Unfortunately it is true, the Freelander 1.8 petrol is prone to head gasket failure. In fact, this is a common issue for all cars that use the Rover K series engine. Why?
The original head gasket fitted to the Freelander 1.8 petrol model was a single layer gasket that proved a bit too flimsy for the job in hand – unfortunately they usually blow by about 75,000 miles. Since then a modified multi layer head gasket has been developed which is much more robust, and you should insist on one of these being used for any head gasket change as it protects the head cylinder from cracking and damage if the head gasket blows.
However this does not answer the question as to why the head gasket fails. The engine block and cylinder head are aluminum. Oil and water (with coolant) flow through channels here and if they lose their viscosity then it causes the engine to run at a higher temperature than normal, which puts pressure on the head gasket and can cause it to blow.
There are four main reasons why a head gasket blows:
1. Insufficient water;
2. Deterioration of antifreeze efficiency;
3. Deterioration of oil;
4. Failure of the thermostat.
Looking at each of these in turn will help us to understand what to look out for as warning signs and what we can do to avoid a head gasket failure.
1. Insufficient Water
Insufficient water in the system can be cause by a number of things:
a. Not topping up the water as general maintenance;
b. A leak from the water pump (which will be seen as water leaking from the front drivers side of the engine);
c. A leak in one or more of the coolant system hoses;
d. Water reservoir bottle pressurising, causing water to leak from the cap;
e. A deteriorated head gasket allowing water to leak into the oil. If this happens you will see a creamy mix of oil and water in the oil tank and/or possibly some sludge in the water reservoir bottle.
Although you cannot avoid all of these causes, making sure that you check the water bottle regularly, preferably every week, will give you an indication of whether your Freelander is using more water than normal. If it is – STOP DRIVING IT UNTIL YOU HAVE IT CHECKED OUT BY A PROFESSIONAL. Continuing to drive your Freelander when it is losing excessive water could cause a lot more damage than is necessary.
2. Deterioration of Antifreeze Efficiency
The Land Rover Freelander uses a red antifreeze. Models up to June 2000 use antifreeze to specification BS 6580 and BS 5117 which is ethylene-glycol based with non-phosphate corrosion inhibitors, containing no methanol. The mixture should be 50% by volume. Models from 2000 onwards use ethylene-glycol based antifreeze, containing no methanol with only Organic Acid Technology (OAT) corrosion inhibitors.
It is important that you use only the recommended antifreeze in your Freelander, and always top up with an antifreeze mix and not plain water. Make sure that you renew the antifreeze every 36,000 miles.
3. Deterioration of Oil
As the oil in your Freelander gets older it thickens and picks up dirt. This means that it does not circulate in the system in the same way as fresh oil and can cause the temperature to rise, hence blowing the head gasket.
Make sure that you check your oil levels regularly, preferably every week, and that you have the engine oil replaced at every 12,000 mile service.
4. Failure of the thermostat
This is the most difficult fault to preempt. If the thermostat fails the temperature of the engine will increase and hence cause the head gasket to blow. A sign of a failed thermostat is the fan not cutting in – however this could also be a sign of other faults and may not be the thermostat.
Hence, in order to have the best chance of avoiding a head gasket blow on your Freelander you should:
(i) Have a routine change of the head gasket to a modified multi-layer gasket by 75,000 miles – this will be much cheaper than sorting it out after it has blown.
(ii) Check your water level weekly and note any unusually high usage or oil residue in the water reservoir.
(iii) Always use the recommended antifreeze in with the water and top up the water reservoir when required.
(iv) Check your oil level weekly and watch for any mixing of water with the oil.
(v) Have your oil changed at every 12,000 mile service.
(vi) Keep an eye on your temperature gauge and note if it is running hotter than normal (it should generally sit around the half way mark when the engine has heated up).
It is paramount to STOP DRIVING your Freelander if it is:
– overheating;
– losing an abnormal amount of water;
– mixing oil and water.
If you continue to drive your Freelander you run the risk of cracking the head cylinder or damaging the cylinder block liners – which will mean that on top of the cost of replacing the head gasket you will also have to buy a new cylinder head!
Morning
I have a 2004 (40,400 miles) Freelander 1.8 petrol that the headgsket has gone on.
I am consdering getting ir sorted. What do you reckon?
Thanks
David
Morning David,
That is amazingly low mileage and they are such great vehicles, I would say it is definitely worth doing.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780 9575 421
Hello ;
i would like to know the best engine oil for my freelander 2.5l v6.
i am from Uganda. will be greatful
Hi Lawrence,
Use a 10W/40 oil meeting specification ACEA A2 or A3. You are best to use a good brand such as Castrol or Texaco.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
hello sue,
my freelander v6 does not pick up speed beyond 40kph when am ascending a fairly steep ground however much i depress the accelerator pedal. This is a recent development. Can it be tuned or there is something faulty?
i hear about this multi layered head gasket. is there anyone who can describe it for me; the color , the …….
my freelander is at 27000 miles and the last time i replaced the thermostat the mechanic showed me the head gasket and it looked Greenish-like. is this the multi layered gasket??? mine is a v6 petrol freelander 2003
Hi Lawrence,
The modified multi layer head gasket is related to the 1.8 petrol Freelander. Although the V6 is also multi layer (the colour will depend on the make) the primary issue with the V6 Freelander is the thermostat housing. The thermostat is situated in the V of the engine, the hottest part, but the housing is plastic, and hence is prone to cracking. If the thermostat housing cracks and the loss of coolant is not noticed then it tends to lead to head gasket failure. Hence, with the V6 Freelander, the most important thing is to make sure your thermostat housing is in good condition. On the V6 model there is no need to change the head gasket if it has not blown.
All the best,
Sue
i have a land rover freelander v6 petrol. lately i noticed leakage of coolant under the driver’s side of the engine. when am driving i smell coolant inside the car. the car consumes more coolant than fuel. please help me identify the problem and suggest solutions coz i love my car so much. i remember it overheat twice upon which i was advised to replace the coolant reservoir coz the old one had cracks around the neck which i did. the overhaeting stopped but now coolant is going at a faster rate than normal. al so advise on whether i need a thermostart in this tropical climate where temperature is constant throughout the year. i am writing from Uganda. thank you.
Hi Lawrence,
Yes, you do need a thermostat, it is an important part of the cooling system and the outside temperature is not a consideration.
The leak could be from the thermostat housing (in the V of the engine) or the water pump – so check these two places for a leak. You should be using the red coolant which will leave a pink residue helping you to identify whether there has been a leak there.
All the best,
Sue
Is there a component that can be installed to help turn on the fans faster than the programmed timing. land rover freelander v6 petrol.
Hi Lawrence,
If the engine is running correctly you should not need to increase the speed of the fans. You are better to focus on finding the leak and sort that out – it will always overheat if you have a leak in the system.
Are you using the red coolant? If not then it is strongly advised that you switch to this (one with Organic Acid Technology (OAT). This will also help you to identify where the leak is as it will leave a pink residue. Check for any leak on the thermostat housing, which sits in the V of the engine; and the water pump.
All the best,
Sue
HELLO SUE I HAVE A 2002 FREELANDER 2.5 V6 THAT HAS OIL IN COOLANT SYSTEM, I WAS WONDERING IF A BAD HEAD GASKET CAN DO THIS ON THESE VEHICLES? OR SHOULD I REPLACE THE OIL COOLERS FIRST?
