andyjim

Right,I went to the garage yesterday and here are the findings. To start with, the Airflow Meter is faulty and not fueling the engine properly. This is why it sometimes feels like it is missing even though it isn't. The AFM was disconnected so that the engine ran in default mode and there was a slight improvement in vibration so that is the first thing to be changed, although Land Rover want £430+vat, so I will be looking on ebay. With regards to the main vibration prob, the crankshaft front damper is suspected. I hope this is the case because other than that it could be a problem with the torque converter that did not show up when I put the transfer box in nuetral because it was not under load. I will be having a new radiator soon, (yes my problems are like buses, all come at the same time), so while the radiator is off the damper can be checked. If this cures the problem I will let you all know otherwise I might go back to a td5.

Since it started, I have had new tyres and all wheels balanced. I check the torque on the wheelnuts every month, with them being alloys, I don't know whether I should do that or whether I am just being an anorak. The front propshaft has been replaced as there was slight play in one of the UJ's. The rear prop has been checked and there is no play in the UJ's and the doughnut is in good shape. As for the pinion bearing, I would have thought that there would be bits in the oil but there was none. I am greatful for you taking the time to help and any other suggestions are more than welcome. Hopefully after tomorrow all will be revealed as the garage I am going to is a Land Rover specialist. I will keep you posted.

I haven't tried your first suggestion, but it does the same whether under power or on the overun. One of the garages is my local garage who I trust, but they had it for three days and coudn't find the problem. It was they who suspected a dif problem but on draining the oil found it like new so ruled that out. It is due to go into a fourth garage this weekend which will be my last attempt at diagnosis. But before then I will try your suggestion of putting in nuetral at 60mph and see what happens. One other thing I tried was putting the transfer box in nuetral and running the main box in D at 30000rpm engine speed and there was no vibration. I will post the results after the weekend in case anyone else gets the same problem.

I own a p38 diesel auto. The problem I have is when I get above 60mph it feels like there is a wheel out of balance or that one cylinder is missing. The vibration can be felt through the whole car and the passenger seat can be seen shaking. The engine is firing on all 6 cylinders but sometimes it seems to run super smooth which makes it quieter, more powerful and lessens the vibration from severe to mild/moderate. It has had new tyres, all wheels balanced, new front prop, new viscous coupling, the flex-plate has been ruled out, all steering joints and drag arms have been replaced, the gearbox pressures have been checked and are ok, the diff oil is like new so there is nothing happening in there. It has been in three different garages and no-one can find the problem. It is now driving me mad so if anyone can help you might just save my sanity.

Thanks for your help. I have found one on the net for £280. All I need now is some decent weather to do the job.

I have the typical problem of tyres scrubbing on the outside edge, front wheels skipping on full lock and tyres squealing in car parks. Can I change the viscous coupling without changing the transfer box. I don't want to change the box unless neccessary because the transmission is very quiet so I assume the boxes are ok. Also, if it is possible, is it a big job or would I be better of changing the transfer box anyway. Cheers Andy

I have a P38 diesel. When I start it from cold, it rattles like a tractor,(or like my old 300tdi disco). After a couple of minutes it sounds smooth and quiet. It fires on all 6 cylinders and does not smoke. It has had an oil change and has synthetic oil but this has made no difference. It starts every time, uses no oil and averages 25mpg so I don't think it is serious,(I hope), but it is annoying. Any advice would be welcome.

I have a diesel P38 with 143000 on the clock. It has been serviced by the book at main dealers and it never misses a beat. I have had it chipped and it now has the power it should have had from the start, it is also doing 25mpg around town. In a nutshell, get one that has been looked after and carry on pampering it.

Hi, I suspect there may be a fault on the switch as mine turns the blower off completely when I turn the switch all the way to the left. Or it could just be a dirty contact. Is the book symbol lit on the heater display? Sorry I can't be of more help.

hi, I have run discos for a few years and normally put 28psi in the front and 38psi in the rear. When towing, I increase the rear to 48psi. I know at normal pressure (28&38) the tyres do look a bit soft, but this is normal and the tyres seem to last pretty well. Hope this helps.

I have had the car chipped and it now responds instantly from cold and drives perfectly when warm. I havn't been far enough to check mpg on a long run yet, but around town the trip computer is showing 25.4mpg. The acceleration is also very good now and the car runs quieter as well. I reckon this was money well spent. I had the work done at DLS in Wirksworth.

Thanks, glad to hear it could be something simple to fix. I will try that, it can only do good. cheers.

Hi, I am new to this forum so any help would be greatly appreciated.I have had Discos for the past few years and have recently changed my td5 manual for a P38 auto (don't laugh). The car drives great apart from when I first start it up from cold it seems like the engine just revs and hardly moves the car. After a few hundred yards it all works fine, or if I select low range straight from start up it bites just fine. Having been used to manuals for many years I am not sure if this is normal or if there is a problem. The car is being chipped at the moment to see if this cures it.