K Series engine

Could someone please tell me how to recognise a K series Rover engine by simply looking at it.

Thanks.

Reply to
cryptogram
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I've got a Rover 216, but I'm trying to decide whether it's got a K series or not.

Reply to
cryptogram

if it is 95 -99 then it is a K series earlier ones were honda engines

the k series are black topped, while the honda are silver

the k engine has the gearbox on the kerb side of the car (RH as you look under the bonnet), while honda lump has it on the left (driver's side).

the honda engine runs anti clockwise, K series normal way. (put it in top gear and hand brake off and get someone to push the car forward while you look at the pulley end of the engine.)

If you are still in doubt then post a picture of the engine bay somewhere, or ask in a car shop, they will probably know by looking.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

another easy one: battery on a k is on the kerb side drivers side on the honda

Reply to
Mrcheerful

Excellent. Thanks Mr Cheerful. Mine's a P reg (1996) so is therefore a K se= ries. And it's got a black top. I'd always thought it was a K but wasn't su= re whether I'd made the assumption and might have been wrong.

Do you happen to know whether the engines are interchangeable? The reason I= 'm asking is that mine has a gone cylinder head gasket. It runs perfectly w= ell but I have to top it up with water every three weeks or so, and occasio= nally change the oil because of this. I do very little mileage in this car =

- say 2,000 miles a year - and want to keep it. It's a softop and in very g= ood nick (apart from the gasket) and maybe a change of engine would work. I= don't think I will bother with changing the gasket, given what I hear abou= t the problem with this on these engines. Mine went under the manufacturer'= s warranty and maybe I've been lucky to have had no further problems all th= ese years until now.

Reply to
cryptogram

And even earlier than that ( ->89) they used the S Series

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Reply to
The Other Mike

If you'd said that to begin with the answer would have been K Series. ;-)

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

Too true. That's one reason why I thought it was a K.

Reply to
cryptogram

there is no interchangeability. headgasket job properly done is 5 - 6 hundred quid and will last indefinitely with proper use and maintenance. Secondhand engine is cheaper but an unknown quantity (usually)

Reply to
Mrcheerful

Kapput?

Reply to
Adrian C

No, not kapput at all. In fact, apart from the small steady loss of coolant you wouldn't know there was a problem.

Reply to
cryptogram

I have heard people say that 'K-Seal' can improve things a lot on a slightly leaky K series. If it was mine I would do the head job and enjoy using the car.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

If there's oil in the expansion tank, it's a K-series.

Reply to
SteveH

My niece had hers done by a reputable specialist in the NE of Scotland. Cost the thick end of a grand - not far short of what it was worth, but she liked the car. Didn't fix the coolant consumption.

Reply to
Dave Plowman (News)

I always change the waterpump, check that the water 'breather' system is clear, replace the coolant cap and pressure test the system for any other leaks. Done right it should be all fine, I haven't yet had one come back. Judging from what you say I should raise the price :) Last one (apart from my own) was 550 on quite an old car, but the owner was happy. It always seems sad to scrap a car for a single mechanical fault.

Reply to
Mrcheerful

you wouldn't know there was a problem.

... until you saw the Rover badge on the back...

Reply to
Scott M

lant you wouldn't know there was a problem.

If it's only a small leak the OP could try using BARRS Leaks.. I used this in cars in the past and it really does work... Normally if the gasket failed then you'd not be able to drive the car so there is nothing to loose by trying ..

Reply to
mr p

I did try using Radweld as a bit of a last resort and as I expected it didn= 't work. Whether Barrs Leaks would I don't know. I wouldn't really expect t= o cure a head gasket other than by replacing it, but because the leak is so= very small I'm putting up with it. The car is by no means undriveable. In = fact, if it were not for the small water loss and some oil in the expansion= tank I wouldn't even know it had gone

Reply to
cryptogram

simply looking at it.

It'll be the one steaming at the side of the road in a Rover 200 Series or in an MGF..

Reply to
Mike P

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