D3 06 air suspension query

**bbyer** · 31st March 2014, 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by BSM

Is there a quick and easy way to tell if the compressor on my second hand D3 is Hitachi or AMK?

Mine seems to be quite well behaved despite being an 05 model. I am wondering if it's already been replaced.

The odds are you do not have the original Hitachi, but instead have a newer improved Hitachi. Over the years, Hitachi and LR both made small improvements and we would probably still be using the Hitachi unit however the recent tsunami drowned the Hitachi plant and either forced or gave LR the opportunity to switch to the AMK.

LR did a software update re the Hitachi where they reduced the shut down pressure from about 240 psig to about 210 psig and that helped to extend the life of the Hitachi.

My view is LR at the design stage should have put an air tank on both sides and dropped the pressure to 150 psig, per what tractor trailer units use. Doing so would probably have cut our troubles to near nil, but well.....

The AMK uses a different black plastic sound box than the Hitachi. I think the AMK is more square on the outside but could be wrong. If someone here lets us know what the visible differences are to the bottom half of the box, then we will know. My guess is that you have a newer Hitachi, and now it is a pretty good unit.

if you want to replace something, install a new air compressor relay, R7, in the engine compartment fuse box. It is a cheap fix to a problem that can occur in the future as that relay does have to work and carries a fair current load. The updated Land Rover part number is YWB500220

**Graeme** · 31st March 2014, 06:15 AM

This is the cover for the AMK compressor.

**BSM** · 31st March 2014, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by Graeme

This is the cover for the AM compressor.

It kinda looks like mine I suppose, except much cleaner. Did your Hitachi cover look a lot different?

**bbyer** · 31st March 2014, 07:57 AM

I looked at my Hitachi cover and at first glance, it is difficult to see the differences.

Closer inspection suggests that the AMK cover is what I would call smoother - that is it has fewer creases and small indentations.

In other words, if your existing does not look exactly like the picture, then you have the Hitachi, which is not a surprise, nor is it a bad thing either.

**Graeme** · 31st March 2014, 12:18 PM

Save the picture then enlarge it to better see the differences. From memory the outside of the Hitachi cover doesn't hang so vertically giving the impression that the AMK hangs lower.

**bbyer** · 31st March 2014, 12:52 PM

Originally Posted by Graeme

Save the picture then enlarge it to better see the differences. From memory the outside of the Hitachi cover doesn't hang so vertically giving the impression that the AMK hangs lower.

I went out and looked at my Hitachi cover. Yes, it seems to have an angled exterior side rather than the near vertical of the AMK; hence the AMK looks lower than the Hitachi. When I look closely however, the bottom of my Hitachi appears to sit a bit below the frame, whereas the AMK appears closer to flush with the bottom of the frame.

**BSM** · 31st March 2014, 01:00 PM

Thanks. I know what to look for now

**BSM** · 23rd August 2014, 04:08 PM

So, finally got around to removing my GOE compressor protection plate, and after spending a short while removing the caked in mud, sticks and rocks that had packed in behind it I got a good look at my compressor's casing.

Here it is.

Comparing it with Graeme's picture above, its got a sculpted indentation along its length, and a few pockmarks whereas Graeme's looks quite squarish and smooth.

So I reckon I've got an Hitachi, and quite possibly one that's been going for 9 years.

Firstly whats the verdict? Is this Hitachi?

Secondly what are my chances of the thing suddenly packing it in on my next High-Country jaunt? Will I get plenty of warning - Or do they just stop?

**Graeme** · 23rd August 2014, 05:34 PM

They don't usually just stop, giving a few hints along the way with the yellow warning light when it takes too long to get the reservoir up to pressure yet the light goes off on a restart, only to re-appear some time later. Frequent waiting to cool messages before the light starts illuminating is an earlier warning.

Oh yes, its the earlier shaped cover - I compared the 2 side by side only yeaterday.

**CaptAwsm** · 23rd August 2014, 05:38 PM

I've been beginning to wonder what happens when/if the compressor fails. Glad there's a bit of warning.

Thread: D3 06 air suspension query

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Probably replaced original Hitachi with newer Hitachi.

AMK is smoother.

AMK may be higher up.

This looks like Hitachi to me

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