Head gasket Kit

Hi

Looking at replacing my current HG (as well as the oil rail), with an MLS one as the Hippo (1.8) will be used heavily this year, touring the Lakes ect. I have done quite a bit of research, but unable to get a straight answer.

I see that Lotus have produced a kit which every one raves about, I have then been advised to get a laminated kit with the green tab? I have searched suppliers but I keep getting conflicting advice.

What I want to do is replace all gaskets, new steel dowels, oil rail (with a shim?) header tank (existing one starting to get hair line fractures) and pressure release thermostat.

Could I be really cheeky and ask if some one can point me in the right direction,to supplier or part numbers. All help would be appreciated. Thanks

honestly
none of the headgasket kits out there fix the problem for good
the mls just doesnt disintegrate like the elastomer one does

best thing to do is fit the best quality standard gasket payen bw750, and just accept in 60-80k it will need doing again
genuine bolts or payen bolts
new water pump and timing belt at the same time
if the head looks ok dont skim it, check the valve seats most exhaust valves benefit from a relap

this is an engine which hasnt had hgf by the way

TD5 has some good points "dont" get cheap parts my friend you will regret it. Doing it cheap will result in HGF or worse!

I have been told that if you move onto the upgraded MLS GASKET & SHIM the head must be skimmed. Check this with the manufacture of the MLS not on Landyzone as you will get 1000 different answers. DONT TAKE CHANCES!

Timing belt should be replaced if it's close to being changed or for your own peace of mind, depending on your model, manual or auto tension kit can be purchased this has the wheel and belt required services carried out by garages would change both items.

Bolts, again don't do cheap, cheap wont get you the correct tension needed and can loosen ask for stamped bolts (has 3 letters stamped on the tops one of which is K).

I'm glad to hear you want to change the Oil Rail Ladder, the upgrade is better at providing the correct stiffness and tension from the bolts, you will need to purchase some paste when doing this as there is no gasket for the sump.

Depending on your year of Freelander you may already have the upgraded ladder, gasket and thermostat. 2004 has the old ladder, old gasket, new thermostat. 2005 has the new gasket, new thermostat and old ladder. 2006 has all the new mods. If yours is before 2004 then you'd need the lot. A replacement thermostat kit can be purchased which was all the pipes required. LR recommend the Ladder is changed as often as the gasket.

Having just shopped around for the same part's I used Brown and Gammon (Bolts/Gasket/Ladder/Paste/Belt Kit) and got a discount for placing a large order but even before the discount they were still the cheapest.

header tank (existing one starting to get hair line fractures) Try the likes of Quickco, Rimmers they can supply the same item or you can replace with another unit from Rover, something with a water sensor makes sense, ask the question they are happy to help and they want your custom and you'd not be the first person to ask.

But having the upgraded parts will reduce the chance of having a HGF. Adding a electric water pump is always recommended on Landyzone and can be added now or at a later date if desired. My own view this is I cant find a report of HGF on a 2006 model that's got all the mod parts fitted as standard.

Thank you both very much. My hippo is a 2001 model, the thermostat conversion has been done as well as the header tank.

I appreciate that the new gasket, oil rail will not prevent hgf, but will help in reducing hgf. I keep the engine well maintained and it is checked on a weekly basis. I have had four good years out of the hippo and i love it, hence a little bit of precautionary mechanics.

Thanks for the name of the supplier i will contact them first thing Monday.

No problem I'm glad I could point you in a direction, like I mentioned check with MLS gasket about head skimming.....

You gotta think is half the bad read ups about K's due to cut corners? This is my 3rd vehicle with a K and overall I'm still happy...... Or mad?