P38 Newbie Help Required

Hi Folks

After much deliberation, I decided a few days ago to take the plunge on a 1999 4.0 HSE p38. Original car, FSH, 112k, in relatively good nick. Not expecting to clock up many miles in her, but have been nipping around enjoying the feel of driving a P38.

However, went to the cinema tonight, purring along nicely. Parked up, 2 and a bit hours lately, jumped into the P38 and when trying to accelerate there suddenly was no power, and it sounds like someone has replaced the engine with a washing machine on its last legs.

It is idling beautifully, and getting to speed without heavy acceleration is pleasant and quiet, and cruising at 70 was silent with no noise.

However, pressing the accelerator to kick down the gear takes an age, and the sound can only be described as putting a plastic lid in the spokes of a push bike and cycling fast.

Bought it privately, so no recourse, really hoping it might be the coil packs or sparks. I know the guy I bought it from had just given it a quick service, air filter, MAF sensor, oil.

Any insight would be very much appreciated!

Cheers

Dougie

Fuel pump??

Air Leak??

Thanks Saint, would that explain the noise on acceleration?

An air leak might cause a chuffing noise....

Sounds a little more mechanical....looked on another forum and someone had a similar problem, turned out to be the transfer box....sound plausible?

Scotzman said:

Sounds a little more mechanical....looked on another forum and someone had a similar problem, turned out to be the transfer box....sound plausible?

Click to expand...

Transfer box chain is a possible, is there any oil in the box? Also worth checking the auto box oil level and condition.

Not sure, just lifted the bonnet, no dipstick for the box. How would I check? And is the transfer box filled from the same reservoir as the auto box?

Thanks again

Suggest you download RAVE, the procedure is in there...

For the box you have fill underneath through the filler plug, this also acts as the level plug too...

Level to be checked, engine running, go through the gears and into Neutral, check level, then refill if necessary until it flows from the fill plug....go through gears again back to neutral and recheck level!

But download RAVE manuals

Transfer box and gearbox are separate and must be topped up individually.

Thanks Saint & Wammers, downloading the Rave manual as suggested. Will let you know how I get on!

Hi guys, got underneath and topped up the transfer case. However, popped the hood and had a tug on the accelerator cables and the noise is actually coming out of the air filter case. Took the filter out and it's no where near as persistent, but still there with a little mis-fire or two.

Any suggestions?

Hi guys, got underneath and topped up the transfer case. However, popped the hood and had a tug on the accelerator cables and the noise is actually coming out of the air filter case. Took the filter out and it's no where near as persistent, but still there with a little mis-fire or two.

Any suggestions?

Scotzman said:

Hi guys, got underneath and topped up the transfer case. However, popped the hood and had a tug on the accelerator cables and the noise is actually coming out of the air filter case. Took the filter out and it's no where near as persistent, but still there with a little mis-fire or two.

Any suggestions?

Click to expand...

Worn cam, burnt valve, duff MAF, etc. Diagnostics needed.