HOW TO SOLVE A PROBLEM LIKE …
Rover K-Series head gasket
Think Rover K-Series, and the first things that come to mind are head gaskets. Unsuitable materials from new mean it’ s not an unfair association, but Rover and the aftermarket have solved the issue, as Steffen Dobke from Lotus Elise specialist and restorer, Analogue Automotive, tells us.
Where does the problem occur?
The head gasket, of course. But we can be more specific. It’ s not usually between the cylinders, like most head gasket failures. Instead, the gasket on a K-Series usually fails between the coolant and oil paths. Steffen Dobke reiterates,‘ Nine times out of ten, when there’ s an issue, it’ s usually the original head gasket still there. As it’ s going between the oil and water ways, it’ s not going into the actual cylinders.’ Original gaskets don’ t last very long.‘ The head gasket used to go usually under
40,000 miles. So, it’ s usually when the car was relatively new and relatively low mileage.’
Any car with a K-Series engine is susceptible, not just the Series 1 Lotus Elises that Steffen deals with. The all-alloy wet-liner four-cylinder 16-valve non-turbocharged K-Series is the one we’ re focusing on. The engine came in a range of sizes from 1.4 to 1.6 and 1.8 litres. It came in the late Rover Metro and 100, the R8 and R3 generations of the Rover 200, 25 and Streetwise; the R8 and HH-R generations of the Rover
Ignoring its reputation for dubious head gaskets, the 16-valve fourcylinder Rover K-Series is a delightful and effective engine
The K-Series’ light weight and revvy nature meant it was a perfect fit for the Series 1 Lotus Elise and Exige
52 The Engine Rebuilder Issue 03