Hi, Im new to the forum and needed some help with a 96 RR. Right now the main problem is the distributer cap is arching and causes it to run a little rough sometimes and worse on ocassion. I looked at the spark plug wires and the appear to be in good shape. Are there any know problems with land rover distributers? Also, there are some electical problems im hoping is all associated to the same problem. The electical system will sut down up for 3-4 seconds at a time then come back on.Other times thewindshield wiper fluid will spray for the hell of it for about 10 seconds.if you hit abump thebuckle seatbelt beep will go of for up to 10 seconds, oruntil you belt up. I figure it wants to be clean and me to be safe. Any help is appreciated. Theres more but its minor typical rr stuff

 

Have you replaced the cap and rotor with a new factory cap? Looking at wires can not tell you of their condition. I would suggest you start with a new cap and rotor , not after market, and a set of 8mm Magnacor plug wires.

 

You will probably fix that issue with a new cap and rotor..but yes, ALL LR V8 distributors are substandard (yours is one of the last) and deliver a very degraded spark on an oscilliscope. You can change it to a Mallory Unilte and be amazed. Far less expensive than a LR replacement and twice the happy effect.

New ignition wires are also a good idea. Stock LR's are not good. Magnecors are great..but you have no need for 8mm unless you wish to race the vehicle. Magnecor will confirm.

NGKs seem to be the choice plug at the moment for this engine..especially in the super expensive iridium. However, you will get an improved spark at no greater cost than regular if you go with the new "v" techology plugs.

If you go for Magnecorwires and plugs, make SURE the plugs are not supression plugs.

These are the nightmares of any mechanic. Intermittent electrical issues. The seatbelt would probably be a bad ground (aka earth) which can easily be fixed. The off-on power, if you are lucky, is a bad battery or engine ground, clean them both along with the positive cable to the battery. My wild guess is the windscreen cleaner prob is in the switch (1st choice) or the fuse box.

James