Head Gasket Problem

John M · Jan 11, 2008

My Freelander 1.8 (2000 Reg) has just joined the numerous band of HG failures (oil contaminated coolant in this case).

Is it worth trying the addition of HG sealing additives (Like Steel Seal) first rather than the more expensive Gasket replacement option?
If so what type of replacement Coolant should I use? There was yellow stuff in the vehicle when I bought it but I have been topping up with the "normal" blue type (not sure if that might have reacted with the gasket/seal and caused the leak)!

Finally is there a replacement Head Gasket that is better than the standard type as there would appear to be a large number of post replacement failures.

Northern Irelander · Jan 11, 2008

No the additives are only a temp fix, get the car home type thing.
Your k series should be the blue green type coolant unless it has the yellow colour around the cap stating OAT coolant which orange/pink. So long as you dont mix them.
There is a coolant on the market that changes colour when hgf occurs, cant remember the colour change.
The new LR MLS gasket is the way to go.

richardn · Jan 11, 2008

My 99 is leaking water ( a drip) below the exhaust manifold, is this HGF or is there something else leaking

No bubbles in the coolant, no oil/water contamination

Pikey · Jan 11, 2008

richardn said:
My 99 is leaking water ( a drip) below the exhaust manifold, is this HGF or is there something else leaking

No bubbles in the coolant, no oil/water contamination

If yer sure it coming from below the manifold and isn't condensation dripping off the bonnet. Then I suggest a phonecall to your bank manager

richardn · Jan 11, 2008

How many hours work is the headgasket

Northern Irelander · Jan 11, 2008

richardn - yes they can go there, you will need to get the coolant system pressure checked when hot, should be 0.9-1.2 bar.
If it is hgf at the periphery of the gasket, it is known as low fat hgf, no mayo in the oil or coolant. It is the easiest hgf to clean up after. Around 6 hours for a garage that knows what they are doing, parts around £150 including new timing belt. Expect to pay £300-500 back street garages, anything up to £1500 at the dealers. You could do it yourself in a weekend.
The only other possibility is a leaky exhaust manifold causing water vapour loss.
Can you get a pic of that area?

G13SJC · Jan 12, 2008

richardn said:
My 99 is leaking water ( a drip) below the exhaust manifold, is this HGF or is there something else leaking

No bubbles in the coolant, no oil/water contamination

Could be the coolant elbow - my paper gasket was weepings, so I undid and resealed with Hermetitie red. 16K on and running fine with no leak

Head Gasket Problem

John M

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Northern Irelander

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richardn

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Pikey

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richardn

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Northern Irelander

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G13SJC

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