+1 on the VCU There is clearly something wrong. It didn't do that when it was new. Have you got decent tyres on it ?

My p38 is 13 years old now (132K) and is on its 3rd compressor (or 2nd rebuild). Original lasted about 8 years then I put in a Dutch sourced seal. I also changed the cylinder at the time as it was slightly scoured. It lasted about 18 months. The seal had gone hard and there was a visible gap...

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The capacity of the original factory compressor is perfectly adequate. The only reason for fitting an uprated compressor is if you fit the uprated Arnott Gen III airbags to give higher lift. The uprated airbags consume more air and empty the tank quicker. They are made in the US and are more...

I have always been surprised at the high cost of a top hat block. The liners themselves go for about £40 - £50 each, so a set would be at most £400. If the old block is OK, that leaves £1400 for machining and inspection?

You are lucky to get one with such a low mileage. Maintenance is everything + make sure it does not overheat.

I looked at just putting a duct in with a small grill opening in the side of the bumper. However when you look at it underneath there is no space. I have the later cooler with a fan fitted and the back of the fog light fouls the fan. The duct size also would not be big enough imho. The...

I have fitted an Allisport intercooler which is a lot bigger than the original. It rests on the chassis rails with the engine cooler now on top. It just fits in. There wouldn't be room to get one the same size between the engine and EAS box. I won't be cutting a hole in the bonnet any time...

JohnnyCrash: Thanks for the pics. I can't mount the cooler where you have because I have a removeable winch and the receiver part bolts there. Datatek: Thanks. Getting water into the transmission fluid would be a very remote possibility I would guess. I have not heard of water leaks...

Will it start a diesel?

The light sticks are a good idea. If you want a strong folding shovel get a military one. I bought an ex Dutch army shovel that also acts as a pick. Dirt cheap. You might think about getting hot cans - tin of stew or something that automatically heats up when you pull the actuator. I also carry...

Fog lights were never offered as an option on the diesel auto. Only petrol autos had the cooler up front.

The diesel p38 has the transmission cooler tucked under the front wing. It is in a dumb place and gets clobbered easily when you go offroad. I know to my cost. I would also like to fit fog lights but there is no easy way. I have the later cooler with the fan. I have looked at putting another...

The problem is you may have a very capable 4x4 but the road ahead may be blocked with stranded cars and you can't get past.

Just that my relay clicks really loud. I can hear it inside the car with the doors shut. It starts after 2 or 3 mins when I leave the ignition on. Just a suggestion anyway. If it increases exactly in time with the engine revs it won't be that but OP said definitely not the engine. That rules...

Glow plug relay? Or maybe not. Mine clicks very loud. Leave ignition on for a while (2 or 3 minutes) and see if it starts to click with the engine off.

If you are going to buy a diesel get a later auto DSE or DHSE. Post 99, ideally 2001/2 with less than 100K miles.

ccrdave wrote: You stay with the diesel gearbox ECU. Gearchange is electronic on the p38. If you fit an uprated torque converter as well it changes up a bit sooner.

Put together an emergency kit to go in the back.

The same principles apply to the p38 diesel. It is a good engine but very underpowered. If you have the capability you can do a lot of this on the cheap. I bought a chip on Ebay from a guy in eastern europe for £20. Writes his own chips. It runs very well ! If you are capable of opening up the...