🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Rover Model: 214 / 414 Product Name: 1989-1995 Rover 214 & 414 Workshop Repair Manual Covered Years: 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995 Codes Engine Code: K-Series (1397 cc) Engine Variants: 8-valve, 16-valve Body Styles Covered: Hatchback (200 Series), Saloon (400 Series), Cabriolet (major mechanical features) 👋 Introduction Market Position Target User: Owners and technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for the Rover 214 and 414 models of the late 1980s and early 1990s. Value Proposition: Provides comprehensive, professional guidance to understand, maintain, and repair these vehicles, potentially saving significant costs on professional servicing. Competitive Analysis Market Segment: Compact/Small Family Car (often referred to as 'supermini' or 'small family car' in UK context). Key Features Unique Selling Points: Focus on the K-Series engine, a significant development for Rover at the time, and its application across popular models. Coverage extends to the Cabriolet's mechanicals. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Manual Type: Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual Language: English File Format: PDF Compatibility: All Versions of Windows & Mac Required Software: Adobe PDF Reader 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine And Associated Systems: Engine overhaul, cooling system, fuel system (injection/carburetion depending on variant), ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication system. Transmission: Manual and Automatic transmission repair, overhaul, clutch system, drive shafts. Brakes And Suspension: Brake system components (pads, discs, calipers, lines, master cylinder, ABS if applicable), suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms, bushings), steering system. Body Equipment: Body panel repair, doors, windows, locks, seating, interior trim, bumpers, lighting (exterior). Electrical System: Wiring diagrams, lighting, starter, alternator, battery, fuses, relays, dashboard instruments, switches, basic diagnostic procedures for electrical faults. Procedures Included Maintenance: Routine checks (weekly, monthly), fluid level checks and top-ups, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and adjustment. Repairs And Overhaul: Detailed step-by-step procedures for component removal, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for major mechanical systems. Roadside Repairs: Common issues that can be addressed roadside, such as changing a flat tire, checking fluid levels, minor electrical checks. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic information, fault finding guides, common symptoms and their causes, recommended repair steps. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and component rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures. Audience: Professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Searchability: Likely text-searchable if created from a digital source, improving user experience. Printability: Printable for physical reference. Illustrations: Expected to contain diagrams, schematics, and potentially photographs to illustrate procedures. Binding Type Physical Manual Binding: N/A (Digital PDF) Paper Type Physical Manual Paper: N/A (Digital PDF) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Family: Rover K-Series Engine Displacement: 1397 cc (1.4 Litres) Cylinder Configuration: Inline 4-cylinder Valvetrain: SOHC (8-valve) or DOHC (16-valve) Performance Power Output Typical: Approximately 75-105 PS (55-77 kW), depending on 8v/16v configuration and specific tuning. Torque Typical: Approximately 115-135 Nm, depending on variant. Fuel System Fuel Delivery: Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most variants, potentially carburetted on early or specific export models (though MPI is dominant for K-series in this era). Fuel Type: Unleaded Petrol (RON 95 recommended) Cooling System Coolant Type: Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Rover recommended mixture) Lubrication Engine Oil Spec: Typically 10W/40 or 15W/40 API SF/SG, consult manual for precise recommendations. (Later K-series benefited from specific Rover MGF spec oil to mitigate HGF risk). 🔧 Transmission Standard Type: 5-speed Manual Transaxle Optional Type: 4-speed Automatic Transaxle Features Manual Fluid Spec: GL-4 rated manual transmission fluid, typically SAE 75W/90 or 80W/90. Capacity around 2.2 - 2.5 litres. Automatic Fluid Spec: Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid. Capacity varies by model and torque converter. 📐 Dimensions Exterior Length 200 Series: Approx. 3900-4000 mm Length 400 Series: Approx. 4200-4300 mm Wheelbase: Approx. 2500-2600 mm (Varies slightly between 200/400 series) Weights Kerb Weight: Approx. 1050-1200 kg (Depending on body style and specification) 🛡️ Safety Features Ratings Euro Ncap Rating: Not applicable for the 1989-1995 model year as Euro NCAP was not established or standardized during this period. Active Features Braking System: Front ventilated discs, rear drums (standard). ABS may have been an option on later/higher trims. Passive Features Seatbelts: Standard front seatbelts, rear seatbelts likely fitted depending on specification. Body Structure: Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy. 💡 Technology Features Infotainment Audio System: Factory fitted radio/cassette player, typically with basic speaker setup. Aftermarket upgrades common. Driver Assistance ABS: Optional on certain trims/later models, but not standard across the range. Connectivity Connectivity Features: Minimal by modern standards. Primarily focused on basic vehicle operation and comfort features. 🔧 Maintenance Service Intervals Oil Change Interval: Typically every 6,000 - 9,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact specification. Air Filter Interval: Recommended replacement every 12,000 - 18,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions. Spark Plug Interval: Approximately 18,000 - 24,000...
Owners and technicians seeking in-depth repair and maintenance information for the Rover 214 and 414 models of the late 1980s and early 1990s.
Value Proposition:
Provides comprehensive, professional guidance to understand, maintain, and repair these vehicles, potentially saving significant costs on professional servicing.
Competitive Analysis
Market Segment:
Compact/Small Family Car (often referred to as 'supermini' or 'small family car' in UK context).
Key Features
Unique Selling Points:
Focus on the K-Series engine, a significant development for Rover at the time, and its application across popular models. Coverage extends to the Cabriolet's mechanicals.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Manual Type:
Workshop Repair Manual / Service Manual
Language:
English
File Format:
PDF
Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Required Software:
Adobe PDF Reader
📖 Manual Coverage
Systems Covered
Engine And Associated Systems:
Engine overhaul, cooling system, fuel system (injection/carburetion depending on variant), ignition system, exhaust system, lubrication system.
