K series - N series Q

[Father Ted]

The wife got some bumf on the new MG-TF built by China. Only there isnt a single picture of the engine and the bumf refers to it as the N series 1800cc lump - is this the K series wearing another name does anyone know?

[Rod/b]

Yes, but also re-engineered to take into account previous Stanley-Steamer-esque tendencies.

[Milford Cubicle]

Has the N-series got the 'fix' that Rover were holding back on because they thought they were getting nice new BMW engines?

[Rod/b]

What fix? Sward's secret files don't mention it so it may be rumour.

[Milford Cubicle]

I'm sure I read something about engineers having a fix along the lines of what LR did to the Freelander engines, but the management wouldn't pay for it.

[Station]

N Series is a 'strengthened' K Series with new gasket, knock sensor, thermostat, and upgraded oil-rail, etc, modified to conform to environmental emission standards (ECU). Not sure on casting, if there are any differences - probably not.Apparently, the N-Series is awaiting a HGF (no prematures reported yet), they have been appearing in all the LE500 cars from China.

[Timewaster]

One day, when I can find a cheap shite one, I'd love a Lotus Elise(although the impending baby tops has probably put a stop to that one)Do they have similar K series issues? I can't recall it ever being mentioned.

[UglyAmerican]

One day, when I can find a cheap shite one, I'd love a Lotus Elise(although the impending baby tops has probably put a stop to that one)Do they have similar K series issues? I can't recall it ever being mentioned.

I don't know about the Mk1 Elises but the Mk2 models we got here are all toyota lumps.

[meggersdog]

The LOTUS has the same engine but because most don't do a great deal of miles HGF doesn't become apparant.The headgasket is the weak link but is almost always due to water loss elsewhere.Usually when water loss from a pipe or the waterpump occurs people just fill the header tank.There are bleed screws on these engines and just topping the headertank up doesn't get rid of air in the system.Generally it is air pockets in the system that cause the engine to overheat and because of it's design the rubber seal lifts away from the steel gasket.The multi layer design is less susceptible to increases of temperature.Well that's my thoughts on the K-sealies anyway.

[Rod/b]

re: the MLS head gasket, it is better but it relies on higher clamping pressures to seal properly. If anyone offers you a car that's had one fitted, get them to prove that the strengthened oil rail and stronger stretch bolts have been fitted otherwise the higher torque required to clamp the head down can just damage the original kit and leave you in no better position than I you'd fitted an OE gasket.

[Mr_Bo11ox]

Oh aye thats gonna be fun proving what stretch bolts are fitted! 'Nice car, i'm tempted... Would you mind if i whip out one of the head bolts and get it metallurgically analysed?'

[Rod/b]

If they were an honest seller they wouldn't mind. Failin that they might have kept a receipt.

[Station]

I used Payen head bolts and Payen MLS gasket. I'm not sure what happened next, but the water is disappearing, and it's overheated some much, a pipe popped off under the pressure. It may be down to the inlet manifold leaking (common once it's been off), or the cylinder liner had moved.Bleeding is dismally impossible due to the daft layout of the pipes, you have to jack the back end up, which may or may not work.

[Rod/b]

If the inlet is leaking, you'll see coolant down the back of the block. Could be the water pump too.The inlet gasket should be changed to the green type if it hasn't been done already.

[meggersdog]

Top tip when refitting the inlet manifold.In the waterway at the front of the engine is a 3mm ballbearing that supposedly acts as a non return valve.Using a thin bladed screwdriver flick the little bugger out of it's housing.With this removed bleeding the system becomes straightforward and no need to jack the back end up.

[Station]

I'm going to take that little ball bearing out tommorow hopefully.

[warren t claim]

Just returning home to see my neighbour topping up the water in her 54 plate MG ZR for the second time today.... She only bought it a month ago from a garage that went bust a fortnight ago.

[pogweasel]

I have noticed that our local dealership is now offering "brand new" MF TF's for £12,995...