Thread: Freelander 1 Dilemma

Originally Posted by Rocket

No luck with warranty.

What is the mechanic saying caused the bent valves?
It maybe something you should bring up with the MTA or equivalent in your state.

Originally Posted by Rocket

Hi all,

July 2009 - Bought a second hand 2003 Freelander 1 V6 petrol. (did not do homework on it)
Dec 2009 - Replaced thermostat - big $
Jan 2010 - Cooked it (leaking coolant reservoir) - Recon motor - Bigger $ and waited until April for return of car.
Feb 2012 - Timing belt kit - big $
Mar 2012 - Running rough - mechanic resets gearbox
Last week - Breaks down - sound like bolts in a blender - towed to mechanic
Yesterday - Mechanic says don't bother fixing - wrecker will give me $200 for it
Today - Mechanic says 4 x bent rear valves and cam needed - $1300

Do I fix it and sell immediately or scavenge parts to sell separate?

Regards Rod.

If the motor was reconditioned, would that not include new timing belts??? I'm puzzled as to why the T-belts are replaced so soon after a recon motor was put into the vehicle!!!

Oh, I probably should have mentioned that I have 2004 fL1 kv6 auto. Not looking too good based on your experiences... Thanks for comment. Is it still going ok generally?

@Ausfree - My local mechanic would not touch it without having the pump and belts done. He did not have the capabilities to do them.

Feels like it takes off in 4th or 5th gear and over-revs (like a slipping clutch) with the Jatco 5, very low on power. I tried shifting into sport and it goes when 2nd is selected. Like it is only slipping in first gear. This only happens intermittently, making it more difficult for a mechanic to diagnose. No lights on dash or error codes when connected to the magic box.

I do not want to rebuild the gearbox. Just make it run well (and safe) enough to sell now.

It seems my only exit from this car is to fix the gearbox as it is impossible to sell as it is.

Can anyone recomment a reputable repairer reasonably local (near Sutherland, Sydney) who is familiar with Jatco 5 and can rebuild this or better still solve the mystery without the need to rebuild?

Rod. (no emoticons required)