Newbie to the LRF scene - thoughts?

Hi all,

Just bought a Land Rover Freelander off of eBay (don't sigh) and fancy a go at running one and having some fun.

Been reading up on gaskets and what not but what the hell, it was cheap (or so I think).

I fancy modifying it, change the seats, install a CB radio, install a satnav/newer stereo etc. Hey, I might go nuts and replace the carpets.

Just wanted to know your thoughts or comments as i'm new to this forum and will be getting involved and hanging around, that's for sure.

I know i'm about to get a lashing but i've thick skin.

Welcome...............But tell us it's not a petrol one

Or one o dem smelly slow doozle ones

Doozle must be betterer cos it costs more!

mjrimmer said:

doozle must be betterer cos it costs more!

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Welcome , and yes you are in for a lashing . I'll start , you bought a freeklander , why ?!!!! Thats just the start of it :your_wrong:.

Greetings and welcome. Just let it all happen as it will. They will get fed up in a bit. Looks in good nick but as said earlier what engine???. Got any more details

its all white that is but its still a freak

I'm guessing 1.8k!

I'd also suggest before splashing out to much, you invest in some female torx sockets. Will help you undo the headbolts

There's a lot of mods that can be done to put off the eventual head gasket failure.... So have a search but if not sure just ask.........although I'll be of no help what so ever cos mines a smelly yet reliable(ish)doozle

mjrimmer said:

There's a lot of mods that can be done to put off the eventual head gasket failure.... So have a search but if not sure just ask.........although I'll be of no help what so ever cos mines a smelly yet reliable(ish)doozle

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Ooo tell me more of these mods - the guy said that it's had it's head done about two years ago and runs perfectly well as his wife uses it every day.

He's had it garaged every day since previous owner. Totally agre it looks the tits on the outside, just don't like the abby blue in the inside that much so might change out a few things.

Any tips on making my 1.8 Petrol more robust? (God, i've just opened a can of backlash there I bet).

Looking at doing a few things to it:

LED/Xenon lights F/R
Replace the seats
Install CB radio
Add bull bars, not sure if chrome or black yet- thoughts?
Loads more on the brain

Sell it on /trade it in for a diesel one .Save your money for the inevitable breakages and worn bits that need replacing .Invest in a haynes manual .

OldIrishWulf said:

Sell it on /trade it in for a diesel one .Save your money for the inevitable breakages and worn bits that need replacing .Invest in a haynes manual .

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But it runs like a dream and has never given any serious issues? I can understand you're point but i'm going to take care of her and hopefully will keep the tradition of not really needing to smack her with a sledgehammer?

The k series do have issues that were never really been fully addressed.
But you can do a bit of searching on this forum using the search facility above.

To reduce likelyhood of your engine detonating you can:-
fit a MLS headgasket
new higher strength head bolts
stiffer oil rail
metal dowels (replaced the plastic variety)
fit a pressure relief thermostat
new and improved expansion tank
fit a new water pump
timing belt and adjuster
flush the system thoroughly
carefully bleed the system

keep your biggest diameter wheels on the rear

and keep searching the site for anything else.

ps after typing all that......it has to be said that if the liners go below the level of the block, the engine is scrap.

Freelaner said:

....it has to be said that if the liners go below the level of the block,.

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Huh?

Snoop, before you go searching for accessories, i'd check for things like modified front coolant pipe with latest level thermostat in it etc.

SnoopMarky said:

Huh?

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the cylinders the pistons go up and down in, they are made of steel and are "glued" into the ally block.
These must be just proud (above) the surface of the block to enable a good seal. If they drop they don't

If you are serious about modifying the thing then you can swap the engine out for one from a MG 160 BHP in a Freelander

While working on the MG engine, swap the head gasket along with the other mods listed above, do it all (and do it right) and you're very unikely to have further problems with the thing

They are really rather nice cars, and quite easy to work on, but do buy those torx sockets and bits, you will need them, even if only to change the back light bulbs

BTW, get used to being a Gaylander owner

TRXnMe said:

If you are serious about modifying the thing then you can swap the engine out for one from a MG 160 BHP in a Freelander after a rewire and new ecu

While working on the MG engine, swap the head gasket along with the other mods listed above, do it all (and do it right) and you're very unikely to have further problems with the thing still doesn't rule out hgf problems

They are really rather nice cars, and quite easy to work on, but do buy those torx sockets and bits, you will need them, even if only to change the back light bulbs

BTW, get used to being a Gaylander owner

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only durdy tratters use the g word