thermal switch failed so it has a external one fitted. Works perfectly well.''

what does this mean!?

Click to expand...

Inside the air compressor for the Air Suspension is a thermal cutout, if the pump runs too long and overheats, the cutout wills top the pump before it melts itself, once it has cooled the pump will run again.

The internal sensor can be a pain to change, but is doable. Some elect to bypass the internal one by just grounding the orange wire (ill advised as there will be no thermal protection) and I have heard of some putting an external thermistor mounted to the body of the compressor - not sure how effective this is or if it works or how to wire it up!

A rebuilt compressor from the likes of Kurt Johnson (member on here) is economically priced enough to replace this 'botched' repair with a known good and serviceable unit that offers you the correct degree of protection.

The P38 is much maligned and gets a bad press, remember most of the posts on here are because people have problems, you never hear much about the ones with no issues.

Also, if you do decide to go down the P38 route there are a good number of people on here who have been there, done that with the P38 who can help out and offer advice and opine. The P38 was the best rust proof vehicle Land Rover has ever produced, they just simply do not rust (unless totally abused and lives in the sea!!

I have had a few P38's and never suffered overheats or slipped liners, keep up on maintenance and she'll reward you well.

Great thanks for your help. Valve body on EAS has had new o rings along with the compressor. It's also had a new air dryer... So think all that's left is bags, but at sub 100 a pop and easy to replace not too bothered about those.

Saint v8, how many miles have yours got on them? 130k ojoon original engine... Can these go to 200k!?

Look on the bay there are often v8s on there with 170k plus milage and still going I saw an oil burner on there with 250k on it

Properly maintained there is no reason they couldn't go on way past 200k.....

Saint.V8 said:

Properly maintained there is no reason they couldn't go on way past 200k.....

Click to expand...

I've got my P38 DSE to over 400K miles. I think they are unfairly maligned. They are not perfect, but how many cars can get to that sort of mileage on the original engine. I can vouch they don't rust at all - heavier gauge chassis, and aluminium door skins, wing and boot.

hayden2222 said:

haha thanks, yea I've spent a few days reading, just can't decide if it's worth the risk.....I suppose if it did breakdown my wife and baby would be safe!

Is 2.5k for a P38 with 130k reasonable? Especially as a fair bit has been done....MOT history is fine to be honest, only bushed/ball joints, leaking exhaust but it's had a new exhaust...and in 2015 'oil leak' but that wasn't on the last one - and to be honest I expect a 17 year old car to leak oil a bit!

Click to expand...

I love Range Rovers and now run a 2001 P38 4.0 HSE. Bought carefully - low owners and low mileage - and the old girl has not, touch wood, been a minute's bother. My wife and I absolutely love it. Like owning your own magic carpet! I also have a 2000 D2 TD5 which I use for general mucking about, fishing and work on the river bank, but it's not half the vehicle the P38 is.

Just get both, then run the D2 into the river and theres the answere