I recently posted the 'Using Coolant' thread and thank you all for your replies...unfortunately it now looks increasingly likely the dreaded head gasket is on its way at 31K with much looking after, all mods done to try and prevent this and an impeccable service history. I will get this sorted and thankfully I spent £500 on a 3 year RAC warranty when I purchased the car which appears to cover the head gasket. I was told by my independent LR chap and by others that there is now a new double layered gasket that is far more robust than the original...my LR chap said (as he crossed his fingures) that he hadn't seen one of these fail yet. I am trying to decide whether to keep post new gasket or to move it on for something more reliable...In 1 year of ownership I have had the ususual problem of the back window opening itself!...manifold failiure (fixed under warranty), blown radiator hoses, dodgy break light that sticks on and several other faults....Despite all this I do still just about love the car. What i can't take is the thought of the gasket going again at some point..If anyone else has had the new double layered gasket fitted and has any feedback...please let me no!!
I see a lot of people asking if they should or should not buy a Freelander (particularly the 1.8)....whatever you do make sure you get a decent warranty if you do decide to buy one...with this gasket I am already up by £700 odd pounds in 1 year despite me spending £500 for 3 years cover!

I have not seen the new gasket fail yet - but it has only been out for approximately a year. Perhaps too early to tell??

I did however, buy a Freelander for £550 with a HGF. I fixed over the summer with a replacement gasket. (updated type) 1500 miles on, seems ok, coolant clear and temp guage did not even budge after over 90 mins in stop start traffic.

If yours needs doing, insist on the new gasket and all should be ok.

Point to note - other manufacturers engines blow head gaskets too, so its not just Landies!!

Chap at work has a seicento and is on his third in 60K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I was recomended to use the Rover 75 gasket - not sure of pn - it might be on the V6 hgf thread - if not i will try and post here.

G13SJC said:

Point to note - other manufacturers engines blow head gaskets too, so its not just Landies!!

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a) I think it is now generally accepted that the 1.8K (and poss KV6) are prone to HGF.
b) bad luck hits everyone.
c) that doesn't mean it is acceptable.

all 1.8 head gaskets now supercede to the modified type, make sure new head bolts are fitted, there was a modified oil rail too but we never bother with them any more, just the gasket and bolts.

Things to check while the head is off.......make sure the cylider liners are level or slightly above the block face, if they're below the block, change the engine, make sure the head is flat and that there are no rings or pits on the sealing face where the cylinders liners meet the head, if the head is warped, pitted or ringed, the head should be replaced although you can get away with VERY light skimming

as of yet, i haven't seen the new type head gasket fail

clutchdust said:

as of yet, i haven't seen the new type head gasket fail

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Thats really good news.
It shows that things CAN be fixed!

Unless, of course, YOU know different?

clutch dust mentioned the oil rail/ladder ,just to expand on it ,this is recomended to be replaced as well sometimes as the head bolts could bottom out in it if the head had been skimmed,also ford found the lenght of the head bolts was not consistant(rover quality) hence again they could bottom out in the counter bored holes/threads

See also
http://forums.mg-rover.org/showthread.php?t=110090

if you want a lot of bed-time reading.