KV6 engine, general questions about the reliability after "re-design".

Hello,

just bought myself a Freelander 2.5L V6 -04 with 183000km. As usual, I'm all over the internet to get as much info as possible about my lady. All I read is negatives and few threads that I have found here using search where people are asking "something" about their KV6, answer is "you bought ****, live with it" or "search rover 825" or "duh".
So I searched Rover 825 and at least to my understanding it didn't even have the re-designed KV6 in it as production was cancelled in 1999.
And all mighty wikipedia says following about KV6. "Early manufacturing models were affected by tolerance errors affected in cylinder liners.........causing head gasket failures". Then "The engine was re-engineered and the production facility automated prior to launching the Rover 75 (1998-2005)...................Those changes resolved head gasket issues and the KV6 has a positive reputation for reliability. Most of the reliability issues relate to "value engineered" bolt on ancillaries, but the base engine is capable of large mileages before rebuild is required."
Then some info about the flaws in that re-engineered engine (value improvement you know), changing inlet manifold with butterfly valves from metal to plastic, thermostat housing from metal to plastic etc....

So I'm just wondering if this engine in my car built in -04 really is that prone to head gasket failures that internet is saying? I know there are head gasket failures, but is it as disaster as internet is saying?
Also would like to know, if there are better aftermarket parts available for those "value engineered" plastic parts that could be changed next time I need to do something bigger maintenance to engine?

Also, as my english is not really that good, can anyone explain what means that sentence "Most of the reliability issues relate to "value engineered" bolt on ancillaries". I have never heard of word ancillary and can't really get any good translations for it.

I also read that oil coolers seem to have some problems letting oil to mix with coolant (corrosion or something?). If this is true, it might affect the reputation of head gasket also.

I started this thread to really understand what are the weak spots in my car. So far I have a list of:
- visco (i assume aut.gear-box and rear differential are ok as long as visco works)
- electric windows
- washer switch
- engine as general (but would like to know the actual weak spots)

Any thoughts, comments? Or is it just "duh".

Regards
Captain

Don’t worry about it.
Do the one wheel up tests. Regularly check coolant levels and hope.

Follow gels what to do guide( he will be along soon to give you the link )

I wouldnt worry about HG too much if all seems ok, just keep on top of servicing etc.
If i remember right the big one on this engine is the timing belt being a big job and not very DIY friendly

CaptHanDjob said:

So I'm just wondering if this engine in my car built in -04 really is that prone to head gasket failures that internet is saying?

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Yours will have the later engine, built to better tolerances. It's not prone to head gasket failure, unless this is a secondary result of coolant loss.

CaptHanDjob said:

I know there are head gasket failures, but is it as disaster as internet is saying?

Click to expand...

The most likely cause of HG failure, the loss of coolant. The coolant can leak out unseen from the thermostat, which is hidden under the inlet manifolds. If the coolant drops just a couple of litres, then the head gaskets fail almost instantly. The KV6 design is very intolerant of low coolant level.

CaptHanDjob said:

Also would like to know, if there are better aftermarket parts available for those "value engineered" plastic parts that could be changed next time I need to do something bigger maintenance to engine?

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No. The original German made intake plenum (black plastic thing on the top) is rubbish, definitely made down to a minimum price. Unfortunately there's no alternative but to buy a original equipment replacement, or modify the broken one you have.

CaptHanDjob said:

Also, as my english is not really that good, can anyone explain what means that sentence "Most of the reliability issues relate to "value engineered" bolt on ancillaries". I have never heard of word ancillary and can't really get any good translations for it.

Click to expand...

"Ancillary" means a component that is bolted to the engine in this installation. But not part of the engine itself. In this case, it's referring to the VIS inlet plenum, which alters the inlet tract length by opening various valves

CaptHanDjob said:

I also read that oil coolers seem to have some problems letting oil to mix with coolant (corrosion or something?). If this is true, it might affect the reputation of head gasket also.

Click to expand...

Oil coolers can give trouble on lots of engines, not just this one.

It's no more susceptible to failure, than any other engine on the road. It will only cause HG problems, if the coolant system is compromised.