Hello Jose,
It is possible that it could be the oil coolers rather than the head gasket so it could be worth changing these first.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
i allready open and fit nice way of freelander v6 petroll sound is nice and evrything goin well but today near capsil head just drop out oil slowly any idia plz
Hi Lili,
Did you use the correct torques for the cylinder head?
All the best,
Sue
my freelander 2002 have a great problem, the engine oil is mixed with Coolant and the oil turn into àshe colour please help me! The oil will flow back to the coolant Check your tranny oil cooler these go bad a lot, you will get a light brown oil deposits in your coolant bottle and coolant will go into your tranny making the oil turn pink. What should l do pleas e help me
Hi Victor,
We are sorry to hear about the problems with your Freelander – does it have the 1.8 petrol engine, the 2.0 diesel engine or the 2.5 V6 petrol engine?
If you are getting coolant mixing with the engine oil it is likely to be a head gasket issue if it is the 1.8 petrol model or the 2.5 V6 petrol engine. If it is the V6 petrol engine it is possible you have a leak from the oil cooler so it is worth checking this.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
How do o get the original top gasket for freelander v6
Hello Akinyemi,
We can supply a genuine Land Rover original head gasket (this is just one head gasket, not a head gasket kit) for £22.24 + VAT and shipping each.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Have a 2005)1.8 freelander and temp gauge goes from 1/2.to red then straight back down to half lost a bit of water doesn’t seem to be over heating what could this be
Hi Mark,
Do you have a sensor coming out of the header tank? If you do, try disconnecting it and see what happens.
All the best,
Sue
i need a full head gasket kit
Hi Lawrence,
No problem, we can supply you with a head gasket kit. Which engine does your Freelander have? What year is it?
If it is a 1.8 petrol model then a full head gasket kit, including bolts is £90.05 including VAT but excluding shipping. Where would you want it shipped to?
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
its a land rover freelander v6 petrol 2.5l
2002-2003 not very sure
Hi Lawrence,
Yes, the most important thing with your Freelander V6 petrol 2.5 litre is the thermostat – if you do get head gasket failure it is so often the result of a leaking thermostat rather than a failure of the head gasket itself.
All the best,
Sue
we already replace the oil cooler and the engine has a poor performance and starts misfirering when it gets hot…
Hi All
I have a 51 registered 1.8 Petrol Freelander 1 that has over the last few weeks been emptying the water coolant bottle for no reason.
I only noticed this when the hot air option would only blow out cold air??
When i fill the bottle it stays full and can see no sign of leakage around engine or under engine?? Then 2 days later its emty again.
All the time the engine temp gauge never goes above medium??!?!
Hi Keith,
It is not unusual to see no signs of leakage when a Freelander looses coolant, this is because if it is loosing it whilst the engine is up to temperature it will be evaporating. If you are using the red coolant (which we strongly recommend you do) then you may see pink traces of coolant at the point where it has been leaking. Particularly check around the coolant reservoir (you could leave the Freelander idling for a while and see if the coolant starts coming out from the header tank), also check the water pump (which is situated with the timing belt under the cover on the right hand side of the engine. If you cannot find where it is being lost from you should have a pressure test done on the cooling system.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
My 2005 NAS Freelander KV6 is losing both oil and coolant but they are not mixing. The oil loss is astounding (one quart every 500 miles), while the coolant loss is less noticeable. Recently, I replaced my coolant tank (leaking via the seam), and the coolant loss greatly decelerated. About once every 5-10 startups, there is a blueish, cloud of smoke from the exhaust. Valves have a small clicking sound, not much. The head gasket was replaced before I had gotten it but I’m sure the mechanic didn’t know what he was doing, and I suspect he reused the head bolts. This is a KV6 that runs nicely at high RPMs with good power. Could the head gasket be bad such that it is gradually failing or allowing oil to burn in the cylinders? What else could it be?
Hi John,
Given the blue smoke the oil loss is likely to be an issue with either the piston rings or the valve stem seals.
It sounds as though the coolant loss is a different issue. The main places to check are the thermostat housing, in the V of the engine, and the water pump. Are you using the red coolant? If so then you should be able to see a pink residue around any area where a leak is occurring.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
2005 TDI Diesel Land Rover
What can the cause be that the oil to go the radiator reservoir?
Need help….
Hi Gost,
On the TD4 engine this is most likely a leak from the engine oil cooler or, if it is automatic, it could be from the gearbox oil cooler.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
How do u know dat d head cylinder of yr Freelander has problem
If it is a head gasket issue you will normally get the mic=xing of oil in the coolant or coolant in the oil. If, when you remove the cylinder head, you are trying to see if there is an issue, you need to take it to a machining shop who will pressure test the head for you. If the pressure test is okay then they need to skim the head to ensure it is flat. If damage have been done to any of the components they would normally be able to replace these. Having the pressure test and skim by a good machine shop is crucial, this should happen every time the cylinder head is removed.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
How long will leave freelancer rover engine to cool down before changing its gasket
Hello Engr,
You need to leave it until the engine and fluids are cool enough to handle. The cooling time will depend how far and hard the engine has been worked prior to stopping.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
i have a v6 freelander 2004 model,and recently i notice a creamy thick substance in my coolant tank and before nowve been having issues with my plug coils,pls help whats de problem.
Hello Jephthah,
Unfortunately if you have a thick creamy substance in your coolant tank this is almost certainly a sign of a blown head gasket.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
i have a td4 freelander serengetie 03 plate auto. i have just drove 50 miles aprox and dropped my friend off, when i came out to start the car it just had a hissy fit and revved and revved even with the key out. left it to settle and i reversed about 10 yards n the engine just stopped then wouldnt start. i have parked it up over night but does anyone have any ideas why this would happen pls x
Hi Christine,
This sounds like your turbo had gone I’m afraid.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
hi I have a 1.8 petrol freelander x reg when revving engine I get white smoke from exhaust,No milky residue on oil filler cap,dipstick, coolant level drops ever so slightly around every two weeks.Service history states head gasket done around 5000 miles ago doesn’t state wether this was uprated one or not. any help much appreciated thanks in advance.
Hi Ray,
Does the white smoke smell of oil or of nothing, i.e. just vapour?
If it smells of oil it could be the piston rings or a valve stem seal.
If it smalls of nothing then this can be the sign of water seeping into the cylinders, perhaps through a cracked liner.
Be aware, you can just get some vapour burning off from normal water deposits, particularly if you do a lot of short journeys – so don’t go down a major repair route unless you are sure it is not just normal evapouration.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi, i have a freelander 1.8 petrol, 51 plate. The problem is it is misfiring/kangarooing and loosing power when engine is warm, i dont have to have the engine running for very long before it starts doing this, it sometimes revs high and low when i have my foot on the pedal (im keeping my foot still on the pedal, not reving it up and down), i have changed the crankshaft position sensor as this was coming up on the tester machine (sorry not sure what they are called) as being the fault but its still the same, i have been told to try changing the camshaft position sensor but when i have read on the net about a failed camshaft position sensor it says your engine will cut out and not start until it has cooled down……my freelander isnt cutting out so not conviced it is the camshaft position sensor……..i would be so greatful if someone could give me an idea of what else it could be….thanks
Hi Christine,
The issues which could cause these symptoms are:
– a faulty idle control valve (stepper motor);
– a sticking throttle body;
– a faulty potentiometer on the throttle body;
– a blockage in the wire mesh inside the fuel cannister in the fuel tank.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Oil inside the throttle body, why?
