TORQUE KEY SET!

Speaking to a fellow member of my club a few years ago, he told me that he had a BIG problem arise when he tried to fit a new head gasket to an MGF, which is the same engine as a Freelander.

The head bolts are very long and tie the main bearing carrier to the head.
His bearing carrier apparently slipped while he was doing the job and resulted in an engine out job. He was considering selling the car "as is" because it was such a problem.
Has anyone actually removed the head on a Freelander? Is there a way you can hold the bearing carrier in place?
Is my memory failing and this is a load of Bull?
regards Philip A

Having checked out the site posted by GarryCol, I would be seriously looking at the possibile alternative engines to replace the stock one.
Obviously it would cost a fair bit more than a simple head repair or replacement,but, it seems that job on a freelander is not simple,and if it only lasts 80Kklm not worth the effort.

G'day All,
I love that soi many have replyed! U all have given me so much stuff to think about.
I'm thinkin it might be worth while to just replace the engine.If I do,with all experience ya's have how much ya reckon I could pick up a new engine, compared to a second hand engine.(what do ya's think of second hand engines?)

Thanks Erin [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img] [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/biggrin.gif[/img]

Hi Erin
We have had 2 engine failures in our Mitsi Trytoo diesel,each time I got a secondhand import motor,the first it turned out was a con,they had built it from peoples "hand in exchanges" but this later one is pretty good.
Look into getting a motor from a low K wreck,or even check out damage vehicle auctions,you may find a written off freelander at a reasonable price,wreck it and the parts you sell may help pay for the replacement of the motor.
Goodluck
Andrew

Quote:

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Originally posted by Andyc626
G'day All,
I'm thinkin it might be worth while to just replace the engine.If I do,with all experience ya's have how much ya reckon I could pick up a new engine, compared to a second hand engine.(what do ya's think of second hand engines?)Thanks Erin :D :D

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Erin

I believe 'new engines' from Landrover are about $5000 but I have heard of them being up to $8,000. HOWEVER, I don't believe these are actually new and are 'remanufactured' from warranty claim engines. These 'new' engines still have the problem though and have as much chance failing as you fixing your head will.

TR spares in Lonsdale SA have second hand engines at about $3,500.

I think I would be absolutely sure you want to go the engine replacement route as it will not necessarily be a better solution. I have had a look at the w/s manual and it seems relatively straight forward to remove the head as long as precautions are taken to ensure the cylinder liners don't move. It will not cost anything to get the engine to this stage (if you have someone to do it) - then you can make decisions on whether to proceed with repair or replace the head or ditch the engine completely and put another one in. If you are intent on changing the engine, you have nothing to loose in having a go at the head anyway.

There are just as many MGTFs and Lotus Elises (has the same engine) in Newcastle as there are 1.8 Freelanders so the local MG car Club might be able to point you in the direction of a mechanic who is familar with the 1.8 K engine.

Also while a number of cars have had this problem, there are heaps on the road that haven't and are still running. If it were me I would have a go at repairing the head - unless you have been advised otherwise the odds are it has just done a head gasket. Though there could be a warped head. If it works and and you maintain the cooling system properly you may not have any further problems. If when the head is off and all looks bad then by all means consider another engine - what have you got to loose.

Good luck

Garry

Hi Erin,

Have you managed to get a copy of the RAVE CD workshop manuals for your Freeleander yet? If not, PM me and I'll see what I can arrange - no charge.

Reading about what's involved in a head replacement from the proper manuals might help in your decision making.

[img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/smile.gif[/img] Thanks, I havn't been able to pick up RAVE CD yet!
I really HOPE to just replace the head,but after reading other's coments I'm a bit worryed! :?

Erin.

G'day All,
I Finally got the head off my freelander!
The problem has been valve 1 & 2 are bent,the pistons are fine.
I guess I'm glad with that because i was expecting a lot more!!
There were no problems with getting the head off(other than getting the right sized torx socket set). I have my Dad and a friend who is a mechanic who are confident they can replace them.

Wish me luck!
Thanks to all who replyed.

Erin :wink: 8)

Great news Erin. Hope the rest of the job goes well and you're back on the road (or even better, the dirt!) soon.