P38A Engine "check light" coming on.

Hi Guys, occasionally the orange "engine check " light flashes on just for a split second when I lift my foot off the throttle, I can feel the engine die then it picks up again. The engine never misses a beat otherwise and it accelerates pretty good for a P38A diesel, it's a manual with only 106,000 miles on it, I put a new in tank lift pump on a couple of months ago, changed fuel filter and gave it an oil change at the same time. The car goes well apart from this "check" light coming on now and then, anybody got any ideas as to the problem, don't particularly want to go to LR dealers and throw away loads of hard earned cash!

Diag needed, more than likely fuel quantity control servo problem. As the problem progresses it will start to stall at lights or when load is applied to engine at idle. (Selecting gear steering inputs). Injection pump refurb will then be required. It is the fuel quantity control position or feedback potentiometer failing. Can be held at bay for a while by increasing idle speed to 800 RPM indicated with diag.

Thanks wammers, so you reckon the Injection pump needs refurbishing in the not too distant future, are these refurb kits available and is it do-able by a home mechanic?

cammo45 said:

Thanks wammers, so you reckon the Injection pump needs refurbishing in the not too distant future, are these refurb kits available and is it do-able by a home mechanic?

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Not doable at home unless you have a calibration machine and the electronics needed in your shed and a comprehensive stock of parts.

Diesel Jones does a reconditioned pump for £550.00 plus VAT. There is also a £100 exchange surcharge refunded when you return your old pump. These things don't come cheap unfortunately.

Thanks wammers, The cars only done 106,000 miles and been well maintained since I've had it, thought the pump would've done a lot more before needing refurb. I'll let the problem develop a bit more, the light doesn't come on often just thought if it was going to be a cheap fix I would fix it, thrown enough money at it lately. Thanks anyway.

Low sulphur fuels don't lube pumps as well as old fuels did....they will wear more quickly.

cammo45 said:

Thanks wammers, The cars only done 106,000 miles and been well maintained since I've had it, thought the pump would've done a lot more before needing refurb. I'll let the problem develop a bit more, the light doesn't come on often just thought if it was going to be a cheap fix I would fix it, thrown enough money at it lately. Thanks anyway.

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Mine went at around that mileage maybe a tad more. At 100,000 miles injectors will also be getting tired. Think the mid section with the quantity servo is about £250-£300 exchange. Then you have the problem of fitting and calibrating it. Maybe the rest of the pump with tired parts. £550 plus VAT for a full recon then becomes almost cheap. Look at the cost of them from Land Rover it'll make you wince. Here you go. New. http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-STC2268 Reconed. http://www.rimmerbros.co.uk/Item--i-STC2270E

Thanks guys, I'm not prepared to spend that sort of cash on it, think I'll just run it till it starts giving trouble then I'll probably scrap it pity because when It's running right I love it especially in the winter but there comes a time when enough is enough you can't keep throwing cash away, however I may find a good pump cheap! Thanks, at least I know what to expect.