Hi Aime,
Which engine does your Freelander have? There tends to be oil in the throttle body, particularly with the V6 model, although it should not be excessive.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
And also there is no grime on water or oil cap and bottom radiator pip is not warming up when driving but does after a while if car is just ticking over
Hi Gary,
Given you are getting white smoke from the exhaust the worry would be that coolant is getting into the cylinders from the cooling system, which could indicate sunk or cracked liners. Do you have any hairline cracks around the neck of the coolant reservoir? The simple things to try would be changing the coolant reservoir cap (and tank if it has hairline cracks) and the thermostat, however the presence of the white smoke is very worrying and indicates a far larger problem.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi I have a y reg petrol 1.8 freelander the problem is after driving around 10 miles it overheats but gage stays in middle bit fans start lift bonnet and water is bubbling like a kettle out out the cap and over flow pipe and white smoke out of exhaust that smells of nothing and hand gets wet like its steam help plz
Sue,
I have 1999/2000 model of Freelander, 2.5ltrs, V6, petrol engine. Last year Oct, I had my engine overhauled, everything was fine, until March when a Plastic T-pipe on one of the water hoses got broken, while in traffic! I changed the T-Pipe, but noticed that I was always topping water at every 2 or 3 km drive, so I had a mechanic change my Cylinder head gaskets, after that, my engine now revs when idle on 1,500rpm and while driving it, I also noticed that the temperature gauge is always on half now as compared to it rising slowly from the Cool Position, soon after the engine was overhauled. It also consumes more fuel now. Please advise me on what to do
Hi Leslie,
It sounds as though you either you have a vacuum pipe leak or the inlet manifold / throttle body was not installed correctly and the accelerator cable is getting stuck and not returning to the idle position.
Try these and please let us know how you get on.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi Sue, thanks for the response! i have check all the Vacuum pipes and they seem to be all in good shape, also my throttle returns very well! maybe like you said the accelerator cable is gradually going bad. but Here is the latest development, Yesterday on my way home from work, while in traffic, my Temperature gauge all of a sudden rises to red, i killed the engine, checked the water level, and to my greatest surprise, the water reservoir was still filled up, not bubbling & not even hot, but a 5 secs drive and the Gauge is hitting red. what could be the problem now! i am lost at this juncture
Hi Leslie,
Thank you for your telephone call this morning. If you can test if the bottom radiator hose is getting warm once the engine has warmed up, and if the the coolant in the header tank is expanding when the engine is running at arouns 2500 rpm or is sitting fairly stationary, then get back to us, we should be in a better position to help.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
I have a v6 2000 model with 44k on the clock, the service history finished at 17k but there was a recent basic service done. Could you tell me what should be looked at and also there is a problem in that it revs to 4000rpm now and again which is uncontrolled and I notice that the temp gauge drops to cold when this happens even though the heater is pumping hottest air?
Hi Mark,
Apologies for the delay in responding.
The most important thing you need to do is change the timing belt – this should be done every 72,000 miles or 6 years whichever comes soonest. Also make sure the coolant and brake fluid have been changed, along with the automatic gearbox oil.
The issue with the revs sounds a bit like an electrical fault, possibly with the coolant temperature sensor or the associated wiring.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Thanks Sue, I’ll get that checked out, do you know if there is a manual available? Haynes font do one.
Hi Mark,
Unfortunately I do not know of a manual which is available for the V6 – if Haynes don’t want to tackle it!!!
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
hey guys i have a 1.8L freelander bought it 3 months ago drove fine went away a few weeks ago no temp rise nothing big ball of smoke out the rear and stopped towed it home started pulling it down and replaced head and all gasket around the general area stated it no oil coming up ok replace oil pick up line as it melted replace injection manifold as is was pissing water replace timing belt due to original was auto timing new 1 is manual replace oil pump and water pump still having issues ok so i replace dissy cap plugs and button thermostat and houing and hoses attached to that cealed unit….
ok now have car running yay
new issue have water leaking for what appears to be the the rear center motor check all hoeses all fine no cracks ect…. so im thinking that its coming from my FREELANDER TRANSFER BOX IRD COOLING PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER……… can not see where leave is have looked have had mechanic look they have no idea can any 1 help plz
Hello Odinvanderzee,
It is a possibility that it is coming from the IRD cooling place, the best way to check this is to do a coolant pressure test. If the wrong coolant or plain water has been used for a significant amount of time (red coolant should be used) then it has a detrimental effect on the cooling system and could cause the cooling plate to decay. If you are using red coolant you may be able to identify where the leak is coming from by the pink residue left behind.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
thanks sue will have a look at it today did not no about the colant when i got it it only had water in it and been taht it is leaking out i have put water in it to might pull and block the idr pipe and see if that fixes issue
I bought a FreeLander 2002 petrol a month ago and now I notice that sometimes when driving slowly, it just stops and would not start until after a while then every thing will seem fine again. what will be the possible problem
Hi Emmerson,
It sounds like an issue with dirt in the fuel canister. The fuel canister is in the fuel tank located under the rear drivers seat. Remove the canister and clean the mesh filter inside it – hopefully this will cure your problem.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Many thanks Sue,
I will take a look today, never tried to open the engine cover before…
Hi, i was wondering if you could give me some advice. I have a freelander xei 1.8 petrol, in the last 8 months ive have new timing belt, 16 valves done, new startermotor and new battery, waterpump also a new clutch and service. 3 oil and fliter changes, but the oil keeps turning to sludge! And mechanic cannot understand why it keeps doing this. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thankyou
Hi Lorna,
Have you had the cylinder head gasket replaced?
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi, Sue,
I have a 2002 V6 petrol Freelander Coupe, with less than 40k miles, I checked the engine oil (both the dipstick and the cap) no sign of oil & coolant mixture, coolant leaking at crazy speed, have to refill before every ride, visible leaking from under the driver side, no wet carpet. after ride for about 30 min, fans kick in, but the engine temperature gauge always in the middle (is the gauge failed?) what might be the problem?
Thank you!
Dave
Hi Dave,
Take off the engine cover and see if there is any sign of coolant in the V of the engine. If there is your problem is going to be a cracked thermostat housing. If this is not the issue check for leaks from the water pump or the coolant pipes.
The temperature gauge on the Freelanders is not very sensitive, they only tend to move from the half way point when it has severely overheated, so this is not a good indicator of a problem.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi Sue, just checked,it is all pinky in the engine V, so I guess th next step should be geting a new thermostat fitted. I heard it is not a simple job, need to remove engine cover/intake manifold, and most likely needs to change the gasket of the intake manifold also… live on a Caribbean island, don’t know any qualified mechanician here, I will try to do it by myself…
Hi Dave,
Yes, you are right on the procedure. If you have any problems give us a shout. Remove the inlet manifold then remove the plenum with the injectors on (if you can).
