temp gauge question

hello everybody, i'm a new user, but i've been reading threads on here for the past 2 weeks since i got my lemon, sorry i mean 1.8 K series freelander...

first up it's had multiple HGF's and is on it's second engine now, my dad gave me it because he was sick of fixing it, it had not been bled properly when i got it, so i've done that today, and the heaters are blowing warm air again and the coolant level is stable...
the thing that is freaking me out is that the temp gauge rises to halfway at idle as it should, and the fan kicks in when it should but as soon as i start driving it drops quite quickly to the lowest the gauge will go, this can't be right but i can't find a remedy anywhere on tinternet?
i just drove it 1000 miles across europe freezing to death and it only rose whenever i stopped ( it is sub zero outside though...)
any help will be greatly appreciated !

Thermostat fooked

obviously that's something i need to sort out quickly i'm guessing?
and where would i find it? is it inline with the header tank?

thanks for the prompt reply!

spoons666 said:

obviously that's something i need to sort out quickly i'm guessing?
and where would i find it? is it inline with the header tank?

thanks for the prompt reply!

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It depends on which thermostat it has? The early stat was at the back of the engine by the water pump. They then removed that and fitted a reducer in it's place then plumbed in a Pressure Release Thermostat (PRT) just behind the radiator!! It's a much better system that does help reduce HGF!! It's available as a kit if your Freelander is'nt fitted with one.

thermostate is located at the back off the block beneath the injector rail three 8mm bolts hold it in place but they are sure to bee fooked and just spin

Nodge68 said:

It depends on which thermostat it has? The early stat was at the back of the engine by the water pump. They then removed that and fitted a reducer in it's place then plumbed in a Pressure Release Thermostat (PRT) just behind the radiator!! It's a much better system that does help reduce HGF!! It's available as a kit if your Freelander is'nt fitted with one.

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cheers, i'ts not been modded, so i'll get the kit and get it done!

and do the conversion nodge suggests it's well worth it

Northern Irelander said:

Main cause of HGF in K-series 1.8 are:

original head gasket seals giving way
Faulty water pump
Faulty thermostat
Loss of coolant (burst pipe or could simply be a leaky expansion cap)
Leaky intake/manifold gasket
Revving hard from cold start before thermostat has opened

So I would argue its not the k-series that is vulnerable 'so to speak' but the cheap parts fitted to it by LR/Rover/MG

Out of those engines fitted with:

new MLS gasket
new oil rail with shim
new Pressure Release Thermostat (PRT)
and possibly the Davies Craig pump

How many of these have had HGF?

Remember debate keeps you young LOL

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Quote from the head gasket data thread .