Engine knock is a universal term often used to describe one of multiple engine problems. Some engine knocks only qualify, when listened to by a sound mechanic, as a tick or ping. This soft “knocking” can usually be attributed to a minor wear problem in the top end of the motor and not deep engine damage that will cause an actual knocking noise. Any type of deep engine knocking, which can literally sound like someone knocking on a heavy door, tends to mean serious engine damage that can cost thousands of pounds to repair.
When a car engine seizes, it is usually the result of letting the car sit for a long period of time without starting it up. When an engine has seized, it means that at least one of the pistons inside of the vehicle is literally stuck against the wall of the cylinder. The piston and cylinders form the heart of the engine, so when they become damaged it is incredibly expensive to repair. The cylinders are some of the most finely tuned instruments inside an automobile, making the parts difficult to manufacture.
The good news is that when an engine seizes it may still be possible to get the car up and running again. The goal is to reduce the air pressure inside of the engine block and to lower the amount of force necessary to free the piston by disconnecting it from some of the parts that the engine turns.
Start by taking out the spark plugs to reduce the air pressure. The accessory belts should then be disconnected from the engine. This includes the alternator belt, the power steering pump, and other belt driven parts. The retaining bolts should be loosened with a wrench, the accessory is slid toward the engine to loosen the belt, and the belt is removed.
The valve corners should then be disconnected from the cylinder heads in order to get at the rocker arms. The rocker arms and push rods can then be removed. Once you have done this, you can turn the crankshaft in order to free the seized engine. The crankshaft can be turned using a single bolt normally located on the bottom of the front of the engine. Turn the bolt in a clockwise direction in order to avoid loosening the bolt before the crankshaft turns.
The Land Rover Freelander K-Series has seen little praise from long term testers, as it has been fraught with mechanical issues. The petrol version has consistently blown head gaskets due to a failure of its cylinder liners. In simple terms, the block and cylinder heads are made of separate alloys, causing them to expand at different rates. The cylinder liners, therefore, loosen and eventually drop down into the block.
On June 18th of 2004, Land Rover distributed a technical bulletin to its dealerships across the country stating as such. The bulletin even states that “if the cylinder liners have dropped below the block face, the engine must be replaced.” This has infuriated Land Rover owners, because the problem seems to occur by the 80,000 km mark, and the general Land Rover warranty only covers use to 50,000 km.
Just what is a blown head gasket and how much damage can it do to your car? Well, it plays a vital role in the function of the internal combustion engine in vehicles and a blown head gasket can cause some very serious damage, costing you an awful lot in garage costs. A typically repair bill for a replacement is between £300 and £1200.
The head gasket is a type of seal that is fitted between the piston cylinder head and the engine block. It performs the task of totally sealing the engine cylinder from one side to achieve and maintain the necessary compression pressure. The sealing of the head gasket ensures that the vaporized gas in the engine does not leak out. If the gasket does start leaking coolant, it will cause the engine to overheat and if enough coolant leaks into a cylinder, it may even “hydrolock” the engine which will prevent it from starting. Coolant in the crankcase or cylinder is also not a good thing to have because it dilutes the oil and accelerates wear.
Do you want to sell your car in the UK? Before you put any vehicle up for sale make sure that you have the original V5C document as without it most people will not consider buying it. If you have lost the original you can apply for a replacement from the DVLA by calling 0300 790 6802 or by submitting a completed V62 application form.
When showing someone the vehicle don’t leave them alone with the car or allow them to take a test drive without you in the car as thieves have been known to pose as potential buyers. Do not part with your car until you are sure that what you are being paid with is genuine, even cash and bankers drafts can be forged. Provided you made it clear when you advertised the car for sale or the buyer agrees you can get a refund on your road tax from the DVLA. Remove the tax disc from the vehicle and apply for a refund from the DVLA by post, enclosing a completed V14 form and the tax disc.
If you have a personalised number plate make sure that you fill out the paperwork needed for you to retain the right to continue to use that number plate. You need to fill in the DVLA form V317 to do this. Do not advertise or sell your car until you have received confirmation of your right to retain usage from the DVLA. Inform the DVLA when you sell your vehicle because not doing so can lead to your being held responsible for motoring offences committed by its new owner and any related fines.