got a 3500S

[SydneyRoverP6B]

Tantus Pedis wrote,...

Heater has started misbehaving again - starting to blow cold halfway through a run with a small dip in engine temp on the gauge.

Sometimes the heater matrix which by design has rather fine cores becomes partially or completely blocked, and so the coolant within tends to stay fairly well put. As a consequence the heater does not function any where near as well as it should do. Detaching each of the heater hoses and directing a jet of water via a hose into one of the heater matrix pipes will usually help to clear any blockages that may be present within.

It is also possible that the metal flaps within the heater box may have lost most if not all of their foam insulation, which will reduce their operational effectiveness.

With the thermostats, an 82 degree model will usually be the right choice for the P6B within the U.K, while it is my understanding that the thermostat in the fuel injected SD1 was an 88 degree issue. This was largely a requirement of the engine managed fuel injection system.

Ron.

 

[DaveHerns]

It is also possible that the metal flaps within the heater box may have lost most if not all of their foam insulation, which will reduce their operational effectiveness.

Would that account for a banging noise from behind the dash which sounds like flaps flapping ?

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

DaveHerns wrote,...

Would that account for a banging noise from behind the dash which sounds like flaps flapping ?

It very well could Dave. There are four flaps or valves as Rover refer to them within the heater unit. One is controlled by the motor switch, and is closed when the motor is off, provided the linkage is adjusted correctly. Two are controlled by the cold/hot control lever, while the last one, the distribution flap is controlled by the white contol lever.

All were originally covered with a fine foam insulation, which over the years disintegrates. Then instead of the flaps sealing around the edges on a cussion of foam, you have metal to metal contact with the poor sealing that goes with it.

I recovered the flaps in my heater unit years ago with a feltex type material, and I have been very pleased with the results.

Ron.

 

[DaveHerns]

Sounds like another job to add to the list

 

[tantus pedis]

Yep - I've also got a bit of a clonking noise from behind the dash which is a recent development - how hard is it to extract the flaps?
Tell me you don't have to take the whole thing out!! How about squirting some spray mount in the intake followed by a sprinkling of tumble dryer fluff

 

[SydneyRoverP6B]

tantus pedis wrote,..

Yep - I've also got a bit of a clonking noise from behind the dash which is a recent development - how hard is it to extract the flaps?
Tell me you don't have to take the whole thing out!! How about squirting some spray mount in the intake followed by a sprinkling of tumble dryer fluff

Hello T.P,

Unfortunately,...you guessed it...the heater box must be removed completely from the car in order to repair the flaps within. If you look on the bright side and have the heater matrix chemically cleaned or if required repaired by your local radiator specialist, then with the flaps relined with insulation and the matrix in order, chances are that the heater box won't have to see the light of day again for a good 20 years.

Ron.

 

[tantus pedis]

rats

 

[DaveHerns]

I don't think I'll last another 20 years !

 

[tantus pedis]

Bucket of Monza red purchased. Goes to spray shop Tues am. Dropping it off after night shift but not looking forward to the 2 hour bus ride home :?

 

[Tor]

It's not such a bad job, really... And I'd say gratifying once done. You also get to inspect a section of engine bay otherwise not accessed.

 

[tantus pedis]

Bought an oil pump overhaul kit in a cheap poke at boosting the oil pressure. Decided to let the garage next door to the nick faff about with it and mess their drive up. As they were shifting it into position the braided power steering hose split in spectacular fashion coating all and sundry in a red fountain. It's still sat there now whilst they wait for a new hose. Had to fall back on the 58mpg Megane for work

Numberplate was a bit of a bonus..........

 

[8866nk]

have to agree about red being an easier colour on a car when it comes to selling.
most rover colours i think are nice.
i have a black one and its ok
but every colour looks better with shiney bits and sundym and alloys but its all personal
p6's are easy to experiment on!