Another problem with my p38 injector issue

i had the car on the diagnostics last month after the engine management light came on and it was down on power... it logged an engine speed needle lift fault... so I assume that its the sensor on injector number 4???

anyway I haven't got round to fixing it yet but took it for a SLOW 20 mile round trip yesterday... when I got back there was smoke coming from around the injector pump area (I think) and spots of oil on the bulkhead that had clearly sprayed on there. And when i felt under the injector pump it was pretty oily/ perhaps diesel?

it still runs and drives fine, albeit its very slow (especially when cold) with the injector problem.

when I started it this morning and revved it there was loads of black soot spraying from the exhausts but now its warmed up there is nothing at all. could it be linked with the injector fault?

sorry if I sound stupid, i'm new to Range Rovers and diesels and this p38 is a big step up form the classic minis i'm used to.

Matt

Oil round the FIP could be leak off pipes, the FIP itself leaking, not uncommon, or the top of the oil filter leaking. You need to decide if it's oil or diesel. It would be a goo idea to replace injector #4 needle lift sensor if it's faulty before you have more trouble.

thanks Datatek, you really do know your stuff.

I will try and establish if its diesel or not. it definitely seems to be from behind/underneath the FIP. Ive only had the car about 3 months and never noticed any smoke before from around the FIP area. It all seems to of started when the "check engine" light came on about 5 weeks ago. allegedly it had a second hand pump fitted about 18 months ago... however with it being secondhand I guess that means nothing.
do you think its linked with the vast amount of soot coming form the exhausts when its first started, that seems to dissapear when warm? in fact the whole car seems to run much better when its warmed up, with a significant increase in power

.

MattBrownP38 said:

thanks Datatek, you really do know your stuff.

I will try and establish if its diesel or not. it definitely seems to be from behind/underneath the FIP. Ive only had the car about 3 months and never noticed any smoke before from around the FIP area. It all seems to of started when the "check engine" light came on about 5 weeks ago. allegedly it had a second hand pump fitted about 18 months ago... however with it being secondhand I guess that means nothing.
do you think its linked with the vast amount of soot coming form the exhausts when its first started, that seems to dissapear when warm? in fact the whole car seems to run much better when its warmed up, with a significant increase in power

.

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It is never going to run right with the duff needle lift sensor.
Wammers is the man for FIP problems.

Leaking FIP is very common but the good news is it's also a very easy fix!!

Now, as you say you have come from classic minis like myself, so you clearly know your arse from your elbow. Can you use a ratchet - yes! well then you can do this job!!

Click here for my guide

MattBrownP38 said:

thanks Datatek, you really do know your stuff.

I will try and establish if its diesel or not. it definitely seems to be from behind/underneath the FIP. Ive only had the car about 3 months and never noticed any smoke before from around the FIP area. It all seems to of started when the "check engine" light came on about 5 weeks ago. allegedly it had a second hand pump fitted about 18 months ago... however with it being secondhand I guess that means nothing.
do you think its linked with the vast amount of soot coming form the exhausts when its first started, that seems to dissapear when warm? in fact the whole car seems to run much better when its warmed up, with a significant increase in power

.

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Needle sensor measures start of injection. Used by ECU for adjusting injection timing. Not a very good idea to drive round knowing it's not functioning, specially if you have stretched chains and the static is out to start with. Suggest you find what is leaking and sort it.

JohnnyCrash said:

Leaking FIP is very common but the good news is it's also a very easy fix!!

Now, as you say you have come from classic minis like myself, so you clearly know your arse from your elbow. Can you use a ratchet - yes! well then you can do this job!!

Click here for my guide

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hahaha yes i've spent a fair amount of time chasing rust and swapping engines in minis.. I'm currently restoring a 92 mayfair that has been previously bodged beyone belief... took off the old sills last week and found 2 sets of old rusty ones..

thanks for the guide I will give it a good read and hopefully get to the bottom of this injector problem

wammers said:

Needle sensor measures start of injection. Used by ECU for adjusting injection timing. Not a very good idea to drive round knowing it's not functioning, specially if you have stretched chains and the static is out to start with. Suggest you find what is leaking and sort it.

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I completely agree and I won't be using it again until its fixed, its only been used a handful of times for short journeys since the fault started, to carry my elderly father around, as the air suspension makes it easy for him to get in and out, .

am I right in saying that I can fit a number 4 injector from a e34/e39 5 series? As someone round the corner is breaking an e34 thats been killed off by rust and i'm sure i could get it cheap.

matt

MattBrownP38 said:

I completely agree and I won't be using it again until its fixed, its only been used a handful of times for short journeys since the fault started, to carry my elderly father around, as the air suspension makes it easy for him to get in and out, .

am I right in saying that I can fit a number 4 injector from a e34/e39 5 series? As someone round the corner is breaking an e34 thats been killed off by rust and i'm sure i could get it cheap.

matt

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Pre EGR engines and post EGR engines are different. Wammers may know more.

it's a pre EGR 97 DSE if that helps?

Datatek said:

Pre EGR engines and post EGR engines are different. Wammers may know more.

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Also the E34 came in td and tds versions...the tds was intercooled...not sure if that makes a difference!!

Datatek said:

Pre EGR engines and post EGR engines are different. Wammers may know more.

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Don't know that they function differently but definately have different plugs.

wammers said:

Don't know that they function differently but definately have different plugs.

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Yes they do. White plug (upto 98) Black plug (post 98), I think.
No idea what the difference is, but thats how you identify them.

Rollo Tomasi said:

Yes they do. White plug (upto 98) Black plug (post 98), I think.
No idea what the difference is, but thats how you identify them.

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£10.00 at Island 4x4 that's the only difference i know of apart from plug. Bit of an enigma really. Apparently all the injectors changed number with EGR so maybe they have a higher crack pressure.

wammers said:

£10.00 at Island 4x4 that's the only difference i know of apart from plug. Bit of an enigma really. Apparently all the injectors changed number with EGR so maybe they have a higher crack pressure.

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I think you are right on that.