Rover K series engine head gasket failure info.

Paul Giverin · 2005-02-28T19:02:09+00:00

The head gasket failure problem with these engines is well documented but I wondered if anyone is willing to put a percentage figure on the likelihood of one of these engines blowing its head gasket at some stage in its life.A friend of mine recently bought a W plate 214 when her Xantia expired and she needed a replacement car in a hurry. I'd hate to see her lumbered with a big repair bill and I'd like to know if she should get rid of it sooner rather than later.

Feb 28, 2005 26 Replies

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neutron 21 years ago

I wouldn't say that at all. As I have already posted, it's never happened to me with 5 K-series cars, and I don't know of anyone it's happened to. Also, MGRover improved the gasket in the last year so it is far less likely to happen now.

Best advise is if your HG does fail, make sure the garage replace it with a proper Rover one. Half the problem is dodgy garages using cheap parts. I remember when Watchdog did an article on it in one of their programs and they showed a K-series HG in the studio and it was actually not a proper Rover one they showed!

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Tim.. (Remove Safetycatch) 21 years ago

FYI, Rover have modified the HG for the K series a total of 7 times, finishing with the composite one we have now, and the inlet manifold gasket

3 times.

Tim..

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neutron 21 years ago

Yeah I know, and the latest one is very reliable indeed. BMW recalled all their M5s recently because of engine problems...not the first time they've had to sort things with that car. Most cars seem to have certain problems, Rovers are actually pretty reliable imo.

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Scott 21 years ago

yup and pressure tested

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Tim S Kemp 21 years ago

Probably a cooling system fault elsewhere - or cheap gaskets.

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Nik&Andy 21 years ago

Like the Nissan micra, Volvo v6, Renault 5, gt turbo, Renault v6 e.g. espace,, laguna..... It's a big list.

Loads of cars have this design, there is nothing wrong with wet-liners a such, they improve cooling, they just need very precise fitment and good coolant.

Andy

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