Looking under the bonnet the thermostat is fitted where you mention so looks like it's been modded already or was fitted as standard ('02 reg standard maybe). But i'll look into the mod from land rover to make sure it is the one. Thanks.

Ok thanks for that. The thermostat was replaced anyway so if it's defective it's in the skip somewhere now. Don't think i'll drill a hole anyway, thermostat is there for a reason i guess. And the engine didn't overheat, the vehicle jolted like an american gangland car with hydraulic...

Hi, just joined here although i have been reading posts here for the last few months. Just had the dreaded HGF on the petrol 1.8 although caught it in time before it caked the engine with gunk and everything else so just a quick gasket change, oil dump and clean from the garage, and saved...