Head bolt re-torque

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I agree with you in as much as I believe the K series was poorly designed, poorly executed and poorly built. The design concept of the cooling system is abysmal, as is several other components on this vehicle, such as the drive train. It is designed in such a fashion that if it fails, then the outcome is catastrophic. By the time the driver realises they may have a cooling problem, it is usually too late :(. how many times have we seen threads like " but the gauge didnt move off normal" or " there is no oil in the coolant".
Couple that with a belief that "its a landrover - they are designed to run in deserts on old camel ****, repaired with a screwdriver & a hammer, arent they?" and the likely "yummy mummy" school run, comprising of short runs dont help the vehicle. That's ignoring Landrover build quality.

I also agree that "bolting on some uprated parts is only part of the cure", but no-one can accuse the OP of doing that. It is a well researched subject and an EWP is designed (amongst other things) to help alleviate thermal hot spots and cavitation. A well documented design flaw of these engines. I think most peeps would also agree that, in this case, it wasnt just a case of "bolting on" parts either.
As JM has alluded to, sometimes it is impossible to discover the cause of HGF and with these temperamental engines that is more likely than most.

The K series was very well designed but it was badly built. Manufacturing cost cutting was the cause of that. I agree that most of the Freelander's components have a bit of "that will do" attitude which is a shame because it's actually a very good vehicle. The cost cutting is clearly evident in the way they were sort of nailed together. I do think the 1.8 is'nt the ideal engine for the Freelander but it's what in there so we are stuck with it. It is possible to make them last but it's a lot of work. The cooling system was designed to give the engine a very stable operating temp which is does. Sadly there is an unforeseen temperature spike and dip as the stat opens which is'nt so good. The PRT removes this to a degree but still is'nt the complete answer. I believe a proper top hose stat would cure many temperature related failures.
By bolt on mods I was referring to the official upgrades not the the ewp that Will has been brave enough to try.
 
The K series was very well designed but it was badly built. Manufacturing cost cutting was the cause of that. I agree that most of the Freelander's components have a bit of "that will do" attitude which is a shame because it's actually a very good vehicle. The cost cutting is clearly evident in the way they were sort of nailed together. I do think the 1.8 is'nt the ideal engine for the Freelander but it's what in there so we are stuck with it. It is possible to make them last but it's a lot of work. The cooling system was designed to give the engine a very stable operating temp which is does. Sadly there is an unforeseen temperature spike and dip as the stat opens which is'nt so good. The PRT removes this to a degree but still is'nt the complete answer. I believe a proper top hose stat would cure many temperature related failures.
By bolt on mods I was referring to the official upgrades not the the ewp that Will has been brave enough to try.

tbh Nodge the k-series was great when designed to be 1.1 litres.

they pushed the envelope without too much redesign for the 1.8 variant.
 
well designed - heat soak/ cavitation susceptibility and a cooling control system that monitors return temperature, rather than engine coolant temperature. Then choose a high operating temperature. :eek:

if thats good design, then Ik ben een hollander
 
well designed - heat soak/ cavitation susceptibility and a cooling control system that monitors return temperature, rather than engine coolant temperature. Then choose a high operating temperature. :eek:

if thats good design, then Ik ben een hollander

welkom op het forum mr gek hoed man :D
 
well designed - heat soak/ cavitation susceptibility and a cooling control system that monitors return temperature, rather than engine coolant temperature. Then choose a high operating temperature

if thats good design, then Ik ben een hollander

Heat soak is'nt any worse then any engine of this type. Cavitation is difficult to prove tbh. The stat on the return is common these days. The high coolant temp is there to help keep the engine Euro 3 compliant so we have Brussels to blame for that one ;) Although I do agree it's way to high giving no safety margin at all.
 
heat soak is'nt any worse then any engine of this type. Cavitation is difficult to prove tbh. The stat on the return is common these days. The high coolant temp is there to help keep the engine euro 3 compliant so we have brussels to blame for that one ;) although i do agree it's way to high giving no safety margin at all.
+1:)
 
I believe it was a mistake to stretch that original 1.1~1.4 litre size 'envelope' to the 1.8 capacity. It worked, but it was the size too far and thus, generally regarded as the one most likely to suffer with the "They all do that" scenario which they don't of course. Just maybe a size step too far. Had those bean counters allowed a simple scale up of original design with correspondingly more meat in the block and head, it could have been a much better outcome. Rather than (over?) stretching that small engine. It is very small, even in its 1.8 form.

just saying "Heat soak is'nt any worse then any engine of this type." is like saying my disco dont rust any more than other Discos. It dont mean its good, or even acceptable.

As for cavitation, it has been discussed at some length and accepted by others, more knowledgeable than I.
 
My Dad had a Rover 416 - went like the clappers for a 1.6. Cant swear to it but I think it said Honda on the cam covers! was this the same engine as our 1.8's?
 
My Dad had a Rover 416 - went like the clappers for a 1.6. Cant swear to it but I think it said Honda on the cam covers! was this the same engine as our 1.8's?

No it used a Honda engine and gearbox ;) good engine too, they are virtually unbreakable!!
 
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