I wanted to attach this letter that I wrote to RPi Engineering regarding someadvice that they had provided, allowing me to resolve a very frustrating oil pressure issure with a newly resealed 4.2 litre (Early style - same as 3.9). I hope that the issue may help others in the future.

The letter explains the problem and solution:

Greetings RPi Engineering,
I don’t quite know whom I spoke with a couple weeks ago. I phoned there looking for help and advice with a 4.2 litre Rover V-8 that was just completely resealed. After which, it developed a major oil pressure problem. I had the work done at a local shop here in McCall, Idaho, USA.
After describing the symptoms of the issue (i.e. little to no oil pressure at idle and air appeared to be introduced into the oil pump) the person I spoke with was quick to advise me to check the front cover gasket. He explained what I should look for if the incorrect gasket had been fitted.

I readily identified that the incorrect gasket had been installed and advised my mechanic. My mechanic (a friend of mine) quickly corrected the mistake and refitted the correct front cover gasket. My mechanic was also grateful for the advice since he had already spent a couple of days trying to sort out the issue. Apparently one of his hired hands fitted the incorrect gasket as a result of matching it to the block instead of matching it to the front cover. As a result, he fitted the newer style front cover gasket and created an air leak into the oil pump.

The person from RPI that I spoke was simply wonderful! I appreciate his willingness to speak with me, and the fact that he took a true interest in my plight. Not to mention that his ability to diagnose this problem over the phone and from 4700 miles away is nothing short of genius!

I simply can’t thank you enough!


Jason Colton
Mountain States Land Rover
Owners Club
P.O. Box 4238
McCall, Idaho 83638

 

Great information.
Thanks