Thread: 2002 Freelander 5 Door - Lemon or not.

Hi George,
The important question here is did you buy a Td4 or the V6 ?

If Td4, then that is perfect.
If V6, it's still a good car but the coolant needs to be spot on. Whatever happens, don't let it overheat.

If it's the 1.8 4 cyl petrol, otherwise known as the 'K' series engine, then I'm afraid to say that they are prone to head gasket failure.

The K series engine comes in a variety of capacities and is widely used in many cars including the Freelander, Rover 200 series, The MGF and Caterham sports cars amongst others.

There is a new composite gasket available with special bonded fire rings that apparently alleviates the problem. There was an article about this in LRO magazine (UK mag) a while ago.

Jon

Originally Posted by Scouse

Hi George,
The important question here is did you buy a Td4 or the V6 ?

If Td4, then that is perfect.
If V6, it's still a good car but the coolant needs to be spot on. Whatever happens, don't let it overheat.

g'day Scott,

Thanks for the info.

****e, I purchased the V6. It does seem to use coolant, what is that all about. I think it may have a small radiator leak on the top left hand corner inside the bonnet. Need to take it back to Southern to have it looked at (under warranty). I smell the coolant when I activate the air mixture (inside/outside air flow) button. I also smell the coolant when I park in the carport.


Regards

Originally Posted by D3Jon

If it's the 1.8 4 cyl petrol, otherwise known as the 'K' series engine, then I'm afraid to say that they are prone to head gasket failure.

The K series engine comes in a variety of capacities and is widely used in many cars including the Freelander, Rover 200 series, The MGF and Caterham sports cars amongst others.

There is a new composite gasket available with special bonded fire rings that apparently alleviates the problem. There was an article about this in LRO magazine (UK mag) a while ago.

Jon

Thanks for the info Jon,


I have the 2.5 V6. It really should have been at least a 3.5 (if there is such a motor). Though, I don't find the 2.5 sluggish, it cruisers very nicely at 110ks per hour, and can over take without any effort.


Regards

The coolant smell sounds like it's the heater core. It's not an unknown problem but I wouldn't say it's a common problem. Get it sorted ASAP though. If the engine gets too hot, you can do irreversible damage to it.

There are a mulitude of coolant hoses & pipes too. Have it pressure tested & determine the exact leak point. Hopefully you will find one. Start worrying if you don't find where the coolant is going as it could mean an internal leak in the engine somewhere.

Originally Posted by Scouse

The coolant smell sounds like it's the heater core. It's not an unknown problem but I wouldn't say it's a common problem. Get it sorted ASAP though. If the engine gets too hot, you can do irreversible damage to it.

There are a mulitude of coolant hoses & pipes too. Have it pressure tested & determine the exact leak point. Hopefully you will find one. Start worrying if you don't find where the coolant is going as it could mean an internal leak in the engine somewhere.

Thanks for the info. I'll mention that to Southern Land Rover (Cannington WA), and get things sorted. I have heard about the heater core problem.
Booked it in for a pressure test, hopefully it's not an internal engine problem.


Regards

While you are having your cooling system pressure tested, also get them to test for hydrocarbons in the cooling system. This will give you an indication as to any potential internal engine problems. If it were my car I would be having these tests done at a radiator shop, independent of the workshop at the dealers where you bought tha vehicle from. Land Rover dealers know the potential problems and the expense involved in rectifying them...They may want to go for a "quick fix"...

Ask them to also check for traces of "Bars Leak", "Silver Bullet" etc in the cooling system.

Two of my work colleagues have purchased V6 Freelanders in the last few months. I have advised both to take them to a very respected Land Rover mechanic in the area for a once over. Both chose to ignore this advice. One has just collected his back from the shop after a $10,000 engine overhaul and the others is starting to lose water at a rate of knots.....

I purchased a 1.8L Freelander over 2 years ago. I researched the vehicle and its potential problems prior to purchase and was prepared to risk it. Carried out all the advised modifications including new head gasket, steel head dowels, new belts (including timing belt) relocated the the thermostat etc etc. Did all the work myself. Have now had two years of worry free motoring and the Freelander runs like a dream.

Don't be a victim. Heed this advice, get your car back in the shop and start asking questions....

I have a 2002 V6 and aside from problems induced by bad fuel and dodgy aftermarket bits I haven't struck any real problems (that have bitten me that is).

Coolant is a concern, you should pay close attention to all of the coolant plumbing.
The standard (plastic) expansion bottle appears to have a leak-free life measured in weeks. Even fitting a brand new unit they craze/crack and start to vent slightly after a very short time. You can often smell coolant on hot days.
The plastic hoses that find there way across the engine bay are suspect (had one failure through rubbing on a fixture on mine).
Twice I have had what appears to be a rapid loss off perhaps 1L of coolant (empty expansion bottle), both after extended idling and low speed work in 4WD conditions on hot days. Have never located where the water went, can only guess it has evaporated out via the cracks in the expansion bottle.

Otherwise my Freebie has been a top lightweight 4be.