New freelander owner looking for advice

Hi guys

Ok so i jumped into a Freelander even after a lot of reading up on all problems you acquire with these But i just like the look of this SUV/ 4x4 against all others in its class. I have a 54 plate 5 door Facelift model, acquired it a couple of months ago and like it a lot. I'm thinking next upgrade to a TD4 HSE but this wont be a for a little while.

Well to cut it short just had the HGF happen to me. noticed a few days ago white smoke from exhaust and some coolant loss but no residue in oil or water. stopped using as much, as im currently on my work shifts and was going to inspect on my 4 days off this week, But today happened to take my partner to work and on the way back noticed what i presumed steam from engine bay whilst sat at lights and suddenly for the first time the needle started to rise, i quickly pulled over straight away into a lay-by.
I've been reading this site on related problems and how to fix among-st other fixes. I have decided after all reading that im going to take the job on myself due to the time of year and feel quite confident to do so. Also have a Brother on side to help who does a lot of mechanical stuff to cars and a neighbour who is a Land rover lover owner offroader (although he's always been Defender and Disco owner) and yes he did laugh when i turned up in this.

Just wanted some advice on the Head Gasket kit. Basically best place to get it from at the best price. ive seen a lot on flee bay has anyone dealt with any of the sellers on there ?
Would it be best to replace the oil ladder rail too.( just wondered if it is a must although im probably going to do it from what ive been reading)
Going through the history of the car i found receipts for Fan belts, Cam belt and Water pump change earlier this year April 2013. Would i need to change these again ?

My first approach was going to be stripping the engine on Tuesday and getting it tested to see if the Head is warped. But was going to order parts i need today.

Thanks in advance for any and all helped given.

Hi and welcome.
Your engine should have the uprated oil rail being a 2004MY. There are some SIAC kits about so these are the kits to get. I'd not bother with the water pump although a new timing belt is a must!!
Did the engine overheat? If so I'd replace the head or any HG replacement should be considered as a temporary fix!!

Hi Cheers for reply. .
As soon as needle started to rise on temp gauge I pulled over. Would the uprated water pump already be fitted to this model or is that something I should consider.

Try Gaskets for classics on EBay I've used them numerous times for gaskets for different cars. They are reliable and normally you receive the gaskets 2 days after ordering, they do the uprated gasket kits with the head saver gasket as well as the new steel dowels along with all the other gaskets needed to do the job and I'm sure they do the head bolts as well

MSP said:

Hi Cheers for reply. .
As soon as needle started to rise on temp gauge I pulled over. Would the uprated water pump already be fitted to this model or is that something I should consider.

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There are a couple of different materials used for the water pump impeller, these are metal and plastic. The plastic impeller is best avoided as i'v seen then impeller separate from the shaft with obvious consequences.
The latest SIAC gasket and uprated bolts should make the gasket change a permanent fix provided,
1 The head hasn't been overheated and is completely flat with no measurable fire ring recession.
2 The liners are protruding from the block evenly. Ideally they need to be 1 to 3 thou higher than the block. All even front to back and even with each other!!

Oh and if the temperature has gone near the red? Change the thermostat too

hi guys.

Thanks for the reply's. Just wondered if you could take a look before i order this set from E bay to be sure i'm ordering the right set please.
item no 200708380086.
From the seller you mentioned Bruno thanks for that by the way.
Also come across this site through reading various post's about the K series engine. Would any of the gasket kits here be a better option.
http://www.eliseparts.com/products/category/29/gaskets/

Would you recommend any other changes whilst doing the head and timing belt ?? thermostat etc ?. Needle has never reached the Red. the very first moment it ever over heated was that day and i turned off immediately (luckily i was right upon a lay-by.
like i say i will be taking the head to have it checked/ tested before refitting.

Thanks again guys much appreciated.

wolfUK said:

hi guys.

Thanks for the reply's. Just wondered if you could take a look before i order this set from E bay to be sure i'm ordering the right set please.
item no 200708380086.
From the seller you mentioned Bruno thanks for that by the way.
Also come across this site through reading various post's about the K series engine. Would any of the gasket kits here be a better option.
Elise Parts - Engine & Gearbox - Gaskets

Would you recommend any other changes whilst doing the head and timing belt ?? thermostat etc ?. Needle has never reached the Red. the very first moment it ever over heated was that day and i turned off immediately (luckily i was right upon a lay-by.
like i say i will be taking the head to have it checked/ tested before refitting.

Thanks again guys much appreciated.

Click to expand...

Just so not to confuse... My post accidently sent through my brothers account while using his computer .
Think it automatically logged me in under his account whilst i was there