robint

Well-Known Member
anyone done it diy !
hwo hard a job is it not mine just enquireing as been asked to see whats involved
thanking you
forgot to add 1.8 petrol model
 
same as any head job, just need the cam locking tool. New bolts and make sure latest Hg and steel dowels
 
you have to be a bit flexible when you want to line up the marks on the crank pulley, visibility is an issue, need to fix the cams on their positions when timing, and don't turn the crank when the head bolts are loose, don't drop the head bolts into their positions on reassembly and be very thorough bleeding the coolant before start up. other than that just like any other head removal.
 
I have done a HG on an MGF which has the same engine (but a VVC in this case) and it was straightforward enough even with the restricted access of the mid engined layout so if you have a good selection of tools and a manual give it ago.
 
The best possible advice is take the engine apart on the timing marks

Because you should not move the bottom end with the head off

On the timing marks all 4 pistons are halfway down the bores, meaning you cannot make valve contact

which is vital because you will need to turn the camshafts to allow the headbolts to come out, yes really!

good luck, this is really a nice little job

very simple engine to work on now technology has moved on!
 
Hi Robint,
I done this twice now on my '98 Rover 400 K series - second time it was a head change - but that's another story.
Check out this link - Head Gasket Repair for a Rover K16 (1.8 K-series) engine, with V.V.C. - BRITISH CAR ENTHUSIASTS - News and Technical Articles - it has some good pic's of what to expect (worst case) and there are other articles on the site giving help if you find other problems.
The FL K1.8 is the same base engine with a few modifications.
Have a go, if you are methodical and careful you should have no problems.
 

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