rick071155
New Member
hi rob i`ve run both the 4.0 and 4.6 ltr models and tbh i dont think there is much between them as far as reliability goes , the 4.6 models are usually better equipted than the 4.0 ltr , and i dont even notice much in the way of fuel consumption either 
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rick.
.rick.
rick071155
New Member
hi rob , my feelings tbh with the overheating v8 scenario is that its mostly urban myth , over the years ive owned all the " bad for overheating engines" the 3.9 , the 4.0 , 4.2 and my present 4.6 and covered christ knows how many thousands of miles and although ive had a couple of instances ( usually very soon after intial purchase) of overheating i have always managed to get home , ive never had to do the head gaskets or any other of the major repairs that some seem to get.
a prime example of this scare mongering about cracked blocks and scrap engines is my present 4.6 a 1997 model with a 148`000 on the clock it was advertised on ebay for sale but with overheating problems , i went to look at the car , which apart from overheating had only just 2 days before passed its mot was in excellent overall condition , the guy told me " its at least a cracked head my garage told me and more than likely its got a cracked block" i had it running and thought "bollocks"
it turned out nothing more than a blocked bleed off hose , 1/2 hours work , i changed the radiator just as a matter of course , the point i am trying to make is because this guy had heard that these engines are " prone " to this problem he ended up losing a fortune on the car and i got an absolute bargain .i truely believe that a lot of the overheating problems reported on these pages could have been easily avoided by better maintainance and taking more notice of the temp gauge and this theory is based on 37yrs as a motor mechanic , my own personal veiws only though you understand
i hope this helps.rick.
the best way i can describe the rover v8 is to liken it to a woman , it loves to be treated well and cared for , god help you if you mistreat it or or abuse it , it will let you know in no uncertain terms and will never let you forget it .
rick071155
New Member
i have lpg on mine and i think its great !! , but with the p38a it has to be multipoint , ive tried both and the single point lpg system although it does work isnt a patch on sequetial ( multipoint) the single point is just to old tech for these cars.
rick.
rick.
Ivor Deenie.
New Member
If you want a 38a, I would personally go for the 4.6.
If you aint doing big miles, forget the gas.
Look fir a low mile fsh pamperd range.
if you can find 1, it will be a bargain.
Then decide if you want to fit the lpg or not.
Alternatively, ignor the bollox i speak as i have only just got in from the local.
If you aint doing big miles, forget the gas.
Look fir a low mile fsh pamperd range.
if you can find 1, it will be a bargain.
Then decide if you want to fit the lpg or not.
Alternatively, ignor the bollox i speak as i have only just got in from the local.
rick071155
New Member
the best advise rob is take along someone who knows these car well , and not one of theses rac or aa inspection numptys , they are a lot of car , which also means a lot can go wrong if not spotted ....................buyer beware !!!!!!!! .
rick.
.rick.
i dont do big miles and i got gas, it cost me £30 a week to run, would be more like £75 on petrol, dont ever forget the gas, ever!!
Irishrover
Well-Known Member
Get it up to temperature, try all the switches and controls especially the climate control. Check the electric seats functions. Look in the oil filler cap for sludge after a run. Any odd things going on with the electrics or book symbols on the heating control-then look at spending big bucks or negotiate downwards.
That said the P38 4.6 is a super motor and if you get a good 'un-you will be hooked.
Any problems-and you will get them, can't go wrong on this site for good advice and a helpful crowd.
Good luck and don't let the heart rule the head!!!!!
That said the P38 4.6 is a super motor and if you get a good 'un-you will be hooked.
Any problems-and you will get them, can't go wrong on this site for good advice and a helpful crowd.
Good luck and don't let the heart rule the head!!!!!
Irishrover
Well-Known Member
Why not go for a petrol P38 with all the bells and whistles at the right price and allow for LPG conversion later in the price. Getting a good un to start with is the important bit , even if it's not got gas at the moment.When I bought mine-I fell in love at first sight but have spent money, sweat & tears getting it to it's now perfect (Or as near as it can be) state.
BECM, Transfer box and porous block issues have cost me an arm & a leg over the years. it's now as good as any and here to stay-I love it!!
Had a 3.9 Vogue before and that could be a pain in the a**e at times, but like most on this forum, we are hooked
i agree, i have multi point tartarini system on my 4.6 and its brilliant, 180 miles for £25, and i dont have to worry about right foot use either!! thinking about it that figure is prob an averange.......