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi, just parked my 2.5 v6, 2001 freelander at the supermarket and turned off the key. The fan was going full bore and a whole lot of green fluid was pouring out from under the car. Decided to drive home which was just around the corner, but had to stop because the car was making a terrible scraping sound and more fluid was pouring out. My husband turned up to have alook and the water coolant bottle was bubbling away and pouring out yellow/ brownish gunk. We only bought this car 3 weeks ago privately and the owner said that he had repaired the coolant – perhaps not. What could this be? Thanks, jim and Renee
Hi Jim & Renee,
Unfortunately it sounds as though you have either a head gasket issue (since it is pouring out yellow/brownish gunk which sounds like it is mixing oil and water) or an issue with the flow of coolant around the system. The coolant you are using is the wrong type for this engine, you should always use red coolant in these engines.
Where are you located? We are in Norfolk IP26 4RH if you would like us to sort it out for you.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
My 2002 freelander se over heat once it is stationary in traffic and the water tends to dry up at alarming rate but when the car is in motion it dosent overheat,i am writing from Nigeria.I am advice to replace the engine with a toyota camry engine.Please i need advise
Hi Tammy,
I assume your Freelander is a 1.8 petrol.
Check the coolant reservoir for cracks around the neck of the bottle. If cracks exist shange both the reservoir bottle and cap, otherwise change just the cap. Use genuine Land Rover parts if possible as the aftermarket caps and bottles are not very good.
Check the thermostat is operating correctly, a faulty thermostat could cause these issues. If you have the repositioned thermostat fitted at the front of the engine make sure the thermostat housing at the rear of the engine is fitted with a blanking kit and does not have a thermostat in it.
If you were going to fit a different engine you would need to change the ECU, black box etc. too – it is more complex than just switching the engines.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
I have water leakeage under the motor but don’t know from but if drive with in half hour over heats
Hi Anna,
Which engine does your Freelander have, the 1.8 petrol, the 2.5 V6 petrol or the 2.0 diesel? What year is it? What mileage has it done?
Which colour coolant are you using?
When it overheats are you getting any steam from under the bonnet?
Does it lose water all the time, only when you drive it or only when it is stationary?
How much water is it losing and how often?
Sorry for the barrage of questions, if we can get a better understanding of what is happening we will be in a better position to help.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
DONE AS YOU SAID FIXED IT !!! O MY GOD THANK YOU !!!!!!
That is excellent news, so pleased you have fixed it.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Oil
oil disapearing after little use
bought a freelander last week 1999 from a garage altho they staited all the checks have been done and they said it was ok,checked our self oil and water every thing fine altho when checking them a week later the oil level was bone dry ? no sighs of oil leeks no smoke all looks fine hardy done any miles in it since got it,and also water tempreture gage stays at the start of the rangeand dosnt move till sat it traffic and rises fast .and dont know if fans are working ,water gage stays the same level no leeks also >no mixing of oil and water ????????????????????????????please help me im scared to drive it as i dont want to nacker the engin many thanks sarah x
Hi Sarah,
Sorry to hear you are having problems with your Freelander so soon. Is it a petrol Freelander or a diesel Freelander?
When you checked the oil was the engine cold? If the engine was warm it is possible you would not see the oil there as it would not have settled back into the sump.
If there is a leak the likely places are the rocker cover gasket or the camshaft seals, which would not be obvious when you looked at the engine. Try removing the cover where the cambelt is located to see if there are signs of a leak there. Also try removing the undercover and splash guard to see if there are any signs of a leak there.
The overheating could be caused by a number of things. It is worth checking the thermostat, as a faulty thermostat would cause it to overheat in traffic, also check if the fans are working. When it overheats is the coolant in the header tank bubbling and overflowing?
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
I have a Freelander 1.8 petrol and the speed of 100 kmh I throw out the antifreeze in the expansion tank at rain cap …… mention that the head gaskets were changed, as well as the expansion tank and the cap…help
Hi Tony,
This is liable to be either a faulty thermostat or a blockage in the cooling system.
All the best,
Sue
+44 780 9575 421
I check my oil and Water levels Every morning,one day as I started my freelander,I. Noticed something like steam Splash,which later. Stoped and. Thereafter I noticed. A sticky milky stuff on the water Tank. Cover and inside the water reservoir,what Could be The cause?,the temprature does not rise above normal
Hi Ikenna,
Unfortunately this definitely sounds like your head gasket has blown. I assume your Freelander is a 1.8 petrol model. If the head gasket has not been replaced previously then it would blow at some point. Have this changed for the modified multi layer head gasket and you should not have the problem again.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Have a 2006 TD4 Freelander the updated version. I have just bought it with a 3 month warranty,and need to sort this smell. When I use the heater I get the smell of anti-freeze. Carpets are dry,little water needed in the bottle.The garage pressure tested, changed the pollen filter.No obvious leaks.under the bonnet.Is it the matrix,or a tiny leak somewhere? Thanks Baz
Hi Baz,
Unfortunately this does sound like the heater matrix. A problem with the heater matrix does not always cause the carpet to be damp.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
My 2000 freelander, 2 litre diesel L engine, constantly empties the water header tank. A single short trip causes high pressure in the cooling system, then when the car is parked the header tank empties. There is no obvious leaks, my landrover main dealer has changed the thermostat, pipes, header tank and cap, there is no sign of water Iin the oil or oil in the water and no white smoke from the exhaust. The only sign of leakage is where the water is blowing out of the header tank.
COULD THE PROBLEM BE THE HEAD GASKET?
The engine has done around 193, 000 miles.
Hi William,
Given you have replaced the header tank and cap it is possible it could be the head gasket, whereby exhaust fumes are mixing with the coolant, hence causing coolant to blow out of the header tank; or it could be a cracked cylinder head.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi Gang, I’ve a 2004 1.8 Freelander 94000 miles, only had it for a few months and I’m really pleased with it, I’ve changed the timing belt and water pump (some service history but no record of belt change) but my problem is a whine from the front near side, but only when accelerating. I was worried that it may be viscous coupling so I’ve removed prop shaft until my mechanic gets a new one. If you take your foot off the gas, no whine, give it some gas, whine. Checked all oil levels, engine, gearbox (got it changed at L.R. dealer) and IRD unit. My mechanic says I’m worrying abut nothing, what do you think? Cheers, Peter
Hi Peter,
This sounds as though it could be a bearing in the gearbox, or the thrust bearing for the clutch.
All the best
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi! I’m having trouble with the cooling system on a 2001 Freelander 1.8 petrol.. The bottom pipe that joins the bottom of the radiator to the thermostat is not heating as the other cooling pipes do. Does this mean that the thermostat is faulty or can it be that there’s air in the cooling system? If so, how do i bleed the air and what is the recommend coolant for this engine?
Regards!
Did you ever solve this problem as i am having the same with my k series at the moment
What is yours doing Jamie?
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
hi there i got a freelander 1.8 2000 it done 97.000 i check the oil and water there no creamy around the oil cap or stick the water coolant is abit well its not clear but theres no history with this car when the casket been done but car drives well
Hi Kelvin,
If the coolant is not clear it could be as well to do a coolant flush to clean out the system then refill with coolant (only use the red coolant with OAT, never use green or blue coolant). This way you will be able to tell easily in the future if the coolant is being contaminated rather than just old and dirty.
