1.8 Engine. Unfair Criticism?

[chris75]

Originally Posted by roverbarmy

The K series was a fantastic concept of design. It delivered the brief. It had certain flaws because of its design,

Back in the pre Rover 75 days , the terrible reputation for HGF was earned whilst the Cylinder head locating dowels were made of plastic
The engine build has always been "flexible" with the long bolts ,and the movement of the head relative to the block simply sheared the dowels and the elastomer bead around the gasket was doomed !
Happily , the plastic dowels were later replaced with steel ones but the engine is still regarded as "flexible"

[victorgte]

I remember your "open bonnet" thread on the other forum. It's true you can see some obvious problems from a couple of pictures and it can be a deciding factor on whether you spend time and money traveling to view a car.
As for the reputation of British cars, people still say I have guts buying them but soon change their mind when they are a passenger in my 1.8T. 15 years old, so smooth and no rust.
My wife uses the V6 and receives compliments every week about what a nice car she drives.
Perhaps the Rover brand is starting to be appreciated again. It's been a very long time since car buyers have had to seriously consider parting with 20-30k for a Rover. Take away that factor and people start to see they are actually quite good after all?

[Arryhall]

But why the lack of hgf criticism of the V6? Do a youtube search on rover 75 or zt, and every video says the 2,5 v6 is the best engine and the one to go for. Is it as prevalent for the head gasket to die in the v's as the 1.8's?

[humptynumpty]

yeah your correct i did set myself up for a nasty fall but luckily i didnt pay much infact the current v6 cost me the same but fella was honest and told me its main fan didnt work (since fixed), needed a front drivers wheel bearing (since fixed), rear discs and pads (looked today while discs quiet rusty are still 10mm thick but pads were knackered so changed today), had hole in rear drivers side sill (still to weld) and i discovered the exhaust was fubared so i modified pipework and old bmw 3 series back box i had to fit and patched centre box

[Neil1]

Originally Posted by Arryhall

Okay, I'm probably going to get flack for this, but what exactly is the difference between the V6's and the 1.8's? Other than number and configuration of cylinders etc. You don't tend to get the same CHG comments aimed at the 2 or 2.5 litre models, or at least I haven't heard it quite so vehemently taken as fact that the engines will die with CHG failure after 28 minutes.
The idea of a V6 is nice, just so you can say you have a V6. The V8 is even better for bragging rights, but they seem to thirsty for my liking.
Everyone I have ever spoken to says the Diesel is the car to get as they don't blow up and it has the BMW engine. Everyone! None of whom have owned a Rover. Even mechanics.
There has to be SOME truth in it. Look at me. I'm a mechanical numpty and I'm terrified of my car's chg exploding.

I must admit I haven't heard of any V6's blowing their head gaskets but that doesn't mean it can't happen.

The V8's do blow the head gaskets and are not bomb proof as many people think.

1.8's, unfortunately they have been labelled with this failure and yes, it does happen but for the most part it is nearly always down to something else going first.
Some of the ancillary parts on these engines are not as good as they should be.

Personally I prefer looking at the plus points;
Weight wise these engines weigh approximately the same as a 1275 A series engine.
The manual gear boxed versions are surprisingly economical for a large car, speak to Bob who owns the Flying Banana, that one has been chipped to 204bhp.
The automatics aren't bad on fuel but nowhere near the manuals.

I know a chap who races an MGF and he has never had a head gasket go.
Does say something, doesn't it!

If you are into what else can be done then have a look at Vulcan Racing

Plus this site Moto-Build

[chris75]

Originally Posted by Arryhall

Is it as prevalent for the head gasket to die in the v's as the 1.8's?

No , not even close

[Arryhall]

Originally Posted by chris75

No , not even close

Cheers! That's what I thought. I have no idea why though, but I assume it's because it's a completely different engine.

[kaiser]

I have just had a cam belt go on an MGF.

Just wanted to start and move the car, now valves are bent and I will have to remove the head.

The car has done 71000 km, and has been serviced.

So ask me about the unfair reputation!!

Anyway, I will need gaskets, tensioner, water pump, valves and maybe more.

I am on holiday in Europe so a quick supply will be appreciated. Delivery to Denmark.

Anyone interested in supplying write me on willdo AT icon.co.za please.

[kaiser]

I don't know, I went to move the car, it , started, sounded funny, stopped,
started again and then goes very fast on the starter. the valves are bent, I guess.
I will get the head off on Tuesday, hope the pistons/liners are OK.

The car has just done 1400km up through Europe after an oil/filter change and new coolant fluid.

Guess the belt, but we will see.

[steveo]

Hi all
http://www.the75andztclub.co.uk/foru...t=Coolant+tank
Post 13
This worked very well for me.
Regards
Steve