Transmission:
Manual and Automatic transmission repair, overhaul, clutch system, drive shafts.
Brakes And Suspension:
Brake system components (pads, discs, calipers, lines, master cylinder, ABS if applicable), suspension components (shocks, struts, control arms, bushings), steering system.
Routine checks (weekly, monthly), fluid level checks and top-ups, filter replacement (oil, air, fuel), spark plug replacement, belt inspection and adjustment.
Repairs And Overhaul:
Detailed step-by-step procedures for component removal, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for major mechanical systems.
Roadside Repairs:
Common issues that can be addressed roadside, such as changing a flat tire, checking fluid levels, minor electrical checks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic information, fault finding guides, common symptoms and their causes, recommended repair steps.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering routine maintenance to major overhauls and component rebuilds. Includes detailed diagnostic procedures.
Audience:
Professional mechanics and experienced DIY enthusiasts.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Searchability:
Likely text-searchable if created from a digital source, improving user experience.
Printability:
Printable for physical reference.
Illustrations:
Expected to contain diagrams, schematics, and potentially photographs to illustrate procedures.
Binding Type
Physical Manual Binding:
N/A (Digital PDF)
Paper Type
Physical Manual Paper:
N/A (Digital PDF)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Family:
Rover K-Series
Engine Displacement:
1397 cc (1.4 Litres)
Cylinder Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder
Valvetrain:
SOHC (8-valve) or DOHC (16-valve)
Performance
Power Output Typical:
Approximately 75-105 PS (55-77 kW), depending on 8v/16v configuration and specific tuning.
Torque Typical:
Approximately 115-135 Nm, depending on variant.
Fuel System
Fuel Delivery:
Multi-point Fuel Injection (MPI) for most variants, potentially carburetted on early or specific export models (though MPI is dominant for K-series in this era).
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (RON 95 recommended)
Cooling System
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based antifreeze (e.g., Rover recommended mixture)
Lubrication
Engine Oil Spec:
Typically 10W/40 or 15W/40 API SF/SG, consult manual for precise recommendations. (Later K-series benefited from specific Rover MGF spec oil to mitigate HGF risk).
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Type:
5-speed Manual Transaxle
Optional
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transaxle
Features
Manual Fluid Spec:
GL-4 rated manual transmission fluid, typically SAE 75W/90 or 80W/90. Capacity around 2.2 - 2.5 litres.
Automatic Fluid Spec:
Dexron II or equivalent automatic transmission fluid. Capacity varies by model and torque converter.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length 200 Series:
Approx. 3900-4000 mm
Length 400 Series:
Approx. 4200-4300 mm
Wheelbase:
Approx. 2500-2600 mm (Varies slightly between 200/400 series)
Weights
Kerb Weight:
Approx. 1050-1200 kg (Depending on body style and specification)
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not applicable for the 1989-1995 model year as Euro NCAP was not established or standardized during this period.
Active Features
Braking System:
Front ventilated discs, rear drums (standard). ABS may have been an option on later/higher trims.
Passive Features
Seatbelts:
Standard front seatbelts, rear seatbelts likely fitted depending on specification.
Body Structure:
Reinforced safety cage, crumple zones designed to absorb impact energy.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Audio System:
Factory fitted radio/cassette player, typically with basic speaker setup. Aftermarket upgrades common.
Driver Assistance
ABS:
Optional on certain trims/later models, but not standard across the range.
Connectivity
Connectivity Features:
Minimal by modern standards. Primarily focused on basic vehicle operation and comfort features.
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 6,000 - 9,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first. Consult manual for exact specification.
Air Filter Interval:
Recommended replacement every 12,000 - 18,000 miles or as needed based on driving conditions.
Spark Plug Interval:
Approximately 18,000 - 24,000 miles, depending on plug type (copper vs. platinum).
Timing Belt Interval:
Crucial for K-Series engines. Typically 40,000 - 60,000 miles or 4-5 years. **Failure to adhere can cause catastrophic engine damage.**
Fluid Specifications
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (consult manual for precise specification and change interval).
Coolant Capacity:
Approx. 4.5 - 5.5 litres (system capacity).
Known Issues
Head Gasket Failure:
The K-Series engine is historically known for potential head gasket failures (HGF), particularly in earlier iterations or if not maintained meticulously. Proper coolant levels and avoiding overheating are critical. This manual would detail the procedures for diagnosis and repair of HGF.
Cooling System Leaks:
Commonly associated with HGF, but can also occur at hoses, radiator, or water pump seals. Regular inspection is advised.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older vehicles can suffer from intermittent electrical issues due to age, corrosion, or worn components. The wiring diagrams are essential for diagnosis.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Manufacturer:
Rover Group (British Leyland heritage)
Model Evolution
Rover 200 Series:
Originally based on the Honda Concerto, the second generation (XW) Rover 200 Series (which includes the 214) was a significant departure, utilizing Rover's own K-Series engine and chassis developments.
Rover 400 Series:
Launched as the saloon counterpart to the 200 Series hatchback, sharing the same underpinnings and the K-Series engine. The 414 represented the 1.4L offering in this line.
Production
Production Period:
1989 - 1995 (for the specific generation covered by this manual)
Manufacturing Location:
United Kingdom (e.g., Cowley, Oxford)
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Industry Acclaim:
The Rover 200/400 series, particularly with the K-Series engine, were generally well-regarded for their driving dynamics and modern (for the time) styling. The K-Series itself was praised for its advanced design, though its reliability later became a point of contention in some applications.