Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket

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Thu 18 Jan 2018 13:25
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - KCSRenault

Hello,

My girlfirend is currently between cars, and her grandparents have offered her their rover 414 si 1993. 1.4 16v, the car has done 60,000 miles and has full service history. It has recently had a timing belt kit, water pump, thermostat, radiator and all hoses replaced. The car has never had a headgasket, replaced and shows no signs of going yet. If she drives this daily is it just asking for trouble?

Do the headgaskets just go or is there normally a cause like a leaking pump or radiator etc.

Is the uprated gasket a good idea to fit before the current blows?

Any advice much appreciated.

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Thu 18 Jan 2018 13:38
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - hardway

Peculiarity of engine design.

The head bolts are the full height of the engine and fasten to the mains that hold the crank in.

So as they're also stretch bolts the heating/cooling of the engine in normal use means movement.

Nothing actually wrong with the engine design as proven by BMW who fit it in they're version of the Mini.

Although they improved on the gasket design.

So If doing it I state buy your gasket kit from BMW.

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Thu 18 Jan 2018 15:02
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - SLO76
“Nothing actually wrong with the engine design as proven by BMW who fit it in they're version of the Mini.“

The K Series was never fitted to the BMW Mini, it originally used a Chystler design then a PSA VTi motor but yes aside from the head gasket issue it’s a good engine. The MG6 uses an updated version and I’ve yet to hear of any HGF cases, though they’re not common motors to be fair.
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Thu 18 Jan 2018 15:18
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - elekie&a/c doctor

The K series engine is a very clever and strong design.However its weakness is the cooling system.The engine block holds very little water and so any coolant loss quickly turns into an overheat situation and subsequent h/g failure.

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Thu 18 Jan 2018 15:19
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - Bolt

it wasnt all K series units that had the problem as you still see some rovers around that never had HG failure, which as long as serviced properly and levels checked regularly were fine

Not sure what they did to modify the old unit but possibly moved thermostat from block to head and modify the HG ?

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Fri 19 Jan 2018 11:34
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - Robin the Technician

Hi,

The 1.4 K series engine is sound if well looked after. In this instance you have to consider a number of factors.

1. It has a full service history - that's a big plus

2. its recently had a cam belt, wter pump etc so the good news is that the water antifreeze would have been changed.

3. The only thing missed off your info is the car's condition. If its in immaculate condition it may be worth investing in head gasket change. If its rough its not worth it and you could run it into the ground and walk away.

The original head gaskets fitted by Rover we made with the fire rings upside down ( I know this as I used to work for Rover and had this discussion with the gasket manufacturer). Fitting a replacement will be to the latest spec but it will cost money that could potentially be more than the value of the car itself.

My advice would be to drive the car and keep a regular check on the expansion tank for loss or discolouration of the liquid. As soon as you notice a change then the quicker the gasket is changed the better chance of no damage to the head occuring. It may never fail but at least you can be ready 'if' things change and whether its worth the investment getting it done.

Lots to consider and I hope I haven't confused the hell out of you!!

Robin the Technician - I fix, therefore I am

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Fri 19 Jan 2018 13:01
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - Gibbo_Wirral

There are cheap alarms you can get which monitor for coolant loss. I had one on my MGFs (both of which never suffered from HGF)

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Fri 19 Jan 2018 20:53
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - KCSRenault

Hi guys,

Thanks for all the input, the car is in absoutley fantastic condition for its age, i think it might be worth fitting a new gasket but then again, as robin said, maybe just be vigilent with coolant checks etc. If the gasket was done it would be just for the added piece of mind.

She now has the car and it runs very well. the coolant is nice and clear and no signs of overheating. Is there a certain type of gasket that should be fitted? a known name brand?

Many thanks

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Sat 20 Jan 2018 11:56
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - Bolt

It might be worth checking out the Rover forums, as some people had the modified gasket fitted and will know the best make to fit, I did read there are fake gaskets around not made to spec and cause damage to engine, so worth looking into

I think the 93- 95 rovers were the best treated from new as there seems to be a lot still around I personaly had 4 over about 10 years with the only problem being the rear trailing arm bushes needed replacing-easy job DIY good luck with it they were my favourite car over the years

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Sat 20 Jan 2018 13:51
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - liammcl

would not water checks ,
and having the heating on be enough to warn of low coolant ?

(on the 106 , the heating goes cool if there's not enough water in it)

Cheers
Liam

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Sat 20 Jan 2018 14:33
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - Robin the Technician

Hi, the replacement gasket i remember that was manufactured by Brtish Gaskets Ltd. From memory the company was in Swindon but that was some time ago, so may not be there now. The Rover forum as mentioned on here will have people able to offer the latest, up to date info on head gaskets and where to buy. Good to hear the car is in good condition...but i would still wait until the car starts to exhibit a problem - which it may never do....

Hope this helps - Robin the Technician - i fix, therefore i am

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Sat 20 Jan 2018 15:18
Rover 414 si 1994 - rover k series headgasket - Bolt

this may be them if it helps...

catalogue.bgautomotive.co.uk/Home

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