P38A Fatal??

[GSDMan999]

Hi All
My car is a 1999 P38a Auto 2.5 DSE 107000 on clock Was 34000 when I purchased as the second owner 17.5 years ago. I've always had car serviced and maintained twice yearly by a true RR devoted fan who also runs his own on road and has dedicated off roaders as well. A guy and friend who I've trusted implicitly since my ownership. Being disabled and unable to work, my weekly journeys are stop start. I average around 50 - 80 miles per week, all local trips, Drs, appointments, mums, shopping etc etc
The problem is? well it began or became noticeable to me earlier this week. A rattle that sounds BAD. I took my car to mechanic who could not put a definite "its that" to the rattle. Poking and listening with a sth ethascope he thinks it is associated with the timing chains, which have not needed to be worked upon. Though it will be a first, providing that that is what the noise and problem is. But, he seems to recall that there are some tension chain adjusters which can cause this rattle. On tick over it is quite loud, but when building revs it quietens somewhat and blends with the engine noise until revs reduce. Has anyone else had this problem? knows of it? any thoiughts will be gladly appreciated. IK need my car as KI'm diksabled and at 6ft 3" its the only car I can easily get in and out of.

 

[Henry_b]

I wouldn't drive it tbh i believe Timing chains can be an issue on The Diesel.

@Datatek and @wammers are the experts

 

[GSDMan999]

I wouldn't drive it tbh i believe Timing chains can be an issue on The Diesel.

@Datatek and @wammers are the experts

Thanks Henry. Unfortunately, I have approx at highest, 30 miles with very short stop journeys incluiding the taking of car to mechanics on Monday. Worried? YES! I will not be travelling fast at all! Fingers crossed I can get to garage etc. mech didnt advise not to drive, but be more careful than he knows I usually am. I've not successfully found any threads with same car and same problem? I'm, hoping that it is just the tensioners, even then it will cost me but not spank me as a main stealer would. Cheers

 

[brianp38dse]

Have a check of the crankshaft damper pull they are two piece bonded and can come apart and rattle and vibrate.

 

[Datatek]

Have a check of the crankshaft damper pull they are two piece bonded and can come apart and rattle and vibrate.

Crankshaft pulley vibration damper is a good bet, at 107K miles it's only just run in so I would say worn chains are unlikely as long as it's had regular oil changes with the correct oil of good quality. Best done every 6K miles.

 

[brianp38dse]

Crankshaft pulley vibration damper is a good bet, at 107K miles it's only just run in so I would say worn chains is unlikely as long as it's had regular oil changes with the correct oil of good quality. Best done every 6K miles.

That's what I thought about the chains, mine`s on more mileage and not a hint of chain rattle.

 

[GSDMan999]

Have a check of the crankshaft damper pull they are two piece bonded and can come apart and rattle and vibrate.[/QUOTE]
Thank you Brian, much apprecated as indeed all who have answered, assisting me with my dilemna. No, I had not considered your suggestion. Thanks. My car goes to the mech tomorrow, he will be working to identify on Tuesday, so I am trying to harvest information which he will find very useful and time saving and expense!
Regards
Michael

 

[GSDMan999]

Crankshaft pulley vibration damper is a good bet, at 107K miles it's only just run in so I would say worn chains is unlikely as long as it's had regular oil changes with the correct oil of good quality. Best done every 6K miles.

Thank you Datatek. Your thoughts are very uplifting and welcoming! Truly. I only cover between 4K - 5.5K per year. Car is religiously serviced x2 per annum. My mech LOVES the RR breed. He owns a gas/petrol 23 years old overfinch which is absolutely pristine. He's owned for 20 years. He also has a Defender with extended cab, and also goes extreme off roading.
I'm Lucky and trust his judgements 100% and he doesn't rip me or any other off. He is fastidious. A Good guy.
Purely as a point of interest only, 2 years ago, car passed its MOT and later the next day, as mech was working underneath servicing relevant bits he out of curiosity managed to access the brake pipes to the front. Shock Horror, the pipes were able to be broken without any force, completely dangerous. He took car back to MOT station and showed the tester. He was absolutely in Horror with what was before him. The area I live is on the Fylde coast, the corrosion of many items is constant and extreme, even when roads are just wet, the salt content is ever present and damaging. Mech made new pipes and routed oiut of the tunnel so can be checed and monitored. Each P38 he has serviced since, he does this check as a matter of rouitine. He reckoned that if I had braked harshly, the pipes would have catastrophically failed. Frightening!

 

[Datatek]

Thank you Datatek. Your thoughts are very uplifting and welcoming! Truly. I only cover between 4K - 5.5K per year. Car is religiously serviced x2 per annum. My mech LOVES the RR breed. He owns a gas/petrol 23 years old overfinch which is absolutely pristine. He's owned for 20 years. He also has a Defender with extended cab, and also goes extreme off roading.
I'm Lucky and trust his judgements 100% and he doesn't rip me or any other off. He is fastidious. A Good guy.
Purely as a point of interest only, 2 years ago, car passed its MOT and later the next day, as mech was working underneath servicing relevant bits he out of curiosity managed to access the brake pipes to the front. Shock Horror, the pipes were able to be broken without any force, completely dangerous. He took car back to MOT station and showed the tester. He was absolutely in Horror with what was before him. The area I live is on the Fylde coast, the corrosion of many items is constant and extreme, even when roads are just wet, the salt content is ever present and damaging. Mech made new pipes and routed oiut of the tunnel so can be checed and monitored. Each P38 he has serviced since, he does this check as a matter of rouitine. He reckoned that if I had braked harshly, the pipes would have catastrophically failed. Frightening!

