V Reg 400 1.6 - Honda or Rover engine?

[DeadZX]

Thinking of buying a V reg 400 with 67k on the clock, FSH, cam belt change etc. I've seen conflicting reports about the engine being made by either Honda Rover. Obviously if it's a Rover engine then I've got the head gasket problems to take into account. Does anyone have a definitive answer either way? (pref with a link!)

If it is a Rover K series is there likely to be any way of checking if it had the heavier head gasket things fitted? (I'm well out of my depth mechanically here so go easy, speak slowly and maybe get the crayons out!)

Cheers all.

[robgee1964]

DeadZX said:

Thinking of buying a V reg 400 with 67k on the clock, FSH, cam belt change etc. I've seen conflicting reports about the engine being made by either Honda Rover. Obviously if it's a Rover engine then I've got the head gasket problems to take into account. Does anyone have a definitive answer either way? (pref with a link!)

If it is a Rover K series is there likely to be any way of checking if it had the heavier head gasket things fitted? (I'm well out of my depth mechanically here so go easy, speak slowly and maybe get the crayons out!)

Cheers all.

It will be a K series 1.6 on that car.

I don't know any way for sure of checking whether its had the gasket swapped, other than looking for clues in the engine bay eg signs of gunk in header tank etc.

IF its had the gasket done recently you do need to be careful as depending on how long the engine was run like that, there could be damage to the head or block and it may fail again. However if its been a proper job theres no reason why it shouldn't go on for a fair few years.

[lala_1981]

yeah same as above aslong as its been done properly ie head skimmed and uprated head gasket you shouldnt have any problems

[MGJohn]

if the Rover 400 is a 1.6 automatic it will be the honda engine. The 1.6 manuals are all k-series on a V reg.
Easiest way to tell is which end the gearbox is. Passenger side is rover power, drivers side honda.

Edited by MGJohn on Sunday 21st November 22:22