Freelander 1 V6 belts

Spent an hour doing a survey before tackling this job. Boy there's loads to come off before you can even start!
Anyway, had a look at the belts that are on there and by rotating the engine could clearly see 'Rover' printed on the belt. Does this mean that they are likely to be originals??
They look in perfect condition and very tight.
Just having a think and planning work before beginning!! Risks of leaving a 22 year old belt??

There is loads to remove.
IMO it's faster to remove the whole power unit, C/W the subframe.
The belts take less than 30 minutes to change, once the engine isn't in the confines of the vehicle.

They are likely the originals, so are well past their time, even if the mileage hasn't been reached.

Yes, engine out might be easier!! Depends on state of bolts on suspension, exhaust etc.
I have read that @Hippo managed the rear secondary belt without removing the inlet chamber! Perhaps he can explain how to do this without double jointed 2 metre long arms!! Happy to try it to save dismantling.
Also, there is a tyre valve on a pipe sticking out from under the inlet manifold, anyone got a clue what it is please??
Careful measurement and thinking continues. Not worried about doing belts, just getting to them!!

On thinking, is it for fuel pressure testing along with squirting fuel into your eyes at the same time??

I changed my v6 cam belts with the engine fitted. Book time is 5.2 hours, regardless of taking the engine out or not, for all 3 belts. Main dealers take it out as they have lifting gear and it's easier to do the belts when it's all on the floor. First timing belts I have done. Remember doing it as if it were yesterday. Did mine with it in the garage with the wheels turned to the right.

To do the rear belt, remove the battery and the L shaped plastic computer box. It will give you betterer access.


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To do the rear belt, remove the plastic cover. Several small hex bolts hand tight.


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This is the view taken from the rear of the gearbox. Old belt still in place. The heat shield at the bottom has a bolt that's a sod to reach. I could only just get to it, to put it back in while lying across the top of the engine. Feeling the way as you can't see at the same time. If doing it again I would bend the heat shield as far as I could to see if access was ok. If you drop the bolt when putting it back it lands on top of the ird.


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Gear oft. View from top of gearbox. Note the exhaust cam shaft has turned as there's tension on it when the belt is released.


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I bought the correct fitting tools then sold them after use. The tie wrap is to hold everything together while you fight it through the coolant pipes.


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Put the tool and gears/belt here as one piece, then slide up behind the coolant pipes.


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Fitted.


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Make sure the markers are inwards facing.


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Access is not easy but doable if yer got long thin arms. Fitting tool still in place near the center of the pic.


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Front belt markers


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There's a fly wheel locking pin hole at the front of the engine to stop the crank turning.


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Video's includes knowledge on the operation of the Rover KV6 engine and how to replace the timing and cams belts.

rover kv6 - YouTube

rover kv6 - YouTube

kv6 belt change - YouTube


Also a Rover K series engine timing belt change.

Cam Belt change K Series - YouTube

andyfreelandy said:

Yes, engine out might be easier!! Depends on state of bolts on suspension, exhaust etc.

Click to expand...

If I had my own 2 post lift, I'd not even consider changing the belts within the confines of the engine bay.

andyfreelandy said:

managed the rear secondary belt without removing the inlet chamber

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It takes 10 minutes to remove the inlet plenum, so I can't see a reason to struggle to access the belts with it in place. Especially as without the tools, you need to be able to view the belt pulleys from the cam ends.

andyfreelandy said:

Also, there is a tyre valve on a pipe sticking out from under the inlet manifold, anyone got a clue what it is please??

Click to expand...

That's the fuel rail pressure test point.

andyfreelandy said:

Not worried about doing belts, just getting to them!!

Click to expand...

Hence me suggesting to remove the power unit. Which also gives you the opportunity to change the coolant, thermostat (which is likely to leak), and power steering fluid.

Thanks both for the help and advice!!

Made a start on this today. Took ple ty of photos for all the pipe work!!
Had a look and engine and box out just looked fraught. Rusty bolts on exhaust, suspension and, to be honest, my energy levels are down since Covid dose so decided to take it slowly and do it from the top with the aid of a small step to provide a comfortable height.
Managed to do the small belts in 2 hrs and tidyed up the butchered pipes and clips as I went. Only tool I bought was a pulley holding tool. Marked pulley, belt and backplate on each pulley. Removed inlet cam pulley only. Put tippex on belt in same place as old. Fitted belt aligned to both pulleys. Fitted new inlet pulley bolt loosely and rotated inlet pulley to turn exhaust to correct mark then inlet pulley dropped onto keyway.
While I am in there I had a good look at the thermostat and elbow. Bit of pink damp so will probs take manifold off and do both. Any tips for these??

Might shout when I have pipes left over.!!!!
Photos soon.

Best to remove fuel rail with injectors complete or take fuel rail off and leave injectors?? Which is best for reducing risk of damage or seals?
Quite enjoying myself!!!

Thinking and looking at pictures, would the front manifold flip sideways if unbolted with fuel rail and injectors untouched? This may give room for the thermostat and L pipe replacement.
Trying to avoid leaks afterwards !!

andyfreelandy said:

Any tips for these??

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You only need remove the plenum and front manifold.

I pull the locking plates out the rail link pipe, and lift up the front manifold, along with the front fuel rail.
I generally replace the rail O rings too, as they're prone to leak once removed.

Thanks, reduces the number of O rings to replace too!!

This is going to be a good vehicle when finished. Got new brakes today and made a lead for a steering wheel volume controlled stereo. The pre 2001 has different connectors to the later audio arrangement.