Just had a rear brake pipe fail in an emergency stop on one of mine. Not seen a problem with the front brake pipes so far.

 

[GSDMan999]

Dear All
As of yesterday Monday 12th Nov. Car is now with mech. He seemed worried that the problem is with the timing chains themselves. But will start with the areas covered in the replies stated. Fingers and everything else crossed. Watch this space

 

[wammers]

Dear All
As of yesterday Monday 12th Nov. Car is now with mech. He seemed worried that the problem is with the timing chains themselves. But will start with the areas covered in the replies stated. Fingers and everything else crossed. Watch this space

There are two tensioners one for top chain and one for bottom chain. Top chain can be checked for slackness by removing cam cover bottom chain cannot be checked properly without removing front cover.

 

[Datatek]

Dear All
As of yesterday Monday 12th Nov. Car is now with mech. He seemed worried that the problem is with the timing chains themselves. But will start with the areas covered in the replies stated. Fingers and everything else crossed. Watch this space

I'd be worried that I was about to be ripped off, the chains are a big expensive job, the crank pulley/vibration damper is a quick job.

 

[GSDMan999]

I'd be worried that I was about to be ripped off, the chains are a big expensive job, the crank pulley/vibration damper is a quick job.

Dear All
Well, I'm still going to be a P38a owner!! Mech rang last night to say that itIS the crankshaft pulley that is terminal. PHEW!!! I'm SAFE with my mech. 17+ years hes worked on my car. He doesn't rip me off, he's quite Excellent. I remember way back as the car was coming to the end of the 12months warranty, over 18 years ago. The receptionist wanted to book my car for just an oil service? £350 the bill would be!! WHAT!!!! So, with the thoughts of what have I bought? wrong decision? I refused and that was the final dealings with the main stealer I had. Goodness knows how much the same or similar would cost today? My mech was recommended to me shortly after this cardiac disturbing moment. And I'm still with my man today. Will keep posted! I've read a few variations of removing this pulley, some say you dont need to buy a special tool? dpn't need to remove the centre bolt? reasolnable price lr firm for purchase? Anyone any tips? Knowledge is Power!

 

[GSDMan999]

There are two tensioners one for top chain and one for bottom chain. Top chain can be checked for slackness by removing cam cover bottom chain cannot be checked properly without removing front cover.

Thanks you Wammers! Cheers

 

[Datatek]

Dear All
Well, I'm still going to be a P38a owner!! Mech rang last night to say that itIS the crankshaft pulley that is terminal. PHEW!!! I'm SAFE with my mech. 17+ years hes worked on my car. He doesn't rip me off, he's quite Excellent. I remember way back as the car was coming to the end of the 12months warranty, over 18 years ago. The receptionist wanted to book my car for just an oil service? £350 the bill would be!! WHAT!!!! So, with the thoughts of what have I bought? wrong decision? I refused and that was the final dealings with the main stealer I had. Goodness knows how much the same or similar would cost today? My mech was recommended to me shortly after this cardiac disturbing moment. And I'm still with my man today. Will keep posted! I've read a few variations of removing this pulley, some say you dont need to buy a special tool? dpn't need to remove the centre bolt? reasolnable price lr firm for purchase? Anyone any tips? Knowledge is Power!

If the crank bolt is removed, it needs to be done up exactly by the book, mega tight, as it drives the oil pump by friction alone

 

[wammers]

Crank bolt does not need to be removed to fit a pulley just six bolts.

 

[wammers]

If the crank bolt is removed, it needs to be done up exactly by the book, mega tight, as it drives the oil pump by friction alone

Yep you need special tool to hold crank and large biceps.

 

[GSDMan999]

If the crank bolt is removed, it needs to be done up exactly by the book, mega tight, as it drives the oil pump by friction alone

THANKS Datatek. Mech says THANKS TO ALL INVALUABLE assistance and spot on diagnosis!!

 

[GSDMan999]

Can anyone recommend a non rip off parts seller? LR want over £500. Seen some new on Ebay at £150 with sellers having 100% and others at 99.9% feedback comments. Thanks in advance

 

[wammers]

Can anyone recommend a non rip off parts seller? LR want over £500. Seen some new on Ebay at £150 with sellers having 100% and others at 99.9% feedback comments. Thanks in advance

Look for one from a BMW with M51 engine car or Vauxhall Omega with M51 engine. Same engine same pulley a lot less money than the rip off Land rover prices.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-5-SE...=item25b181d2fe:g:8jgAAOSw-u1ZeLVh:rk:33:pf:0