Glutton for punishment

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Colthebrummie

Well-Known Member
Posts
9,870
Location
Thatcham
I already own a series 3 so Im used to pain and disappointment and seeing how my trusty Kia is on its last legs I thought I'd get a Freelander. I can't really afford a diso or rangie at the moment. In a moment of madness I put a bid on a 2003 1.8 petrol model. How much grief am I likey to experience, are the engines as prone to self destruction that everyone says they are. On the upside, I like taking risks.

Col
 
Skinny Mike said:
The 1.8K is like having a go on the lucky dip, you never know what you'll get.
Give it a good check over, especially the cooling system. At least you won't be wanting for something to do in your spare time.
Mike
Click to expand...
Thanks Mike. Yes, I intend to check the cooling system carefully. I'll probably change the hoses wether they need it or not. I have only paid a grand for it so I'm not expecting Rolls Royce reliability

Col
 
Cooling system: good clean of cooling system, check coolant tank for cracks / crazing replace a necessary [cap too], consider a PRT thermostat, check rad', IRD & heater hoses.

Wheels / tyres: all the same brand, size and inflation? Less worn or newer ones on the rear axle.

One wheel up test [OWUT] well under a minute = good
 
Colthebrummie said:
Thanks hd3, very informative. I need to get a 32 mm socket.

Col
Click to expand...

Just tie a piece of wood the the wheel brace and use a wheel nut. If the VCU is working correctly, then the wheel will turn. If it seized, the wheel won t turn and 5 to 8 Kgs won't be enough to break the stud. ;)
 
The car is supposed to be in good condition with a long mot, it certainly looks good, low miles, 67k. I've got to drive it about 145 miles home mainly on straightish A roads and motorways. If the vcu is knackered will it make the trip without too much damage.

Col
 
K-series is generally bomb-proof, except for the well documented head gasket problem. Best way I've found to avoid this is to leave the heater on max heat when you start the car, and until the engine is up to temperature. This provides the cooling circuit with an additional bypass flow, and alleviates the fundamental flaw in the K-series cooling system :) That, and don't rev it above 3k rpm until properly warm. Then you can rev the nuts off it, and it'll play all day, every day :D
 
rob_bell said:
K-series is generally bomb-proof, except for the well documented head gasket problem. Best way I've found to avoid this is to leave the heater on max heat when you start the car, and until the engine is up to temperature. This provides the cooling circuit with an additional bypass flow, and alleviates the fundamental flaw in the K-series cooling system :) That, and don't rev it above 3k rpm until properly warm. Then you can rev the nuts off it, and it'll play all day, every day :D
Click to expand...
That's reassuring, thanks. I'll remember those tips

Col
 
Colthebrummie said:
The car is supposed to be in good condition with a long mot, it certainly looks good, low miles, 67k. I've got to drive it about 145 miles home mainly on straightish A roads and motorways. If the vcu is knackered will it make the trip without too much damage.

Col
Click to expand...

Make sure all the tyres are identical with the least worn on the rear. Odd tyres will trash the AWD system in a few miles. If the tyres are odd, remove the propshafts for safety.
 
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