1.8 K series diagnose this problem please.

[petergalileo]

I am baffled.  Right its had a head gasket change in May.

It started using a bit of water, kept topping it up, no water in the oil, no oil in the water.  Misfires when hot.

It has now stopped using water or is only using a slight amount, still misfires when hot.

It gurgles when you switch it off, I have checked, there is nobody under the bonnet with a sore throat and no smell of TCP.

Someone said I should re torque he head bolts again, just to make sure they are tightened up correctly.

Any ideas greatly appreciated, I really cant afford another head or replacement engine.

Has anyone come up with a replacement engine for a K series yet ? Did think breifly about trying to get the older diesel for it, but I bet it uses a different gearbox or something !

Thanks

[Frankie-Boy]

Hi Peter,

I'm not an expert on the Freelander K series engine but we've all heard bad things about them where headgaskets are concerned.

My opinion, based on your description, is a head gasket failure again, it would appear that the cooling system is being pressurised, hence the gurgling, therefore I'd get it to a friendly mechanic and get it pressure tested at the very least.

On its previous headgasket replacement, was the head skimmed to ensure it was completely flat or worse was the block checked for level?

I hope this helps.

Regards

[wing nut]

plus new head bolts as the old one stretch

[V8MoneyPit]

When the head gasket was replaced, did they fit the upgrade kit? This replaces the plastic dowels (the source of all the K series trouble) with steel ones and a revised head gasket. If they left the old dowels in, I have to say I suspect the gasket has blown again.

The problem is basically that the plastic dowels melt (great design in a hot environment  :roll: ) and the poorly designed head gasket can then slip. You then get water loss. Given the absolutely tiny water capacity, any water loss causes hot spots around the block. The cylinder liners then move and..... well, erm....... BANG!!

Was the gasket done under warranty? If so, get it back to them and find out if it was done properly.

[petergalileo]

Was bought on ebay, from Dundee, I am in the south east.  Was done by an independant garage but to be honest, the guy I got it from was so dishonest it could have been a mate of his just wrote out a bill.

I suppose I will have to reluctantly get the head checked, at least I can do i myself properly.

[carbore]

Hi,

Have you replaced the expansion tank cap? it could be a minor hiss that causes localised /overheating boiling as the system depresurises? ITs nice and cheap so worth a punt.  You may need to replace the entire tank, but other than time/effort its not too expensive.

[petergalileo]

Hey, you might have something there, I noticed a few times that it has leaked out water, often have a wet patch near the tyre.

Will try a new cap, would that also explain the miss fire when it gets warm ? (normal operating temp)

I have to admit, prior to it warming up it purrs.

Peter

[TEMPL4R]

Have you  had the thermostat changed? It should always be done when a Head Gasket fails, it could be the cause. The Freelander is notoriously difficult to bleed the system properly, try doing it again.