Head Gasket (I think)

Cough,cough, cloud of black smoke, engine dies and coast to the side of the road.

If that wasn't bad enough we were coming from the Church on our way to the Crematorium for my father's funeral !

Got a lift with my sister to the crem, then arranged with the AA to collect the Freelander. Got it the garage and it looks remarkably like the head gasket has let go.

That almost certainly means the head needs replacing as well - one of the downsides of an alloy head.

Now I'm waiting to see if the estimate means it's worth repairing, or if I'm going to break it for spares. I reckon anything over £1 k means it's future is doubtful.

Ho hum, I really hope it can be fixed, I like the Freelander, it ticks all the boxes for me.

if its a 1.8 why would you need a new head

Er - because it's an alloy head and they crack and warp when the gasket blows and they get too hot........

Or do you know something I don't about the 2004 K series 1.8 petrol engine (please say yes and it's not the problem I think it is!)

just because the HG gone doesnt mean the head is fooked

1800 are known for blowing hg

yes some heads can be fooked but not as often as you think you just need to work out why the HG has gone to start with would say to get the head checked and skimmed tho

matt1295 said:

just because the HG gone doesnt mean the head is fooked

1800 are known for blowing hg

yes some heads can be fooked but not as often as you think you just need to work out why the HG has gone to start with would say to get the head checked and skimmed tho

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Half right. The K series uses heat treated LM25 alloy. Being heat treated if the engine has over heated the treatment will be lost so the head gasket will fail very quickly at the fire rings. If no overheating has taken place then provided the head hasn't suffered surface recession at the fire rings the head can be reused. In theory it's possible to skim the head but in prectice this also also alters the alloy on the head face which again causes fire ring recession.

Getting a full replacement recon engine from a company in Devon called "Gentlemen of Salvage" - the cost of the full engine and the garage charge for fitting it is only a couple of hundred cheaper than just doing just the head gasket! (£750+VAT)
I end up with a fully recon engine, upgraded water system, new timing belts etc.
Seems like a no-brainer to me.

Oops, that should say more expensive (wishful thinking!)

manxmike said:

Getting a full replacement recon engine from a company in Devon called "Gentlemen of Salvage" - the cost of the full engine and the garage charge for fitting it is only a couple of hundred cheaper than just doing just the head gasket! (£750+VAT)
I end up with a fully recon engine, upgraded water system, new timing belts etc.
Seems like a no-brainer to me.

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I'd go for the new head along with all the other parts required rather than a recon with a skimmed overheated head.