HG prevention?

Hi, I've read here somewhere that an external thermostat can be fitted that reduces the thermal shock that destroys the HG in the 1.8 petrols. Has anyone fitted one?, are they part of a LR recall?, and lastly are they expensive?
Cheers Dylan

see also http://www.myfreelander.com/menu2.htm

I believe a larger coolant tank with a level-sensor should help prevent the coolant loss which leads to HGF in these cars. Otherwise keep checking your coolant level. (Daily or before/after any long run.)

I think they're commercially available now, although a friend of mine originally suggested the idea to Honest John of the Sunday Telegraph a long time ago.

I did read somewhere that the main cause of HGF was the lacation of the thermostat. an after market one that is mounted externaly is said to "cure" the problem of HGF. would love some more info if anyone has any

As far as I'm aware, the HG failure is down to the fact that there is only a bit of coolant in a K-series engine, as it's fundamentally pretty thermally efficient.

The problem arises when there's a leak (usually from the manifold area, I believe) and the fact that the small amount of coolant vanishes very quickly. Leading to HGF, detached bore lliners, etc etc.

Increasing the amount of coolant and having a level sensor (to show when you're down on coolant) is believed by a few people I know to solve the problem.

Clutchdust et al may be able to shed more light, as I'm only working off second hand info.

see http://www.myfreelander.com/kengineprobs4.htm

shws details and piccy of fix

head gastet failure on the 1.8 is purely down to the fact that the head gasket is crap, how the hell did these people ever think that a piece of tin with rubber glued on will be good enough?

they normally go around one of the head bolts then put all the coolant into the oil, when the head is removed and the gasket inspected, 9 times out of 10 it will be the rubber that has become detached

there is a new type gasket out now and as yet i've never seen one fail, i've always said that it should be a composite type like every other car in the world uses, all these other fixes they have brought out have made no difference, yes they moved the thermostat but it still opens at the same temp as the old one

clutchdust said:

head gastet failure on the 1.8 is purely down to the fact that the head gasket is crap, how the hell did these people ever think that a piece of tin with rubber glued on will be good enough?

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I totally agree with ya clutchdust. . ..

ming said:

I totally agree with ya clutchdust. . ..

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Smirk

mondo said:

Smirk

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Snigger ,parp, gulp