If you have no history of the head gasket being changed just continue to keep a close eye on the condition of the coolant and oil, and if you get any signs of a problem get it seen to as soon as possible to ensure no excessive damage is done.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
I have a 2004 TD4 HSE. I am having problems with diesel getting into my sump. The Turbo has been tested and the PCV has been changed with the BMW PCV. Please advise where the diesel is able to enter the sump? If oil is drained and changed, the car drives fine for 2 to 3 days and then oil level rises again. This will lead to a run away diesel.
Hi Tony,
Unfortunately it sounds as though you have a cracked cylinder head, that is the normal cause of this type of problem.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
why is my V6 always hard to start when cold, once it reach’s operating temp its great cold its awful, 2000 model, cheers Fred
Hi Fred,
This is not a common problem with the V6’s, check the battery there may be something which is draining it. Otherwise your best bet would be to put it on diagnostics to find the fault.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
how can i maintain freelander to remain in good condition
Hi Benjamin,
You can check out our article at http://www.freelanderspecialist.com/freelander-service/top-7-tips-for-looking-after-your-land-rover-freelander, which gives the top tips for looking after your Freelander.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
2002 K-series Freelander 100K. Headgasket done at 98K.Temp gauge sits in the middle exactly where it should, and never moves ‘upwards’.. Fan does kick in if car idles for long; heater works well, if a little slow to get to higher temps.
However, losing coolant but damp carpet suggests heater matrix compromised. I have the modified thermostat (white freestanding plastic ‘cup’ with 3 pipes coming off it?) but my issue is the bottom rad hose does not get hot… is this normal? The top hose gets red hot.
Thank you,
Ez
Hi Ez,
No, this is not normal. Your bottom radiator hose should get warm, not as hot as the top one but it should be warm. It sounds as though you have a blockage or air lock – most likely an airlock due to the leaking heater matrix.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Thank you, will book it in with my local garage. Thanks for the pointers. Jane
Thanks for your response, I did put it on a diagnostic and it has registered p0017 which the engineers tells me is a thermostat sensor, although there are two and it needs further investigation. When the engine reaches temperature the needle settles happily in the middle and stops swinging, only happens when it’s started from cold. Can you point me in the direction of which sensor, and is it user replaceable or garage only to fit
🙂
Hi Jane,
The code P0017 is in relation to Crankshaft Position – Camshaft Position Correlation. This generally would indicate a problem with either the crank shaft or the camshaft position sensor.
The temperature gauge gets its information from the coolant temperature sensor via the ECU. Hence if it is flicking about it could be a problem with the coolant temperature sensor which is located on the front side of the cylinder head. Not an easy thing to replace for a novice, but can be tackled by a DIY mechanic.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
I have a 1.8 freelander it had a second modified head gasket replaced in the summer 5000 miles have passed checked the levels last week & found condensation which looked a bit creamy inside the oil filler cap also I have been getting an oily burning smell coming into the cabin which seems to be coming from the engine. Is the gasket on its way out again ??
Hi Darren,
Unfortunately this does sound as though it could be the head gasket again, especially if the oil cap is looking creamy.
Do you have any dampness in the passenger footwell inside the car? If you do then you would have a leak from the heater matrix which could be the cause of the head gasket going again. It really is the key, to find out what has made it blow again so soon, to ensure that it does not happen again.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
I have a Freelander TD4 2005 which is displaying the engine management light intermittently (more regularly in the last day or two though), then yesterday and today the temperature gauge is erratically swinging from cold to overheat and back again, remained on the red light for a couple of minutes today. Then it settled down to the middle and was fine.
Any ideas would be gratefully received.
Oh, yes, it drives fine too.
Thanks
Jane
Hi Jane,
Sorry to hear you are having problems with your Freelander.
It is possible that the problem here is related to the thermostat, however the best thing would be to put it on diagnostics to determine exactly where the problem is coming from.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Recently my 2002 Freelander 2.0 has had what I believe are temperature issues. Although I am not seeing a temperature rise on the dash, it has problems starting in very hot temperatures after it has been running for a while, when I try to turn it over its like it just hasnt got enough grunt to start it. Once it cools down (10 mins), it starts fine.
Today was a particularly hot day and it cut out whilst driving and wouldn’t start for 10 minutes.
The last owner had to have a new engine installed a few years ago as he lost water and blew the engine so I assume I have a new head gasket. I was suffering from loss of coolant but this seems to be a lot better now and I keep it topped up, I use a green one though so need to check this as you recommend a red one?
Sometimes when I have parked the car and turned off, a few minutes later the fan comes on (and its quite loud) and runs for a few minutes,
Where do I start with this or is it just because I live in such a hot climate?
Is it the thermometer not cutting in quick enough?
What else can I do? Any suggestions or help greatly appreciated!
Hi Daniel,
My apologies for the delay in responding.
This sounds like a fuelling problem. You should start by checking that the high pressure pump is not leaking. Also check that the low pressure fuel pump is priming.
It would be a good idea to have it plugged into diagnostics which will help to determine where the issue is.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
We have a diesel freelander TD4 2003 which we have purchased recently.
It starts well in the morning with the heater plugs but later on in the day is difficult to start. It also sounds like it is misfiring, yesterday on the way home the engine amber warning light came on. Can you give us any idea what the problem could be.
Hi Denise,
Sorry to hear you are having problems with you Freelander. It sounds as though it could be your low pressure fuel pump, your fuel (common rail) pressure switch or one or more of your injectors. Putting it on diagnostics would identify which of these it is.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi Fran14,
Did you replace the cap at the same time as the reservoir bottle?
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Thanks sue, yes the smoke is under the bonnet. The water reservoir did have a crack so we have replaced it, yet it is still bubbling and smoking. White smoke appears when we really rev the car but not so much when driving it normally. Thanks for your help.
Hi I have a freelander 2.5 v6 and recently the water level has been bubbling up until it starts smoking and there is some white smoke from the exhaust. There is no sign of oil and water mixing. Is this the head gasket?
Thanks.
Hi Fran14,
I assume the smoking is generally from under the bonnet. Do you still get the white smoke from the exhaust after your Freelander has heated up to normal running temperature?
It sounds as though you are pulling air in from somewhere. Check around the neck of your water reservoir bottle, these can often get hairline cracks which draw in some air. If it has hairline cracks then get that and the cap replaced. If there are no cracks it can be worth trying to replace the cap, as these can sometimes loose their seal, and it doesn’t cost much to give it a try.
If the reservoir bottle is not a problem then you need to check the rest of the cooling system for any signs of air being drawn in, it can just be a pin prick on one of the pipes so is not always an easy find I’m afraid.
Also worth checking is that your bottom radiator hose is getting hot. If it is not then you probably have a blockage in the system, particularly in the small pipes.
It does not sound as though it is the head gasket, however if there is too much white smoke from the exhaust it would raise concerns about the cylinder liners.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hello, about a year I bought a 2002 Freelander with 110,000 mi that was loosing water, I pinpointed it to the thermostat so I replaced it /along with a new water pump connecter tube & orings. It seemed to do the trick so about a week later I took it to a quick lube shop to do a radiator vacuum flush (why didn’t I just go to the land rover repair shop, that’s coming too) Just shortly after having it flushed (no idea if they used red) it started over-heating again. When I pulled a hose I had brownish sludge in the coolant system (very thick). It’s been sitting about a year now and I was think of selling it as scrap because even the land rover repair shop basically said it would cost more then it was worth.
