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CoolingHigh severity

Rover V8 overheating and head gasket failure

Safety or reliability risk. Fix promptly.

Symptoms

Overheating, coolant loss, misfire, mayonnaise under the oil cap.

Likely cause

Head gasket failure, blocked radiator, or on later 3.9 and 4.0 engines slipped or cracked cylinder liners.

Suggested fixes

Listed roughly in the order most owners try them.

  1. 1

    Replace head gaskets

    Fit new gaskets and bolts, and check head flatness.

    Difficulty:
    Experienced DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)
  2. 2

    Flush and recore the radiator

    A blocked radiator causes most V8 overheating.

    Difficulty:
    Moderate DIY
    Cost:
    ££ (About £50 to £300)
  3. 3

    Fit a block with top hat liners

    For slipped liners, a block rebuilt with top hat liners is the proper fix.

    Difficulty:
    Specialist job
    Cost:
    £££ (Over about £300)

This is general guidance gathered from owner experience and workshop practice, not a substitute for a workshop manual or a qualified mechanic. Costs are rough parts-only guides. Brakes, steering and suspension work affects safety, so if in doubt have it checked professionally.

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