R

Ragingrover

Member
Hi folks !

Well I've got myself a bit of a project car, a P38 P reg 96 and all for the cost of getting it delivered off a transporter, £90 ! Bargain !! MOT ran out 4 months ago so thats the first major goal.

However the fun starts here. When it turned up the battery was as flat as a pancake so had all the joy of working out EKA code system but now she runs, cool ! Problems I know about already.


  1. Suspension is flat on bump stops. The compressor runs and generates more pressure than I can hold off with my thumb so I assume that's OK although its constantly running which I've already worked out is not good. Solenoid / valve blocks make plenty of clicking sounds when started, so I've worked out already the pump is pumping against a closed head. If anyone can suggest the best way to go on this I'd be very grateful.
  2. Battery goes flat. previous owner was always moaning about this and I know there is a stock issue with RF system. That could be an update fix ?
  3. Previous owner mentioned it used water, now I'm well aware that these are prone to this but now I've had engine idling for half an hour or so I can't see any bubbles in the header tank, nor is there any cream cheese in the oil filler cap, so maybe not the head gasket ? Whats favorites on this problem ?
Thats it really, shes in fairly decent order and if I can overcome the main issues I reckon I'll keep her for fun and join in with you folks in helping others along the way.
Just need help myself first ! LOL


Any suggestions ?


Karl
 
Check out wammers "how to" EAS guide. Disconnect the R/F receiver (under O/S/R parcel shelf) and see if it cures your battery problem. You can see which model you have at the same time. Island 4x4 have the latest for £200+ vat. There are plenty of posts on here on this subject so do a search. Which engine do you have?:):welcome2:
 
Ragingrover said:
Hi folks !

Well I've got myself a bit of a project car, a P38 P reg 96 and all for the cost of getting it delivered off a transporter, £90 ! Bargain !! MOT ran out 4 months ago so thats the first major goal.

However the fun starts here. When it turned up the battery was as flat as a pancake so had all the joy of working out EKA code system but now she runs, cool ! Problems I know about already.


  1. Suspension is flat on bump stops. The compressor runs and generates more pressure than I can hold off with my thumb so I assume that's OK although its constantly running which I've already worked out is not good. Solenoid / valve blocks make plenty of clicking sounds when started, so I've worked out already the pump is pumping against a closed head. If anyone can suggest the best way to go on this I'd be very grateful.
Pump will not be pumping against a closed head. If it's been stood for a while it could take 5 or more minutes to fill the air tank. You do this with a door open and the engine running. If there are no leaks, it will rise when you shut the door, however the odds are that one or more airbags are leaking.

2. Battery goes flat. previous owner was always moaning about this and I know there is a stock issue with RF system. That could be an update fix ?

That is most often the RF receiver, disconnect the blue aerial wire. The receiver is rear quarter drivers side inder the plastic parcel shelf support.

3. Previous owner mentioned it used water, now I'm well aware that these are prone to this but now I've had engine idling for half an hour or so I can't see any bubbles in the header tank, nor is there any cream cheese in the oil filler cap, so maybe not the head gasket ? Whats favorites on this problem ?

Petrol or diesel?

Thats it really, shes in fairly decent order and if I can overcome the main issues I reckon I'll keep her for fun and join in with you folks in helping others along the way.
Just need help myself first ! LOL


Any suggestions ?


Karl
Click to expand...
:welcome2:
 
Valves clicking is a good sign it means car is trying to rise. Reason it isn't is because there is no air. Look in my "How to" as suggested and find out why your good air is not going into the tank. Either diaphragm is leaking or you have a massive rear bag leak.
 
tomcat59alan said:
Check out wammers "how to" EAS guide. Disconnect the R/F receiver (under O/S/R parcel shelf) and see if it cures your battery problem. You can see which model you have at the same time. Island 4x4 have the latest for £200+ vat. There are plenty of posts on here on this subject so do a search. Which engine do you have?:):welcome2:

Its a 4.6 petrol. I'll nip outside now and check to find the RF receiver, thanks for the pointer, I'd not have known were the heck to look for it !
Click to expand...
 
Datatek said:
:welcome2:
Click to expand...

Thats a really helpful pointer, yes its been stood for 5+ months. After I'd disconnected the pump there was a reasonable amount of back pressure in system (my reasoning for pumping against closed head, sorry) so maybe I'll nip out and run it for a while to see. The switch doesn't flash or have all lights on but I do have the "raise" light on dash.
 
wammers said:
Valves clicking is a good sign it means car is trying to rise. Reason it isn't is because there is no air. Look in my "How to" as suggested and find out why your good air is not going into the tank. Either diaphragm is leaking or you have a massive rear bag leak.
Click to expand...

Sorry to be a complete thicko but could you send me a link to the "How to" guide please..... I can't find it :¬(

Karl
 
Ragingrover said:
Thats a really helpful pointer, yes its been stood for 5+ months. After I'd disconnected the pump there was a reasonable amount of back pressure in system (my reasoning for pumping against closed head, sorry) so maybe I'll nip out and run it for a while to see. The switch doesn't flash or have all lights on but I do have the "raise" light on dash.
Click to expand...

There should be no back pressure in system when compressor is disconnected. If there was think you need to overhaul the valve block. NRV 1 maybe duff.
 
I've just let it idle for 5+ minutes and still no response from suspension system. To get further shall I but one of the may offering of diagnostics from Ebay at £20 + ??
 
Ragingrover said:
I've just let it idle for 5+ minutes and still no response from suspension system. To get further shall I but one of the may offering of diagnostics from Ebay at £20 + ??
Click to expand...

Datatek may be a better source for the EAS diagnostic cable.

BTW, welcome to adventure playground for mental people. ;)
 
Sounds like an interesting project.

But, SLOW DOWN a bit!:)

The cable and free software is a very good solution for the eas, but have you thought about buying full diagnostics like Nanocom?

It might look pricey now but could pay for itself quite quickly as you go down the Rover path...

Fettling the eas valve block is straightforward if a bit fiddly and relatively cheap to do. If the pump is ok, fixing the valve block would let you see if air is getting to the air springs so you can check for leaks.

Alternatively, fit some Schraeder adaptors to the air spring lines and try inflating manually, then check each bag for leaks.

Cheers and good luck.

How about a photo?
 
On another note, if I need to rebuild the valve block can you recommend a supplier ? I've looked on Ebay and there is a bewildering array between £20 to £40, some with more or less than others..... Help !
 
Ragingrover said:
On another note, if I need to rebuild the valve block can you recommend a supplier ? I've looked on Ebay and there is a bewildering array between £20 to £40, some with more or less than others..... Help !
Click to expand...

Range Rover P38 Air Suspension Valve Block O ring kit | eBay
 
Ragingrover said:
On another note, if I need to rebuild the valve block can you recommend a supplier ? I've looked on Ebay and there is a bewildering array between £20 to £40, some with more or less than others..... Help !
Click to expand...
I use symliseP38 spares on Ebay. (with Wammers help)
 
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