P38A Blown Head Gasket? Wondering what I should do.

So I bought a 1998 4.0L V8 P38, and it's absolutely perfect, I love it.

It's a manual, it's the right colour, it's already had the coil spring suspension kit fitted, the interor (including the headlining is in perfect condition, really low mileage for such an old car and underneath has been exceptionally well undersealed and cared for.

Obviously I love the car, but it has a problem, it loses coolant. rather quickly.

My immediate thought was that the head gasket had gone but I've had the coolant tested and there were no exhaust gases present.

There are no visible leaks and it only losses coolant while driving.

Does anyone have any ideas what this might be other than a head gasket?

If I can't figure out what the problem is by next month I'll have to return the RR under the 3 month engine and gearbox warranty.

Thanks in advance,

Shane

How much coolant is going?

I would take it back rather than tamper with it, if you do something they may no honour the warranty.
Is the passenger footwell dry?

J

If there is a 3 month warranty then take the car back now & either ask for a full refund or for a repair. Don't keep driving it.
If you do/have any work carried out then they will very likely refuse to honour any warranty & you'll be stuck with it.

Take it back, hopefully they will fix the problem and you get to keep the car you like

And get the air suspension refitted

Well cared for with EAS removed and springs fitted,I don't think so.Take it back.

Me thinks someone fell for the sales man bull****e

As advised, take it back now. My 4.6 overheated 1 week after purchase. Cracked block. Engine replaced and perfect for the following 3 years of ownership, superb vehicle. But get the air springs etc refitted, it's not difficult, good luck.

Sorry bud it’s a lemon.
V8 eating coolant is most likely big bucks. Once they start doing that people go round in circles trying to sort it, then end up buying a new engine when it doesn’t work the 3rd time around then if it’s not a new new engine you could end up with same again - and they are silly money.

One thing I will mention, EAS not working fully = big price drop with these machines.
Usually sign that it has been maintained on a shoe string if at all.
But not mine.
My coils are great

Check your carpets for wetness, my Heater O rings were leaking a steady stream of coolant, it would drop the coolant level 3 inches after a 20min run.

worth checking for leaks
Usually when the P38 loses a liner you WILL hear it..

It is accompanied by excessive pressure in the cooling system too.

Henry_b said:

Check your carpets for wetness, my Heater O rings were leaking a steady stream of coolant, it would drop the coolant level 3 inches after a 20min run.

worth checking for leaks
Usually when the P38 loses a liner you WILL hear it..

It is accompanied by excessive pressure in the cooling system too.

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+1 for coolant on driver's footwell. That's a simple fix. Check all hoses are tight too.

You can get uv dye to put in the water and then use a uv torch to spot if any makes it onto the dip stick.

and maybe be a bit more specific with your location. There might be someone round the corner that knows what to look for.

biketeacherdave said:

And get the air suspension refitted

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Big plus 1 one that. One off the better features off the car driving on air

Coolant system may just need bleeding properly, or a hose loose tbh. Do you see any drops/ drips of coolant at any junctions? Have you ever observed a pool of coolant under the car ? Park the car nose up, remove the top of the expansion tank. Rev the car manually until you see coolant weeing continuously from the neck of the expansion tank (ie no air), top up the coolant. Replace cap, allow to cool. Repeat.
Or just get the seller to sort, if you're still in time

if you have recourse from the seller on a 3month return and it has HGF take it back get a refund.. its on coils and has been castrated … a bull with no balls and dicky ticker is good for one thing.. burgers.!

You could check the water pump too. If that is leaking you can lose coolant that way - well at least you can on a 2.5D - not sure if the same is true on your 4.6.

If you have a warranty don't mess about just take it back, Why spend your money!!! these things cost enough as it is. Let the dealer have the headache for a change he provided it and don't have him drying his teeth saying oh they all do that at this age. As Salisbury Nick says it could be the water pump also. But as many have said and I will repeat take it back don't get stuck with a money pit.

He ain't been back since he posted.....

biketeacherdave said:

He ain't been back since he posted.....

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Probably took our advice and hasn't got a Rangy anymore.

Still waiting for the dealer to get back to him.....