Freelander 1.8 K series engine issue - Help ???

This is my first visit to the site so Hi from the Newbie.
Recently bought a 52 plate Freelander Serengeti 1.8 with less than 70k and full history. The garage said they had changed the head gasket to the metal type whilst it was being serviced as they are prone to gasket probs with the standard paper version??
All going well until today when the car died on a motorway slip road - i thought the timing belt had gone but on opening the bonnet there aws no sign of damage but the water expansion tank was perilously low. After allowing the car to cool down and filling up with copious quantities of water, the car started again and seems to drive OK but tickover is very lumpy and the car just doesnt sound right. There appears to be no oil in the water nor does there appear to be water in the oil and the dipstick still looks relatively clean and normal. I can also find no evidence of leaks etc.
Any clues so I can make a decision on repairing or just replacing it before spending a shed load of dosh on it?
Thanks in anticipation.............................

Hi Chris. Sorry to hear about the probs. You say you recently bought the freeloader, how recently? If it was within the last 6 months, you have a very good case for taking it back to the dealer and getting them to repair it. If they refuse, just mention the words "trading standards" I am sorry to say this, but the 1.8 k series was the worst engine Landrover ever put into it's vehicles. You could get it repaired, but you can almost guarantee that it will go tits up again. If you have had it less than 6 months, my advice would be to get the garage to repair the engine and then sell it and buy a discovery or defender. If you have had it longer than 6 months, it may not be worth getting it repaired, you may be better off cutting your losses and selling it as it is.

You might be better starting this in the Freelander section,

Difficult and sometimes wrong to diagnose from afar, but Sounds like inlet manifold is chucking water into the manifold/ intake, there should be the number LKJ101110L in the service log


apart from that you'll have to check the usual suspects, spark, fuel, timing marks before launching into major diagnosis