[andy00]

I'm currently seriously contemplating buying a used (2002) Rover 75 1.8 Turbo, and I need some advice.

Basically everything I've read about the car sounds very positive except for a recurring comment in some of the reviews about recurring gasket failures on the 1.8 litre K series Rover engines.

I've done a bit of digging around on the net, but concrete information seems to be pretty scarce. Can anyone help me in general here, or with the following questions:

1. Does this specific engine, as fitted to the 75 have a real problem with blowing head gaskets, and if so was it fixed with the introduction of the turbocharged engine?

2. If it does have a problem, can I ensure I don't suffer from it by regularly making sure the coolant level is well topped up? Some comment I read somewhere suggested this may be the case.

3. What is MG-Rover's official position on this point? If it blows out of warranty am I stuffed?

Any help/advice greatly appreciated.

 

[Platinum]

From what I have read on here, the later K series (2001 onwards IIRC) are less prone to HGF (Head Gasket Failure) as they are fitted with a uprated gasket and steel dowels - opposed to the plastic ones in earlier models.

I'm sure others on the forum will be able to give you more information/dispel unaccurate preconceptions of the engine.

 

[les.piggot]

Andy,

I've got the 75-1.8T (53 plate) saloon and a F (98 mpi) both of them are great cars, both with the 1.8 k series engine. As platinum has stated, the engine has the uprated head gasket and the steel dowels and I believe?? that it also has the new cooling system also, but I think that was a 53 and later revision.

As for the head gasket going, I haven't heard of much with regard to the 75, the F has a trick bleeding procedure (yes I've had a HGF on it, 60 miles after the dealer bleed the system) which is not followed but mainy of the Rover dealers hence the HGF problem.

I personally wouldn't let the HGF issues if you want to call it that stop you from enjoying the car ( and didn't )

Les

 

[andy00]

Platinum, Les.piggot,

Thanks for the information guys. I was all set to go on this car when the whole 'head gasket' problem reared its ugly head. It's good to hear information that suggests that it's not really an issue, and that later models have an uprated gasket anyway.

Does anyone out there know exactly when the uprated gasket and/or new cooling system came online, or if they are standard on the turbo?

thanks again guys,

Andy.

 

[Daytona]

The K series has a small coolant capacity to allow quick warm-ups which reduces engine wear on short journeys. Obviously, this leaves little margin for error and neglect of the cooling system can lead to the car overheating very quickly and this can (as on any other engine) lead to head gasket failure. The uprated gasket was introduced to help reduce the risk.

I've got 2 Rovers, a '00 416iXL and a '96 214Si. Both these have the K series and I do the usual weekly checks as I have done on every car I have owned. Both cars have needed little more than regular servicing. I have recently changed the radiator on the 200 as I'd spotted some damaged fins, possibly caused by a stone being flicked up. No obvious leakage although there was some discolouration around the damaged area, similar to the dye in the antifreeze. Someone else may not have bothered and when it finally let go would just put it down to Rover HGF......

 

[Platinum]

Here you go

"New Gasket Introduced" in the search 'engine'.

 

[empsburna]

weekly oil and coolant checks, frequent changes of filters will keep it running smoothly. Belt changes are crucial - miss them and it snaps and you are in for trouble.

HGF is, as mentioned, usually caused by the failure of some other part; rad, water pump, coolant tank cap. They don't just pop for no reason!

I am also considering a 1.8T 75 - around the same year

Not being an ar$e but the search function on this site is fantastic, do some more digging, look in the gallery, i'm sure we will have your heart set on one very soon!

 

[andy00]

Thanks a lot guys.

Empsburna, I didn't see the search function before, but I found it after I followed Platinum's link (thanks for that by the way).

I'm officially convinced,

As for having my heart set on a 75, I was already there. It was just my head that hadn't quite caught up yet.

no doubt in my mind now.

Andy.

 

[Ken75]

Thanks a lot guys.

Empsburna, I didn't see the search function before, but I found it after I followed Platinum's link (thanks for that by the way).

I'm officially convinced,

As for having my heart set on a 75, I was already there. It was just my head that hadn't quite caught up yet.

no doubt in my mind now.

Andy.

You will not regret it in any way shape or form. I have the 1.8t and its a dream slighty noisy on start up from cold but thats a normal thing so don't worry about it. Once she's warmed up she just purrs, a lovely car. Plenty of power and a pleasure to drive. Enjoy it

Ken