Freelander- if i get the headgasket done do you think my car will be ok, how much to fix it about?

Answer 1

I'm assuming you have a petrol-engined Freelander, with the 1.8-litre K-series, as these tend to have head-gasket problems. The L-series and TD4 diesels tend to be a lot more relaible.

Provided the failure was just the head gasket, the engine had not overheated or lost all its coolant, and the cylinder liners have not moved or distorted, then it should be possible to replace the head gasket and get a decent life out of it.

However, make sure that when the head is replace, the garage use new "through-bolts". This is critical with the K-series engine - the bolts are designed to be used only once, and must be replaced if removed, or they will not be able to apply the correct tension to hold the engine together properly.

Answer 2

It depends on the engine. If it's the 1.8 , 2.0 petrol k-series engine, they are pretty straight forward and relatively cheap, (most backstreet places would charge 200-300 pounds. I'm unsure about the other engines, but would guess around 400 pounds. The car will be fine assuming it is replaced by a competent mechanic. Please ensure the newer type headgasket is used if you get it done. The cheapest way would be to find a self-employed/local mobile mechanic to do the job. My mate does the same for mg's and rovers. You can save a lot of money that way. Hope this helps.

Answer 3

Once a car has had a head gasket fail they do have a habit of repeating time and time again. Also repair is not cheap. Although the gasket is probably no more than £25 the labour charge envolved with regards to removing the cars cylinder head and machining the face of the head is often well in to the hundreds. I would get it fixed and sell the car on.

Answer 4

Once the head gasket has gone on the K series engine it will never be 100% right. The problem is with the head itself as the metal is too soft. Once it's overheated it becomes even softer. If you were thinking about changing car anyway get it fixed and trade it in.

Answer 5

If it's done properly your car will be fine, PROVIDED THAT, it is ONLY the head gasket that has gone. Valve stems could be bent, Welsh plugs could have blown, the head could be badly distorted etc. Borrow the relevant workshop manual from your library, or buy one 2ndhand, then read up on what is involved. You could save costs by doing much of the work yourself following instructions in the manual. Usually, it is important to have the head `skimmed' by a professional machine shop.

Answer 6

as the problem with the freelander was the original gasget material itself after a new good quality gasget is fitted you should not have any other probs cost will be around £600

Answer 7

if your car is worth it then ok go ahead and spend any where between $ 600 - $ 1,000 if your car is not worth the work then donate it and get another car . Problem solved....