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14K2F14K4F

1.4 8V/16V 74-103 hp (14K2F / 14K4F, 1995-2005) engine: faults and reliability

Rover / MG K-Series (1.1, 1.4, 1.6 and 1.8 16V, incluido el 1.8 VVC) version

With caution

Technical sources describe the head failure mainly on the 1.8, but Diariomotor speaks of "all K-Series"; it is worth buying if the coolant has been looked after and there are no signs of overheating.[1][2]

Years
1995–2005
Power
74–103 hp
Faults that affect it
2
1 of high or critical severity
Cars that use it
4
in our database

8 sourcesHow we work

What changes in this version

Displacement of 1,396 cm³ (75 × 79 mm) with several variants from 74 to 103 hp. The Rover 200/25 range had a 74 hp 8V (1995-1999) and an 84 hp 16V (1999-2005), as well as the 103 hp (MG ZR 105). According to Wikipedia, the 82 hp variant differs from the 103 hp only in a restrictive throttle body that lowered the insurance group. Wet liners.[2][3][4]

Engine codes of this version: 14K2F, 14K4F.

Faults of the 14K2F engine

The documented engine faults that affect this version and its years, from most to least important.

  1. 1High severityFrequency: CommonCylinder head and blockHead gasket failureThe K-Series' big problem is the head gasket, which can fail even below 100,000 km because of a mix of gasket design, cooling and overheating. The usual repair uses the multi-layer steel (MLS) gasket that was developed for the Freelander.
  2. 2Medium severityFrequency: OccasionalCoolingCoolant leaks: expansion tank cap, rear block rail and hosesThe K-Series circuit holds about 5.5 litres, so a slow leak empties the expansion tank and causes localised overheating. The points cited are the tank cap, the metal rail at the rear of the block (corrosion), the hoses and the coolant passages of the inlet manifold gasket.

Cars fitted with the 14K2F engine

Open each car to see all its faults with this engine and what to check before buying it.

MG

Rover

Frequently asked questions

Is the 14K2F engine reliable?

Our verdict is “With caution”. Technical sources describe the head failure mainly on the 1.8, but Diariomotor speaks of "all K-Series"; it is worth buying if the coolant has been looked after and there are no signs of overheating.[1][2]

What faults does the 14K2F engine have?

The documented ones that affect this version, by importance: head gasket failure (high severity) and coolant leaks: expansion tank cap, rear block rail and hoses (medium severity).

Which cars use the 14K2F engine?

Rover 200 R3 (1995–1999), Rover 25 (1999–2005), Rover 45 (1999–2005) and MG ZR (2001–2005).[4][5][6][7][8]

Are you buying a car with the 14K2F engine?

We will put you in touch with a partner only if you authorise it in the form.

Do you have a car with this engine? Tell us which faults you have had and at how many kilometres. Report your fault.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Guía de compra del MG TF de segunda manoDiariomotor · Motoring press · published 7 November 2023 · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
  2. Choosing the correct K Series Head Gasket KitDMGRS · Technical documentation · consulted 8 October 2026
  3. Rover K-series engineWikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  4. Rover 25 (Rover 200 / 25)Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  5. Rover 25 (Rover 200 / 25)Wikipedia (es) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026 · in Spanish
  6. Rover 45Wikipedia (en) · Other source · consulted 8 October 2026
  7. MG ZR (2001 - 2005) used car reviewRAC · Motoring press · consulted 8 October 2026
  8. MG ZR (used car review)Auto Express · Motoring press · published 28 September 2004 · consulted 8 October 2026