Just Dropped In

After being a guest at Landyzone ever since getting a freelander four years ago I have registered now. I have had all the usual petrol freelander problems, diff... rad ...head gasket... both drive shafts etc but had the delight of a cam belt failure a couple of weeks ago on the M5... I was delighted to hear that the garage who replaced the head last year didn't replace the cam belt although within 1000 miles of the service interval "as I didn't specifically instruct them" and of course I thought it was so obvious that I "didn't specifically instruct them". They did offer me scrap value for the car though, that was good of them...for a late 2000 vehicle.

So here I am smelling of oil, cold and wet having just got the head off... it now has about 16 less moving parts than it is supposed to have... and without the deep pockets needed to resolve this sort of traumatic damage... Are the pistons supposed to have those valve shaped dents in or is this a complete engine replacement?

I have followed other similar projects in the Landyzone and been impressed with the support given. I'm OK at the moment (well not desperate yet) but when I need counselling you'll see me again, and when I've resolved the freelander I'll be back for advice on buying a disco2.

Glad to join you and know you are out there with sympathy and some of the answers.

Ian in wet Weymouth.

welcome and sorry to hear of your misfortunes.

you are to be comended for the way you are moving forward with your probs.
The firm that provided this quality service also deserve to be mentioned, as any one needing any future work done to their vehicle, could be assured of the same attention to detail, highlevel kind of workmanship expected when you are about to part with your hard earned.

If I am correct in thinking that the marks you refer to regarding the pistons is not tong in cheek, I have no experience of flander components, though it can be usual for piston heads in other applications to have the resess you describe,
I rekon some valves miss and some dont, it can some times be luck of the draw as to where the valve train stops, with my experience anyway.
I'm sure if there had been a piston/ valve crash it would be obvious, though i'm sure some one else will know for definate.

good luck and keep takin the ginnis!!!

Well after abit more attention with a torch and a sense of humour or was it humiliation I think the pistons seem ok but the ultimate test has yet to come...

I found a well established and effective engineering company, 'KAR' engine services near barnstable who arranged collection and inspection of the head, which was undamaged and are replacing the bent valves for less than it would cost me to buy them... yes it was all 16!

They tell me it will be back by the weekend so pray for sunshine, clarity in the workshop manuals and no c**k ups... It's a sign of the times with a laptop and the manuals on dvd (don't you love ebay) under the bonnet in a plastic bag...