Thermostat Problems! Freelander 1.8

I all, I have recently purchased a 1.8 freelander with a suspected blown head gasket. After taking it for a little run I have found the water is in-fact coming from the thermostat housing at the back of the engine. What I am confused about is this freelander seams to also have a second white thermostat coming off the rad, (passages side near-ish the front light.)


My question is, should there be two thermostat fitted? if not is there a ‘hollow’ thermostat modification to replace the thermostat at the back of the block? if so where can I get one to replace the back of the block thermostat.

The FL1 has only one thermostat, but depending on the year, it could have one at the back of the engine, or at the front (called the PRT).

It is possible to retrofit the later PRT, but the rear thermostat element should be removed, and replaced with a reducer ring, which is actually the thermostat without the guts.

Hi Nodge68,

Thank you for your reply, I have not yet removed the metal 'water rail' or the thermostat, on closer inspection I have now found the 'metal water rail' is not bolted to the block in any way. Would i be correct in assuming this is nessory to get a water tight fit?

P.S I will inspect the rear thermostat housing for 'Guts' on removal, can you buy a 'gutless' version any where or do you simply remove the thermostat from the housing?

The coolant rail runs from the thermostat/pump outlet housing to the front of the engine. The plastic thermostat/pump outlet assembly is sealed to the coolant rail by an O ring, which has been known to split and leak.

Thank you for your help, one last question did you know the size and where to purchase the bolts that hold the metal 'water rail' to the block, they are complete missing on my freeland!

Here's a picture of the coolant rail. I've marked the thermostat housing with a red ring, and put a purple dot above the joint where the O ring splits.
Hope this helps.

Angus-32 said:

Thank you for your help, one last question did you know the size and where to purchase the bolts that hold the metal 'water rail' to the block, they are complete missing on my freeland!

Click to expand...

I can't remember, but most bolts are a mix of M6 flange head or M8 flange head, of which I keep a small selection of lengths in my bolt stock.

Perfect, I will get a few tomorrow, thank you very kindly for your help and thank you for the photo, it much clearer to see it like that than trying to peer though the inlet manifold!