Freelander losing water

[Andyrory]

Hi. I've been given an S reg Freelander (1.8 petrol) from a friend. I have been told the head gasket is 'on the way out!'. He also says the Thermostat has been drilled? Have started it a few times as it is currently off road and it always needs about 5 litres of water pouring in to it. Once this water has circulated and any airlocks have been pushed out it runs fine (well over an hour), the water level remains constant and it doesn't overheat . The temperature gauge sits just below half way. However when i start it again, say the next day it needs water pouring in again.
I'm new to Freelanders so any help would be appreciated, although i understand this engine does have design faults. Has the head gasket gone and is it worth fixing?

[AlBags]

Remove the head, have it crack checked, pressure tested and resurfaced.
They are known for problems.
Crap engine, to be honest.

[chas2008]

yep, Albags says it all, early ones had awful engines,.

[harley_Husky]

Ditto. The K18 was a fabulous engine, but not without its' problems.
Can you see any leaks anywhere ..?

Check around the inlet manifold and also the transfer box. If not, find a trustworthy garage who know the K series engines and get it tested properly. They should use the ' Sniffer ' method and also by pressurising the cooland systen to approx 16 psi and checking for leaks. If it does turn out to be the head gasket make sure that they check the cylinder bores thoroughly as K's are known to 'pick up' and cause damage ( you'll see which cylinder(s) are leaking by the clean piston crowns..

Eddie

[Andyrory]

Thanks for your answer Harley.
Had Sniffer test done and after about 10 minutes the liquid hadn't changed colour. gonna get it pressure tested at weekend.