Morning all!

It has been a while since I've posted on this site! Right back to business...several weeks back, the head gasket blew on my Freelander 1.8 GS - bang on the day before its MOT was due! :doh: So I had the "whole shooting match" done - i.e. New Head Gasket set, bolts, timing belt & tensioner, oil & filter, coolant and Cylinder head (due to "head is beyond skim allowance").

All was good and well when I got the Freebie back but the following day when I was travelling to Hereford via the B4224, the engine started to make "squealing" noises every time you put your foot down to climb slopes and hills. There's no loss of power when she does this but when the road is level or decending down on hills, she's quite content.

I've checked the engine oil levels and all seems to be good apart from fat waterish effect on the dipstick (which I'm not sure if that's okay or not since I'm another "damm amateur"! ). Plus I've checked the coolant tank and it's still full.

I am considering sending the Freebie back to the garage again but if it's a simple matter to resolve, please reply pronto!

Cheers

Sap

PS. You can add me to your "Poor Sorrows of Freelander 1.8 Head Gasket failure" statistical list!

could be an air leak between filter and manifold, could be loose alternator belt having settled in.

I am worried by the fat waterish deposit on dipstick as it suggests water in the oil! Head gasket is classic cause BUT is nay be residual stuff after the work - get a compression test and head checked out.

Start with the simple stuff first and check the alternator drive belt, they need to be tight on the K series or they will squeal. Chances are the residue on the dipstick is just remains after the HGF but given this and the squealing, take it back to the garage and get them to investigate.

Thanks for the replies, I've taken a look at the alternator belt and it seems tight and showing no wear. I've also started the engine and I can see that the end of the camshaft for the exhaust valves (I think!) spinning around with oil leaking slightly from it.

I'll defo get the Freebie booked back in but god help me tomorrow when I have haul 4 fat cattle to market in the morning!