I was under the impression that the Kia KV6 was the old, shortlived and unreliable design that was used in the Rover 800, and that the production equipment went to Kia.

The KV6 was thoroughly redesigned post Rover 800 and has had a fantastic reliability record ever since. The new KV6 doesn't use the through bolt design, and provided it is assembled correctly (head bolted down to the right torque) fret shouldn't be a problem.

Where the head gasket seal around the cylinder can be a problem on K-series engines is when the coolant isn't changed regularly and corrosion (due to knackered corrosion inhibitor) of the head around the rings of the gasket causes porosity leading to overheating and the head needing to be skimmed. If Aussie mechanics are used to servicing iron block engines coolant/corrosion inhibitor may be something they skimp on. Porous heads could also be the result of poor metallurgy or dodgy castings.

I've never heard it mentioned that MGR sold engines to Kia in recent years. I can't understand why Kia are replacing the short engine either - that implies the engine failures aren't head gasket related, but a bottom end problem. It doesn't add up.

I think Kia are just blaming MGR for the engine failures because they know MGR aren't in a position to sue them!

 

Yup, the Kia KV6, as gnnw196 says is the first version of the KV6 from the Rover 800. A lot of work was done to improve the KV6 before it appeared in the Rover 75.

 

Something that would explain why Kia are replacing the short block is if the cylinder liners are moving. That would cause HGF - but then the whole engine would probably be scrap. If the cylinder liners are moving its because of crap manufacturing.

 

...If the cylinder liners are moving its because of crap manufacturing.

I don't think Kia are noted for product quality control...

 

I don't think Kia are noted for product quality control...

I think they are actually

 

I think they are actually

I agree...I've written software for them to test some of their parts in the past!!!

 

They didn't buy the A series aswell did they.

Why buy a version of an engine that is known for overheating and other faults.

Bit like buying a donkey when you should have bought a horse.

 

Carnival’s 130kW/220Nm 2.5-litre V6 is a KSeries
engine supplied by the now-defunct Rover Group – it is not produced by Kia or its parent company Hyundai.....
from: Go Auto e-news, June 22 2005. edition 292

I swear it is produced by Kia, they have the production line! :iwstupid:

I think Kia are just blaming MGR for the engine failures because they know MGR aren't in a position to sue them!

:: nod :: I agree with you there.

 

I guess the proof of the pudding is that there have been NO major complaints of hgf in the ZS ZT or 75 with the 2.5kv6


IVAN

 

A bit naughty of MGR to have flogged them this lemon!

It must have been kept quiet at the time, because it's common knowledge on these forums to be wary of Rover 800's with the KV6!

 

Kia manufactured the KV6 under license in Korea, if I recall correctly at its Hwasung plant, although the KV6 is shipped to the Sohari plant for installation.

The engine is the first generation version, its license was granted by Rover Group in 1996 and its first use was in late 1997, it was never updated nor was any ever built by Rover Group, BMW owned Rover nor MGR. The problem with the engine(s) is wholly Kia’s problem as they manufacture the unit. The HGF problem is a red herring as the liner float is due to poor manufacturing tolerance, not any cooling issues. They may be replacying entire units with recondidtioned units as of late 2003/early 2004 the unit was discontinued.

I cannot be sure but I would think that MGR is able to block or agree any sale of the tooling to ant third party, like say SAIC…