Instrument Voltage Stabiliser

[p5andrew]

The fuel and temperature gauges have just begun to seriously under-read on my 1971 P5B.  I suspect the voltage stabiliser.  I have had the instrument binnacle out and have also had a good look elsewhere but have failed to locate the unit.  I feel a little foolish having to ask, but can someone tell me where the stabiliser is located?  

[eightofthem (Andy)]

It is located near the handbrake, ( on the coupe ) I believe it was fitted on one of the instruments on the saloon. there have been a few discussions about it on here and modern replacements are out there, if you use the search option on here you should find some results to help you

Here you go.

roverp5.proboards.com/search/results?captcha_id=captcha_search&what_at_least_one=Voltage+stabiliser&who_only_made_by=0&display_as=0&search=Search

[p5andrew]

Very many thanks.  I do indeed have a coupe.  I knew I had seen the unit somewhere in the distant past but could not remember where!  I actually worked on these cars commercially back in the day.  Unfortunately that was a long time ago now...!

[p5andrew]

I ordered a new stabilizer from Wadhams but it was out of stock.  There are a number of suppliers offering solid state stabilizers, indeed I could make one up myself.  However, I would prefer to fit an original type if possible.  There are several suppliers offering negative earth OE stabilizers for series Land Rovers.  Are they the same by any chance?  Part number for the P5B item is 555758.  I do not have a LR parts book so cannot cross-reference to check. 

[Phil Nottingham]

Yes if they are not electronic. They were fitted on numerous British cars from the 60s till mid 80s - eg Minis and Metros. They are not polarity sensistive

[djm16]

I thought I had already posted on this one!

There is an adjustment screw on the voltage stabiliser. It is a tiny grub screw set into the base.

[Phil Nottingham]

Later versions have no adjustment

[djm16]

Thanks for the correction.

Mine dates from at earliest 1963.

[p5andrew]

Many thanks for the help.  The new stabiliser is now fitted and all instruments are now working as they should.

Today I began my next job on my P5B.  The pinion bearings to the axle were suspect when I purchased the car and they have now reached the point where I can no longer ignore them.  

I purchased a spare axle a couple of years ago with the ultimate intention of reconditioning it and swapping it over.  All is now stripped right down.  One wheel bearing is completely shot and the other is noisy so both will be replaced.  The differential bearings looked OK at first glance but under a magnifying glass micro-pitting can be seen so they will be replaced.  The drive pinion bearings are well worn so replacements are on the list as well.  I shall also fit a new drive flange, having acquired one a couple of years ago.  Happily, despite the worn bearings, the crown wheel and pinion are in surprisingly good order. However, the differential gears and pinions and the pinion shaft are well worn so replacements are on order.  New seals etc throughout will be fitted.  All will be set up as per original standards. The axle case and some other parts will be shot-blasted and then powder coated.  All new stainless steel nuts and washers to the axle case, spring u-bolts etc should finish it all off nicely.  I fitted new wheel cylinders, shoes etc about  three years ago so other than a refresh, hopefully all can be swapped over without too much trouble.  I also have new Y- bushes ready to fit, the ones on the car showing signs of significant perishing.  It would undoubtedly have been a good deal less expensive to buy a recon axle, but that would be far less satisfying.  

I will keep you posted!

[enigmas]

How about adding some photos of the detail work of your restoration to the text Andrew...it just makes for a more interesting post?

[p5andrew]

Will see what I can do.  I  have taken some photos for my records but now need to transfer them across to the forum.  As you may have gathered, however, although I use computers in my working life, my competency such as it is relates more to things mechanical and electrical rather than computing!