Teo

Member
I am a first time owner of a P38. It went wrong as started overheating, took it to garage they said head gasket, had that done, wasn't the head gasket, was a crack in the block? New engine needed! Got a used engine, very expensive as my car is year 2000 and was told only made the engines for 3 years? Got it back windows and mirrors not working!! Now it's started to lose power so taken it back in, they are getting the ecu checked?? And I don't know why?? Can anyone help??? Feel like I'm being scammed
 
You need to find a good independent garage that is used to working on the P38.You need to talk to everyone you see in a P38, ole and ask who they use. There are some clever people out there,who want to do a good job at a fair price,the trick is finding them.If you are not mechanically minded,you have little choice. If however, you wish to learn, there are some very knowlegeable people on here who will talk you through most problems.
 
Welcome to the fickle world of Rover V8's. You say you got a used engine? How long as this been in & how long before you had problems?
 
Welcome aboard!

Your acquisition of workshop tools will be directly proportionate to the length of ownership of the P38!

But persevere as, (once they are running well), there is little to touch them when things are running well.

Just a pity that, in some cases, the days when they are 'out of colour' outnumber the days when they are not!

Even moderate engine work is, relatively straightforward, and, (as TarpHenry), has already stated there are some very knowledgeable members on this site and there are some excellent guides and tips within the forum.

Windows and Mirrors are controlled via the switch array in the centre console but doubt whether any cables have been disturbed as I am presuming all your previous work has been undertaken in the engine bay.

Not sure about common fuses but, (if you don't mind getting your hands dirty), you can download RAVE, (service manual), or search the forum for similar problems.

Good luck!
 
I am a first time owner of a P38. It went wrong as started overheating, took it to garage they said head gasket, had that done, wasn't the head gasket, was a crack in the block? New engine needed! Got a used engine, very expensive as my car is year 2000 and was told only made the engines for 3 years? Got it back windows and mirrors not working!! Now it's started to lose power so taken it back in, they are getting the ecu checked?? And I don't know why?? Can anyone help??? Feel like I'm being scammed

If you are going to buy second hand engines there is no way of knowing whether that is as bad as your original engine until you fit it.
if you are going to buy a second hand engine you may as well buy a turner remanufactured one as then you are guaranteed it will be good. edit If its a petrol of course

http://turner-engineering.co.uk/html/V8engines.html

The engines are very well known for the block cracking and the cylinder liners slipping.

Did you buy the engine off the people who fitted it or did you find the engine yourself as if they supplied and fitted it then they should get it running right for you without extra charge?

Maybe they are going to put it on diagnostics for you to try and trace the fault, but i don't know anything about the p38 diagnostic process i'm afraid.
 
You need to find a good independent garage that is used to working on the P38.You need to talk to everyone you see in a P38, ole and ask who they use. There are some clever people out there,who want to do a good job at a fair price,the trick is finding them.If you are not mechanically minded,you have little choice. If however, you wish to learn, there are some very knowlegeable people on here who will talk you through most problems.
 
I thought I had as they were recommended to me by another Land Rover owner, but thank you for your advice
 
If you are going to buy second hand engines there is no way of knowing whether that is as bad as your original engine until you fit it.
if you are going to buy a second hand engine you may as well buy a turner remanufactured one as then you are guaranteed it will be good.

http://turner-engineering.co.uk/html/V8engines.html

The engines are very well known for the block cracking and the cylinder liners slipping.

Did you buy the engine off the people who fitted it or did you find the engine yourself as if they supplied and fitted it then they should get it running right for you without extra charge?

Maybe they are going to put it on diagnostics for you to try and trace the fault, but i don't know anything about the p38 diagnostic process i'm afraid.
Th
 
The garage found it and fitted it, weird how you know that cracks in the block are common and they didn't as they are supposed to be Land Rover specialists!! Wish I'd been on here before I paid £900 for a head gasket that was actually ok!
 
If you are going to buy second hand engines there is no way of knowing whether that is as bad as your original engine until you fit it.
if you are going to buy a second hand engine you may as well buy a turner remanufactured one as then you are guaranteed it will be good. edit If its a petrol of course

http://turner-engineering.co.uk/html/V8engines.html

The engines are very well known for the block cracking and the cylinder liners slipping.

Did you buy the engine off the people who fitted it or did you find the engine yourself as if they supplied and fitted it then they should get it running right for you without extra charge?

Maybe they are going to put it on diagnostics for you to try and trace the fault, but i don't know anything about the p38 diagnostic process i'm afraid.
 
And now they can't find a fault, 80% sure it's not a ecu fault but don't know what's wrong with it, been given it back to take to gearbox specialist!! Wait and see I guess! This car is going to break me financially I feel!! Already paid out what it's worth! It's bloody **** but I do love it!
 
I'm afraid that paying out what they are worth is also fairly common, i have done that with my L322 and mine was £6k to buy.
Is yours petrol ?
 
I'm afraid this garage doesn't sound up to much apart from taking your money. 900 is extortionate for a head gasket.

As said these need to be worked on by people who know land rovers (an independent specialist).

If you give more info on your car and history people may be able to help! And your location as a someone may know the right garage to go to !
 
It's a diesel and diesel blocks don't crack, more than likely a cracked head. It's an M51, they were made for a lot longer than three years. £900.00 for an head gasket is a little steep. Can be done in less than a day. Somebody is being taken for a ride.
 
I'm afraid this garage doesn't sound up to much apart from taking your money. 900 is extortionate for a head gasket.

As said these need to be worked on by people who know land rovers (an independent specialist).

If you give more info on your car and history people may be able to help! And your location as a someone may know the right garage to go to !
 
It's a diesel and diesel blocks don't crack, more than likely a cracked head. It's an M51, they were made for a lot longer than three years. £900.00 for an head gasket is a little steep. Can be done in less than a day. Somebody is being taken for a ride.
 

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