The head has been significantly skimmmed, I very much doubt you'd get another one out of it. But, it was running OK previously and had one ML gasket swapped for another so compression ratio shouldn't have changed much during the gasket change.

OK, so it's been a while on this one, but I got some 'play time' at the weekend there! Head gasket replaced, new waterpump, all belts and timing belt tensioner, thermostat replaced and all back together with the help of a 'friend of a friend' who supposedly knows his way about an MGF and timed...

Well, I hoped to have pictures of all of this coming together, but the locksmith had the whole thing cut and fitted to the case for me within half an hour! Points to note were that the blade that came with the key was, as JRNORWAY's picture shows, much longer shoulder to shoulder than the...

Hmm... A bit of research suggests it's the main dealer only to resynch the Ecu and immobiliser. Is it worth calling out the RAC - guess they could at least read fault codes?

You can, but there's no real need to do so.

Right, had a play again today. I replaced the coil, rotor arm and distributor cap since all were looking a pretty grubby. No spark from coil to cap HT lead. Reset the cut-off switch on the bulkhead. Still no spark. Tried again with the old coil, nothing. Refitted the new coil, checked the low...

Interesting! There will be a continued demand for non-reluctor ring driveshafts as the intermediate models get scrapped then... I'd still reckon the driveshaft will be fine - as long as there's whatever the magnetic sensor requires to function there. Rather than the ring being the issue, it's...

How does the ABS 'sense' the wheels losing traction (or locking up) on an '04? My '00 certainly has the rings on the CV and the ABS sensor sitting directly above in the hub. In fact a broken ring was what was causing the three amigos that were showing when I bough it! I have, however, just...

The ABS ring is simply a (tight!) push fit onto the CV joint. It should come off without any hassle, but if you've not got ABS then I wouldn't go to the trouble - it shouldn't snag on anything. I'd guess that demand for non-ABS driveshaft has been minimal for years and therefore aftermarket ones...

Hadn't realised Mr Blair was a knight of the KKK...

The most important post in this thread...

Good info, thanks for the heads up.

So the alarm functions seem to be OK (never noticed the volumetric sensing before!) and the central locking is working fine. Should the immobiliser allow the engine to turn over but stop it from firing - or does it kill the starter too? Just trying to figure out if it's the immobiliser or...

Things are a bit slack this evening... https://www.landyzone.co.uk/land-rover/drop-link-compatibility.287102/

I think so, there was a thread relatively recently about it - I'm at work, so don't have the time to find the link at the moment. Wouldn't have thought it would make an enormous difference, but depending on the quality of the part and how many pot holes/ speed humps you hit those few mm could...

There are two different lengths of drop link out there (for early or later vehicles I think). Otherwise it would depend on the brand perhaps? I'm looking at changing mine - so have been doing a wee bit of research...

Should also probably say that the horn sounds if I try to lock with the bonnet or doors still open too, so it seems like alarm-wise at least everything's working.

I've been playing with my 1999 1.8 Freelander today and after recharging the battery have been unable to get it to start... The fob unlocks and locks the doors and the engine turns over on the key but isn't firing. I do get a strong whiff of petrol though! When I lock the car I get a quick flash...

Yup, bought two myself. Now the wait for them to arrive begins....

And did you cut up a 'proper' key to fit? That would certainly bypass any claims of weak metal from the locksmiths! They would probably be happier cutting and selling you one of their own too... Thanks for your advice.