Freelander 1 Early Petrol(1.8) Freelander

Okay, gonna stir up a nest here.

Opinions and experiences of 1.8 Petrol Freelander please.

Having bought my daughter a TD4, my sister has 'expressed a desire' for a petrol Freelander. I know where there is a car available for a little money BUT know about K Series issues.(My sister does too after frying her Rover 213/I think that's what it was) after head gasket work done, then leaving the coolant tank lid off after checking the levels.

Positive and negative experiences welcome

The K1.8 can be made reliable, if it's rebuilt correctly, using a selection of correct parts for the job. A few members on here have K's that they have made perfectly reliable, even on a budget. @htr FL1 K series is modified and now does well over 30 Mpg, which is very impressive for a 1.5 Ton house brick!

Nodge68 said:

The K1.8 can be made reliable, if it's rebuilt correctly, using a selection of correct parts for the job. A few members on here have K's that they have made perfectly reliable, even on a budget. @htr FL1 K series is modified and now does well over 30 Mpg, which is very impressive for a 1.5 Ton house brick!

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Thanks that's a good start!!

Positive: cheap to buy, comfy to ride in, good view, quiet to ride in, not overly hungry one fuel, easy to work on, parts are inexpensive and seem to be plentiful,

Negative: HG failure is frequently mentioned, stiffened VCU can kill the IRD and possibly diff' too. applies to all FL1s = Sunroofs known to leak - the metal frame rots... Rear door seal can leak to - check that storage box in the luggage area, window lift motors can fail...

Things to consider: all tyres must match in brand, size and inflation, keep an eagle eye on coolant level! VCU stiffen with age/milage - the one wheel up test is and indicator 20 to 30 seconds = very good over a minute is concerning, 2 minutes+ replace VCU or run FWD until you can replace it.

You can see more about mine in the members section.

htr said:

Positive: cheap to buy, comfy to ride in, good view, quiet to ride in, not overly hungry one fuel, easy to work on, parts are inexpensive and seem to be plentiful,

Negative: HG failure is frequently mentioned, stiffened VCU can kill the IRD and possibly diff' too. applies to all FL1s = Sunroofs known to leak - the metal frame rots... Rear door seal can leak to - check that storage box in the luggage area, window lift motors can fail...

Things to consider: all tyres must match in brand, size and inflation, keep an eagle eye on coolant level! VCU stiffen with age/milage - the one wheel up test is and indicator 20 to 30 seconds = very good over a minute is concerning, 2 minutes+ replace VCU or run FWD until you can replace it.

You can see more about mine in the members section.

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Yep I now understand that the running gear has 'generic' issues across the mark. The VCU/IRD test is that best done using ones foot on a bar or is there a scientific way(did I see a video doing the test with a weight on the end?) The sunroof on my daughters car won't open(it tilts) but is there any info on fixing it. It doesn't leak ATM but I am not the 'bodge it' type and not a fan of silicone etc. Is there anyone supplying parts to fi this issue other than (LR?) finding a scrapper??

My other question is regards the two door version. Does that come with a hard top or was that an option(can't imagine it being given away by LR)
Maybe just answered my own question there? Looking around the engine bay of the Freelander I noticed some of the hoses are aging a bit and wonder if OE or some fancy silicone types are best cost and longevity wise?
Aye going slight off 1.8 specific questions there.

Many thanks once again.

one wheel up test - yes view that video here. 32mm socket on the rear hub nut, front wheel chocked, one rear wheel of the ground, HB off and g'box in neutral. Use a 1200mm long bar and a weight. I used a large plastic bottle and added water to adjust the weight [ 1litre of H2O = 1 kg]. You time it from 45º to horizontal .

Sunroof repair kits are available of eBay.

htr said:

one wheel up test - yes view that video here. 32mm socket on the rear hub nut, front wheel chocked, one rear wheel of the ground, HB off and g'box in neutral. Use a 1200mm long bar and a weight. I used a large plastic bottle and added water to adjust the weight [ 1litre of H2O = 1 kg]. You time it from 45º to horizontal .

Sunroof repair kits are available of eBay.

Click to expand...

Great many thanks and I should should thought of 'Fleabay' first. DOH!