From reading the posts it looks like it may be a radiator/trans cooler problem (engine oil good and no loss). I would really like to get it going again, but everyone seems to be afraid to touch this for some reason.
I really don’t trust the land rover dealer for 2 reasons, When we got it we asked them how much to change all of the fluids as a pre-caution and they said not to change the trans fluid unless we knew for sure it was done every 70,000 mi or the vehicle may not start again (they said drive it till it dies), I was flabbergasted. Then because it was loosing water we ask how much that would cost to fix, they told us $2700 to start but they couldn’t give a firm estimate until they got into it.
Anyway, long way to the point.
I was wondering for future knowledge, could a vacuum flush or the use of green fluid have caused this or just fluke bad luck?
Thanks, Dan
Hi Dan,
It does not sound as though you have had much luck with your Freelander. I am assuming it is the 2.5 litre V6 model.
With regard to the oil sludge this could very well be one of the oil coolers leaking into the water system. There are two oil coolers, one for the engine oil and one for the gearbox, if you are not losing engine oil then it is likely that it is the gearbox oil cooler which is leaking.
Using anything other than the red coolant in these Freelanders is not good, the other coolants do not protect the engine sufficiently enough from rust, so make sure you always operate with red coolant.
Hope this helps.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
ok thanks a lot sue:)
hi i own a 1.8 gs 2001 freelander and havnt noticed a fan comin on,altho i havnt drove it nuch as im in the middle of doin my driving test,Does it come on after a while??also its done 127,000 miles with no record of head gasket probs.Shud i be worried??
Hi Dave,
It can be difficult to tell if the fans are working whilst driving. If you want to check them to make sure then start up your Freelander and leave it idling. You could have to wait quite some time, maybe 30 mins or more, but once it has reached operating temperature if you just sit and wait you will see the fans come on and then go off again. This way you will know they are definitely working, and the thermostat is operating correctly.
With regard to your head gasket, it would be unusual for it to have got to 127,000 miles on the original head gasket, so it is likely it has been changed. Keep at least a weekly check on your oil and water levels and if you find it using more than usual (and you will get an idea of what is usual if you check it regularly) then get it checked out. Make sure you only use the red coolant.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
If freelanders head gaskets go on all freelanders
Then I think landrover should pay to put it wright
In stead of trying to make money off us all
Hi Darren,
It is just the 1.8 models that suffer from the head gasket issues, and yes, I agree with you.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
I have had my freelander for 5 months now. It is a V reg 1.8 petrol engine. It has been absolutely perfect until yesterday when the temperature gauge when right up into the red. Checked under the bonnet and no water in the cooler bottle. Took it to garage this morning and guess what!! Head gasket has gone and needs replacing for a small fee of £700 to put it right. I am so fed up right now!!!!
Hi Julie,
Sorry to hear your head gasket has gone, you must be fed up. Make sure the garage is going to replace it with a modified multi layer steel head gasket and that the head is both skimmed and pressure tested.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
My Freelander 2003 has just had its head skimmed, new liners and pistons, water pump and thermostat replaced but when running at temperture the bottom hose from the thermostat is cold, although the temp reading is normal on the gauge is there any chance of this still overheating
thanks
Hi John,
When are you checking the bottom hose? Has the Freelander idled for about 30 minutes until the fans have cut in? If it has and the hose is still cold then it could be a number of things:
1. You may have a blockage in the cooling system.
2. One of the hoses may be taking air into the system.
3. It has been known for the modified thermostat which is at the front of the engine to be replaced and also the original thermostat at the rear of the engine to be replaced with an actual thermostat rather than the blanking kit. If the Freelander has two thermostats this will cause a problem.
If this hose is staying cold then the water is not circulating and it will cause a problem with the engine, so it is something you need to have sorted urgently.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi,my 1.8 petrol freelander has been losing lots of water with no signs of external leaks (about 1 litre per 5 mile journey). I have taken it to my local garage who have carried out a pressure test, but can find no leaks. Is this something you have come across before? Thanks
Hi Dan,
If you are using red coolant (which you should always only use the red coolant in a Freelander) you should be able to spot a leak by traces of red around the area.
The places you should check are the heater matrix, a leak here will be evident in the passenger footwell inside the Freelander, do you feel any dampness there? Also check the water pump, as this can be prone to leaks, open up the cam belt covers and see if you can see any streaks of coolant down the side of the engine. Also check the breather pipe of the IRD unit / transfer box as the water could be leaking into the IRD / transfer box.
Are you getting any white smoke from the exhaust? If so it could be that one of your cylinder liners is cracked – the crack would only open up when the engine is hot, hence you would not be losing the water whilst the Freelander is parked.
If you have no luck locating the leak after looking in these places please do get back to us and we will think again.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi, I have a 2002 1.8 petrol freelander, it’s only done 52000 miles, I noticed a oil/watery leak, took it to the garage they said it was the head gasket (which had already been replaced before I got it by landrover by goodwill according to the service history) the gasket has now been replaced but it is still leaking water, the garage don’t know what to do with it and have even mentioned scrapping it!!!! Eeeek!!! They said it sounds and runs fine but cannot establish where the water is coming from, they have changed the gasket incase the new one was faulty they tell me!!
Any help will be much appreciated, to scrap a car worth £3000 for this seems ridiculous xx thanks x
Hi Helen,
Sorry to hear you are having so many problems with your Freelander.
When the garage said it was the head gasket was there any oil in the water or water in the oil?
You say the garage cannot establish where the water is coming from, is there a particular area in the engine where it appears to be from (i.e. front, rear, drivers side, passengers side)?
Did the garage change the water pump and thermostat when they replaced the head gasket? Did they check the heater matrix (do you have any signs of dampness in the passenger footwell inside the car)?
If you can let us know the answers to these questions we will help as much as we can – it certainly sounds drastic to scrap the Freelander because of a water leak.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hey,
sorry for repeat, 2108:1:2004 type B – is it good enough. Also bought new coolant bs 6580, but hope old one suits.
Hey,
good article.
I have coolant which suits with my freelander 98 1.8 petrol – bs 6580 but it is green not red ? is it ok or should I be worried ?
thank you
Hi Martin,
For a Freelander up to June 2000 (which includes your Freelander) a coolant to specification BS 6580 AND BS 5117 is suitable, so provided your BS 6580 is also to BS 5117 then it will be fine.
With regard to 2108:1:2004 type B unfortunately I am not sure. The coolant needs to be Ethylene-glycol based (which as far as I can see this seems to be) with non-phosphate corrosion inhibitors (which this seems to have corrosion inhibitors, but I cannot seem to find out if they are non-phosphate), and containing no methanol (which again, I don’t know if this does or not). Unless you speak to the manufacturers to determine these facts I would not recommend using this one.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
thanks sue very much for ur candid advice.you are a star.
wants to buy a freelander to export to nigeria for my holiday use could pls advice me which type i should go for .thanks
Hi Richard,
Good to hear you are looking for a Freelander. In the Freelander 1 models there are four different engines, the 1.8 petrol engine, the 2.5 V6 petrol engine, the 2.0 L-series diesel engine (fron 1997 to 2001) and the 2.0 TD4 diesel engine (2001 – 2006).
