Servicing the ACE system

[Figman]

Ok here I go; last week I posted a message about my ACE light coming on Amber and stayed like that until I restarted the truck 15 minutes later.

I took it to the dealer and they ran diagnostics and found nothing. Since I it's a matter of time before it happens again I asked the about servicing the system and the service advisor told me the following: First he said that "they never done that" later when I got a call to pickup my rig he said that he "put something together" to service the system and the cost will be $265.00. Very kindly I said no and headed to pick my truck.

I walked thru the back of the dealership into the parts department and asked the guy how much is an ACE filter. He said "What is that, we don't have that? what is it for?" Then I said that I have a truck with ACE and explained the situation. Other guys gathered around and kept asking why this and why that. I said that I read a lot and someone on the web suggested that I change the filter and fluid. Again they said that we don't have to do that! and never to believe everything that you read!!

I asked one of the master mechanics if he can take a drive to see if feels anything wrong with the truck and he kindly said yes (he is one of the good guys). While driving I asked the question to him and he said that they never had to change a filter. He said only trucks in UK have to do that. NA trucks equipped with ACE don't have filters!!!! He explained the different components on the ACE system. So I told him that many LR owners suggest to change the fluid and filter even before sign of trouble. After the ride I look under the passenger side and saw the machined box with the Hex opening to replace THE FILTER.

Since I bought the truck I have learned a lot by reading on this board and some others.
Everyone in the world suggest to change the the fluid and filter What's wrong with this picture? By the way I asked the service advisor what was included on the "package" he said to flush out the old fluid and put new one in. I said I will think about it and walked away.

Am I cursed?

Thanks

[FlyWheel]

Figman...I too have had a similar experience when I called my local yocal for an ACE filter. I was first told that there was no such animal...after some offline yakking in the background he came back on the line and informed me that they dont change them..and that he personally had never sold one....but in light of my plight..he could order one for me...so you see....there is a plot here...

[MichiganMat]

Can you post up a picture of the "machined box" with the hex opening for the filter? Maybe there is a place to find diagrams on this site someplace? Looks like I'll be buying _another_ Chilton manual soon.

Oh, and the dealer, what a bunch of clowns! Bueller?... Bueller?...

[Disco Mike]

Figman,
So are you going try and service the ACE yourself, if so, I'll be glad to walk you thru it.
As for the filter, I really believe that the first ACE service should include a filter just to remove any break in debrit. After the first service, I really don't believe a filter is needed, unless the system starts to really get noisey.
If you decide to do your own service, consider buying one bottle of Lucas p/s additive and 3 bottles of Vavolines synthetic p/s fluid and then get back to me if you need some directions.
Mike J.

[salty]

I had no problem getting the ACE filter from my dealership in San Jose, although they said they could not remember ever selling one before. My old one was spotless when I swapped it so I'm not sure it's really necessary to change. I used the valvoline synthetic PS fluid to flush and replace the old fluid.
The filter was expensive I don't recal exactly but it was around the $35-50 mark. They also have a specific ACE fluid but this is very expesive about ~$10 per half quart!
I wouldn't put in the lucas fluid it is very thick for this application. I use it on the PAS though.

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by salty

I had no problem getting the ACE filter from my dealership in San Jose, although they said they could not remember ever selling one before. My old one was spotless when I swapped it so I'm not sure it's really necessary to change. I used the valvoline synthetic PS fluid to flush and replace the old fluid.
The filter was expensive I don't recal exactly but it was around the $35-50 mark. They also have a specific ACE fluid but this is very expesive about ~$10 per half quart!
I wouldn't put in the lucas fluid it is very thick for this application. I use it on the PAS though.

Salty,
The Lucas Tranny additive is designed to work with all p/s type fluids be it p/s or ACE. The main reason I have suggested running Lucas is to keep our overly tempermental ACE pumps happy and quiet, they are know to fail and are real expensive to replace.
Take care,
Mike

[robbie]

do you happen to know the part number for the ace filter?

[Disco Mike]

Robbie
I don't know it, best call the dealer. I think it is safe to say you won't find it as an after market filter since there were few system made and most Rover dealers don't even stock them.
Mike

[robbie]

thanks mike. will do. what is the process with servicing the ace system. it mentions hooking up to testbook to properly bleed the system. anyway to do this manually, sans dealer?

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by robbie

thanks mike. will do. what is the process with servicing the ace system. it mentions hooking up to testbook to properly bleed the system. anyway to do this manually, sans dealer?

Robbi,
I have an easier way to do it, pretty much the same way as I do my power steering.
Buy 2 qts. of power steering fluid, I use Vavolines synthetic p/s fluid and one bottle of Lucas p/s additive.
Buy one of those old battery acid bulbs, looks like a turkey baster, you can find them in any auto parts store.
Start by sucking all the old fluid out of the ACE reservor, poor in new fluis, start the engine, let it run or 30 seconds or so, turn off the engine and suck out the old fluid again. You continue that process, maybe 5 or 6 time or until the old fluid is now clear again. On the last refilling of the reservoruse only the Lucas fluid, top it off and you are done.
By doing it this way, you don't get air in either of the rams and you don't have to use a test book to reprogram the system.
By the way, do your p/s fluid at the same time with the same fluids in the same process.
Hope this helps,
Mike

[robbie]

awesome, thanks. now, if only the dealership would give me back my truck I can work on it.

[Disco Mike]

Shout if you have any questions.
Mike

[FlyWheel]

Originally Posted by Disco Mike

Shout if you have any questions.
Mike

Thanks for that procedure Mike ..I will change mine as well.

[Disco Mike]

Originally Posted by FlyWheel

Thanks for that procedure Mike ..I will change mine as well.

So while you are doing your ACE, take an extra 10 minutes and do your power steering also, so many people forget to do that, it is even the same fluid.
Mike

[salty]

The part number is PVJ130010 or 180010 my label has crease in it. I think it's a 3.
Jim