Landrover Freelander

[paul10june]

My 10myear old Freelander is losing water - presumably into the engine as the oil is emulsified.

Is this terminal?

I am told its likely to be a head gasket - �500 to repair! Could it be anything else?

Thanks

Paul

[LCDMAN]

Sorry but sounds like the head gasket without doubt. Yes it is terminal. It is a very well documented and common fault on the 1.8 petrol Freelander. Cost is more about time/labour than parts and it requires the whole top of the engine stripping to change!!

[paul10june]

I would love to say thank you! I was told it would be �500 just to do the gasket, and if there was any pitting, then the engine would have to be replaced as you can't grind any pitting out?

If I do just put a gasket on, will it last more than a few months?

Paul

[TWR]

Hi Paul, Ist job, check all your hoses for leaks, if that is OK, flush out the cooling system there may be a restriction in the water flow, if all that has been done, get the system pressure tested, the test will indicate a loss in pressure within the system by doing the listed Items will be eradicated, In some cases its as quick to replace the engine with a 2nd unit in time & money when you come to weigh up labour per hour, gaskets,head skimmed, + various other componants, the Price you quoted is (In my own view cheap) If you get this done by the person hat quoted you get a warrantee before paying out, Just a tip, whilst the head is off replace the belts.

[paul10june]

thanks - it seems not good. The car can only be worth �1500 - I am tempted to scrap the thing. Its only done 50000 miles - such a waste.

[TWR]

Hi Paul, dont jump in the deep end as yet, look around for an exchage unit, look at GOOGLE for UK Scrap yards or your local area, other than that put it on EBay to try & recoupr some of your cash but if you do, make sure you tell the byer otherwise it will backfire. Good Luck.

[paul10june]

I think I will eBay it - making it ckear the head gasket has failed. Cheers

[rnchugg]

Hi sorry to hear all your problems the freelander has had engine problems. If you do ebay it please can you let me know. I have a friend with a write off but a good engine. Thanks

[paul10june]

Message for RNChugg

Hi - if you want to contact me direct re the Freelander, my email is [email protected]

The car is actually in decent condition for being 10 years old - it has been maintained very well - my wife has every invoice and service record!! It is MOT'd till 30 June I think, and has 4 new tyres, a new exhaust.

It has (had!) 62000 genuine miles and is taxed till 31/10/09

I will put it on eBay shortly but on the basis that I can withdraw it from sale at any time should your friend want it.

I live in South Cumbria near Kendal.

The car is still driving, but needs regular water.

Paul