One thing common to all of the models is the issue of the drive train. Unfortunately the service schedule for Freelanders does not state that the viscous coupling unit (VCU) on the drive train needs replacing about every 70,000 miles to avoid damage to the rest of the drive train. Hence many people do not change this part in a timely manner. So, whichever Freelander you purchase, if it has done about 70,000 miles or more you should make sure the VCU has been changed, or get it replaced before exporting it.
Each of the different engines gives different benefits and issues.
The 1.8 petrol engine is fuel efficient and easier to work on if the specialist garages are not available in your area of Nigeria. The issue they tend to have is with regard to the head gasket. All Freelander 1.8’s were manufactured with a single layer head gasket. This will blow usually by about 70,000 miles. If the head gasket on a Freelander you are considering purchasing has not already blown it is worth getting it replaced with the modified multi layer head gasket before exporting it (it is cheaper to do this before it blows rather than waiting for it to go). If the head gasket has already been replaced check that a multi layer head gasket has been used and then you should not have further problems, otherwise treat is as though the head gasket has not been done.
The 2.5 V6 model is a very complex engine. It has great power – can really put a smile on your face – and is fantastic for towing. However, if there is not a specialist garage in Nigeria to service and repair this model then I would not recommend it, as it is far more complex than the 1.8.
The 2.0 L-series model – these are the older diesel Freelanders – is generally fantastic. They are very reliable, we get less of these in for repair than any other model; it is very fuel efficient, and for a diesel mechanic it should not cause a problem. It has less sensors and electronics on it than the other models, and hence you don’t get the same headaches in finding parts and requiring specialist diagnostic equipment. It does sound much more like a diesel than the TD4 Freelander, a little more tractor like, but it is a good solid model.
The 2.0 TD4 Freelander has a 2.0 litre BMW engine. These are quieter than the L-series however they do have a lot more sensors to deal with, so in Nigeria if anything goes wrong parts could be an issue. The main reason we see the TD4 models is because when they have been serviced the breather filter has not been changed (generalist mechanics often do not realise this even exists as it is tucked away out of sight) and this then suffocates the engine and causes catastrophic damage. So if you do decide on a TD4 make sure you take some breather filters with you, and if there is no evidence that it has been changed at the last service get it changed before you go.
I hope this helps, and if you have any further questions please do not hesitate to ask. We do have some Freelanders available for sale at times, so if we can help in supplying one we would be happy to.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Hi there, I have a 52 plate 1.8 petrol freelander. The head gasket has just gone and been replaced. Earlier last year the VCU had to be replaced. I have kept up with services and made sure the coolant is always topped up etc. Now that I have had all this work done, I am not sure whether to keep it or sell it as Iam worried that the gasket may go again in the future- even though its a multi layer gasket that has been put in.
Hi Michelle,
Since you have had the VCU done that should be good for another 70,000 miles.
With regard to the head gasket, if the job has been done thoroughly with the multi layer gasket you should not have any more problems. Make sure you only use the red coolant (never the blue or the green) and never use any form of additive sealant, such a k-seal etc, in these engines. The problem with these engines and the head gaskets is because they were factory fitted with a single layer gasket and all of these blow usually by about 70,000 miles. The multi layer head gaskets are much more robust.
I hope this helps.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Sorry, meant the temp gauge does not show its overheating. Nick
I have an 03 plate 1.8 Se which started to loose water a couple of weeks ago. I took it to my mechanic who checked it out and said there was a crack in the expansion tank? He replaced this but it did not solve the problem. I took it back to him and after much checking he decided we would have to go down the route of changing the head gasket. After this and replacing the water pump and various other parts, and taking lots of my cash, the car ran like a dream, unfortunately after the first motorway journey I made only 60 miles, it had lost all the coolant? The temperature gauge also does show its overheating? Any ideas? Thanks Nick
Hi Nick,
Are you getting any mixing of oil in the water or water in the oil? Did the mechanic check the cylinder liners when he had the head off? Are you getting any white smoke from the exhaust?
Since you are not overheating it is worth checking your heater matrix, is there any dampness in the passenger footwell?
If you can let me know the answers to these questions we will try to help in diagnosing the problem.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
The water system on my freelander is presurising and blowing off the top hose. There is no oil in the water and vice a versa. Can anyone suggest a remedy for this. Thanks
Hi Cliff,
This could be one or more of a number of things. The things to check first are the thermostat, if this is not operating or leaking it could cause these problems. Also check that there are no blockages in the system, especially in the small pipes. It is also possible that, although you don’t have oil in the water or water in the oil, the head gasket has blown in such a way that air is getting into the system.
If you cannot find a problem in any of these areas please let us know which engine your Freelander has and we will try to give you some more guidance.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
No problem Dominic, good luck with sorting it out, and if we can be of any further assistance just let us know.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hello there,
I am terribly, terribly sorry for not responding before. I was out of the island for a few days.
So as an update, it would take me a couple weeks to a month before I can get the engine oil cooler out of the US. So in the interim, the plan is to remove the one currently installed, clean it, test it, and then install it; after a major coolant flush. When the new one comes I would do the switch.
I will keep you abreast of any developments.
Thank you for your time and your help 🙂
Hi Dominic,
It is possible that there is a leak with the engine oil cooler, it really would be better to replace it than to clean it.
With regard to cleaning out the system use a coolant flush rather than just water or any detergents. Follow the instructions on the bottle (some require it to be added to the radiator whereas others can be added to the water reservoir).
Good luck, and if you have any problems just let us know and we’ll do what we can to help.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi Sue,
Happy to see such a quick response. Thank you for the time.
So, to the engine oil cooler.
We did not replace it, but the mechanics cleaned it while they were cleaning the system.
Do you suggest I replace it even if it is not leaking? or should I have it tested for leaks before sending out for the part? (I usually order parts via Miami or direct from dealers or outlets in the UK because in the Caribbean parts can cost a kidney and then some)
Can I remove the engine oil cooler, clean it (if it is not leaking) and refit it?
would you advise that i use a detergent to get the oil out of the system’s hoses etc once everything is tested/replaced and installed?
Thanks a million Sue…I don’t know you, but I owe you big time!
Hi there.. I am writing to you from the Caribbean, and I was wodndering about something.
i have a 2002 Land Rover Freelander SE (2.5L kv6 that suffered a transmission oil cooler leak. It showed no sign of a problem until one day it was idling and the coolant reservoir bypass line exploded. it turns out that the transmission oil and coolant mixed and formed a dense sludge over time and created pressure in the bypass line causing it to blow. Before this happened there was no decrease in performance (these Freelanders are better than brilliant when they work!).
so I got the oil cooler changed, replaced the radiator, all the radiator hoses, vaccuum hoses and coolant delivery/return lines.. the works (needless to say the entire system was filled with sludge).
The JATCO transmission (which is also brilliant when it works) was flushed and the engine block was flushed out by a mechanic.
I want to believe that he did a poor job at it (or didn’t do what he said) because i still get globules of oil in my coolant reservoir bottle. They bubble to the top once the engine is started. I was told that this would happen for a while and that I should regularly detach and clean the coolant reservoir/expansion tank.
My question is (sorry for the long background story): is there any way I can truly flush this oil (which may be residual from the original leak) from the cooling system?
