Isuzu Trooper Owners Club UK™

the flower man · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 0:07 Post subject: the dreaded k series rover engine

hi all. i am about to attempt a top end rebuild on a rover 416 (n reg) . belt tenchener failed and valves have hit pistons we think but wont know untill i open her up. it is my mates car and i tryedd to perswade him not to get it but he went ahead anyway Rolling Eyes

done a few topends but never a 16v rover. as it is common for these to do head gaskets at about 60000 (my mates is on 62000) it my lengthern the life enough to sell it Very Happy

as this is common has anyone tackled a head on a k series that can shead light on any horrors that await me? thanks all

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dxmedia · Posted: Thu Mar 06, 2008 9:33 Post subject:

I'm pretty sure that they are interferance engines, so you'll be looking at about 14 new valves no doubt. Your best best is going to be a scrappers and a new head, have it skimmed to be on the safe side and a new gasket when you put it back together...
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madmike · ** Joined: 29 Nov 2007 Posts: 68 Location: Sheffield

Defo agree with you on that one Chris. relacement engine is only about £50 to £90. cheaper then wasting time rebuilding one. Very Happy

rangielover · **** Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 276 Location: West wales

probably the one youll buy is in the scrap because the head gasket has gone anyway

Philp · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 13:32 Post subject:

My understanding is they used a modified head gasket in the LR Freelander that largely got over the K series HG failure problem so that may be the way to go in terms of what gasket to use.
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96 or is it a 98 Isuzu Bighorn Lotus

dxmedia · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 14:36 Post subject:

I was on the understanding that the k series freelanders had headgaskets as service items now...?
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rangielover · **** Joined: 17 Jul 2006 Posts: 276 Location: West wales

yes, my mates garage will not warantee a k series headgasket job

the flower man · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 13:58 Post subject:

thanks all that was very helpfull, a service item Shocked

your pulling my leg, er..........full service please. yep that will be a grand Laughing

dxmedia · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 20:52 Post subject:

Peej · Posted: Sun Mar 16, 2008 21:53 Post subject:

It's actually not a bad little engine, just underdeveloped. The problem being is it's very marginal on it's cooling, and has little tolerance to over heating. The head gaskets and head locating dowels, which were originally plastic have been modified. Lotus used the engine and developed an improved head gasket as did Land Rover. It did have it's problems and as with many things mud sticks. We have had 2 high milers with out any problems, though admittedly some one else did, and because of the scare stories,we picked up decent 98 motor for £50 and that's only because I felt guilty taking it for nothing! Laughing

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