Freelander 1.8 replacement engine

My engine has been repaired twice, first time was loose sleeve, and second blown head gasket. Now I have a hole in the block and no option but to replace engine. Has anyone fitted an alternative engine to a freelander? I would rather spend money making a toyota or volvo engine fit than the risk of another Landie engine giving in.

rover 220 turbo engine will fit and it mates to the PG1 box with minor mod (input shaft i think.

We don't get the Rover 220 in South Africa, and I am assuming it is a petrol engine. Any idea where the best place in UK is to source one? Thanks for help, really appreciate it.

look on fleabay - or try some of the on-line breakers

If you are shipping all the way to S. Africa, I would be cautious, you would need to make sure all the wiring loom, sensors and ECU are included.
How did the hole appear? hgf doesnt normally do that. Sounds like the engine was low on oil and the crank bearing gave up. I would drop another 1.8 into her, make sure its the same type of k-series engine.

The Mad Hat Man said:

rover 220 turbo engine will fit and it mates to the PG1 box with minor mod (input shaft i think.

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Don't want to put a dampner on your idea (I think its a good one!! as discussed before) but the bellhousing will have to be swapped as the K series won't fit a T series engine. The input shafts are the same - I fitted a Freelander gearset including mainshaft, countershaft etc to my original gearbox on my 220 and it worked perfectly.

I would try a new 1.8 K series bottom end as there are loads available, coupled with the later gaskets and oil rail if necessary.

Or

I would as NI states replaced with a good second hand unit. (This may have the older gasket etc prone to fail)

Regards,

Steve

bellhousing huh - i knew there was summat

Remember I have a new item in my garage - no use to you i know!!

Northern Irelander said:

If you are shipping all the way to S. Africa, I would be cautious, you would need to make sure all the wiring loom, sensors and ECU are included.
How did the hole appear? hgf doesnt normally do that. Sounds like the engine was low on oil and the crank bearing gave up. I would drop another 1.8 into her, make sure its the same type of k-series engine.

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As I mentioned earlier, had numerous problems with engine and have done about 155 000 km's already. Had a knocking sound at first, which mysteriously disappeared after 2 000 km's. Haven't stripped yet, so assume it was bearing. Lot's of oil on road after blow out so oil level must have been fine. Checked oil and water daily (yes daily) due to known issues with overheating, etc. My options are to fit another second hand K-series and trade-in quickly or fit alternative engine and keep my landie. Must say I enjoy the ride, comfort and road holding as well as adequate off -road abilities and the latter is my first choice. Given the bad reputation of Land Rover in South Africa, the trade-ins offered are well below book value and hardly worth the while. Second hand recon motors sell for about R35,000 or about £2,500. Not much guarantee is offered either. My vehicle is a 2002 model and the interior is still like new, body work still good, no bumps, etc. hence only need to sort the mechanics out.

The knocking could well have been, bottom end bearing or a lazy piston, loose cylinder jacket would cause this. If it happened at low mileage then warranty should have covered it.
Given the limited availability of LR parts in S.Afr a quick fix is your best option. Your k-series is the newer type - MEMS 3.0 ECU. If you hang on to her, probably rust free as well, then modify the bonnet with an air scoop of some description. That will sort any cooling issues in hot weather.