I checked that it isnt a result of the head gasket set being blown. the engine oil is free of contaminants and the head gasket is intact. so I am thinking it is residual oil from the engine block and the coolant pump system. Is there anything you can suggest?
I am almost at the end of my wits on this one and any assistance you can give would be very much appreciated.
Anticipating a positive response 🙂
Hi Dominic,
When you replaced the gearbox oil cooler did you also replace the engine oil cooler which is mounted on the sump? If not then it is recommended that you replace this then flush the cooling system again, this should help.
If you have already replaced the engine oil cooler please let me know and we will think again about what you can do to help the situation.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
My land rover freelander 1.8 manual has a huge problem. It is in Uganda. The problem is, it has no power, mixes oil and water, and one spark plug is not working. What do I do??
Hi Catherine,
Sorry to hear you are having problems with your Freelander. It sounds as though you need to have your head gasket replaced – make sure you get it replaced with a modified multiple layer head gasket.
All the best,
Sue
+44-780-9575-421
Hi there, I’m just looking to buy a 2002 1.8 GS Freelander which has done over 80,000 miles (tomorrow AM). It is a auction lot so I can’t check lots of the things you’re suggesting. Should I steer clear? I’ve started it and it seems to sound ok, but of course I appreciate this isn’t a key indicator. Many thanks Sara
Hi Sara,
Good luck in buying the Freelander. Factor in to the price the fact that you will most probably need to replace the VCU as it has done over 70,000 miles (we charge £445 for this including the VCU, new bearings and fitting – so that gives you an idea how much to allow for it). As they drive it round listen out for any knocking noises which may indicate an issue with the drive train. Under the bonnet just check that it has the red coolant and that you cannot see any signs of red coolant around the cylinder head, which may indicate a leak and a head gasket issue. Again as they drive the car round listen for the fans cutting in and while they are sat there for the bidding check the temperature guage for any sign of overheating – with them sat in a queue to bring the car round these are the type of conditions that could show any overheating issues if it has them.
Best of luck!
Sue
i have a V reg diesiel freelander 2.0. i was sat outside a shop with engine ticking over when a pipe blew and water and oil leaked all over floor, and noticed oil in the water tank. im guessing this is head gasket so wondering the typical price this costs to fix as been told i’d be best of scrapping vehicle even though its in excellent condition otherwise. the engine still run but i quickly switched it of and have not started since to avoid possible further damage. does anyone know the likely cost? thanks
Hi Steve,
It does sound as though your head gasket has blown, although this is not very common for the diesel Freelanders. Our price for a head gasket replacement for a 2.0 litre diesel Freelander starts at £895 for a standard replacement and £1,495 for the deluxe replacement. If your Freelander has not overheated you could get away with just skimming and pressure testing the cylinder head rather than the full reconditioning which we do in the deluxe replacement.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
Ive done a lot of searching online into this problem. I own a Freelander and other than the tappets needing looking at, its a great car. 1) I tried fitting the thermostat mod. My advice, dont bother. Simply take out the original thermostat and drill a few holes in the outer rim. This way you wont get a sudden rush of cold water through the engine when the stat opens. You will ALWAYS have some water flow. 2) Unless you go off roading, my advice is remove the engine under tray, take the black riveted section out of it and then re-fit the metal frame. Doing this will allow more air to flow around the bottom of the engine. The engine being partly oil cooled..!! 3) Yes, check oil and water levels weekly. 4) Dont over rev the engine. 1.8 petrol engine is very under powered and its all too easy to wack it down to 3rd and put your foot down when going up a hill. DONT allow the engine to rev over 3000 revs. Stuff the people hehind u. Remember, They can go fast, you can go anywhere (as long as you dont blow it..!!! 😉
im looking at getting a 2000 diesel freelander the man at the garage did say the head gaskit is more prone to petrol is this true as its alot of money and dont want to take the risk
Hi Corrina,
This is certainly true, the deisel models are not prone to head gasket failure the way the petrol models are.
The main thing with the deisel model (which is infact the same as with the petrol ones) is to check if the VCU has been replaced if the Freelander has done 70,000 miles or more. If not, then factor the cost of replacing it into your purchase price (£445 fully fitted) as failing to replace the VCU could cause very expensive damage to the rest of your drive train.
Also be aware that if it is a TD4 diesel Freelander you are looking for that the servicing should include replacing the breather filter (some garages do miss this). Not replacing this filter has led to complete engine failure in a good number of cases.
They are beautiful vehicles and if you just check on the couple of things highlighted above they should be the main things that can cause concern. Enjoy!
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
All
Im thinking of buying a W reg, 2000 1.8 EXi Freelander but have read many stories involving the head gasket… what are my option, what shouls i look for before buying the vehicle
Regards
Hi Wayne,
If the mileage is above about 80,000 miles then there is a good chance the head gasket has already been done. The problem was that the original head gaskets were just not up to the task, so it was not a case of will they go but more when will they go! You need to ask if it has had a head gasket change and check that it was replaced with the modified multi layer head gasket. If this has not happened then budget into you offer the cost of getting it replaced as soon as possible (not so expensive if it has not failed as if you run it until it fails).
Check the colour of the coolant in the system, it should be red. If the coolant is blue or green then this could cause some problems with rust inside the cooling system, which could ultimately cause a blockage and then the head gasket to go. If the wrong coolant has been used get it flushed out as soon as possible and replaced with the correct one.
Ask how much water the Freelander tends to lose generally, i.e. how often it needs topping up. If it is being topped up regularly then this could indicate some kind of leak in the system – often you can have a problem with the water pump or thermostat that would not be too costly if you causght it quickly enough before it became a head gasket problem – always worth checking the water level on a Freelander on a weekly basis.
Look at the water reservoir bottle. Sometimes there is a plasit ring around the neck of this with instructions on, look underneath where that is (or just around the neck of the bottle) and see if you can see any hairline cracks -0 this is a very common problem with the Freelanders and it can draw air into the system which can end up damaging the head gasket. If you see any cracks there make sure you have the water bottle and cap replaced with a new one as soon as possible.
This may sound as though it is a lot of issues to look out for, but it is these small issues that, when ignored, cause the head gaskets to go. If you pick up on these small issues you stand a much better chance of never facing the problem of a blown head gasket.
These are great cars and great engines, if they are looked after. It is just a case of understanding them so that you do not get the problems.
If you have any other questions about your possible purchase please do not hesitate to contact us.
All the best,
Sue
0780 9575 421
I’d like to say that you always offer valid information and I have been an fascinated reader of your site for quite some time. I wanted to say thankyou really 🙂 for all the good work you do!
My freelander 2001 has a great problem the engine oil is mixed with petrol in the engine oil tank. And more, the car blow a blue smoke in the street and don’t want to start!
Please help me
my freelander 2001 have a great problem, the engine oil is mixed with petrol in the gas tank please help me!
Hi all, I disagree about the freelander prone, ive had my freelander for 5yrs now and never had a problem, my car is 9yr old and in cracking condition, as for the head gasket prone dont believe it, after all its the same as any other vehicle what goes round can go wrong so dont let yourself get put off. Q, how many freelanders do you see broke down in a mth compared to a normal car? A, think about it.
[…] There are a number of causes of head gasket failure, to find out more please see our article at Land Rover Freelander Head Gasket Blown – What Causes it?. […]