Scottish Elises

Hi Folks,

I know, this is a horrible thing to say but from the symptoms I have had tonight and mildly over the past week I think my head gasket has gone at somepoint.

First noticed a gradual coolant loss from the tank which also came along with a misfire on low revs - between 1000 and 1500 rpm. On higher revs this disapeared which I can only assume is the engine pressurising itself to run smooth.

I topped up the water and kept a close eye then today within about 20 minutes of driving over the bridge and into Edin, water had all gone, and there was a hissing from the header tank (or a pipe around it) and engine temp up to 113 at one point. Then decided to stop driving soon after that to avoid any further damage.

Obviously got many things to check over first before diving in to the head gasket. Theres no MAyo on the oil cap and little or no sign of water coming out the exhaust as steam. Although the above symptoms esp the missfire point me in the direction of dreaded HGF. However, I was wondering how easy it is to get access to / replace head gasket myself. I have replaced one before on my old Rover 214 (with K series) which went well, but working on a Lotus is a different ball game.

I saw a few threads here saying the Stu160 here does head skimming etc - may need your services Stu if diagnosis is correct.

Any thoughts much appreciated.

Jamie

Head gasket is ok. Access isn't too bad. You will need a cut down 22mm socket for the crank bolt but there are a few on here have them already (Robin has one IIRC) and torx socket for the head bolts.

You will also need a head gasket, steel dowels (Rover HGs come with them) cambelt (may as well, it's got to come off!) tensioner, possibly waterpump if your feeling flush.

First thing to check is for water leaks, particularly the rad, heater matrix and the rubber hoses.

Second check is the inlet manifold, check the plugs on 1 and 4 for rust, the inlet manifold gasket is crap but cheap to replace.

Misfire could be water in the plug bores.

Might not be as bad as HGF. If it is a head off job then get it over to DVA or the like for a bit of fettling!

Good luck!

Rich

Hi Jamie

Sounds like it

No probs with a head skim ,give me a call,01506 497 157

Stu

use a landrover head gasket kit, best in the business by far

Thanks for the guidance guys.

Its funny because just this week I was out at MMC looking at Exiges. Sods law I suppose, its as if the car trying to get me back for looking at other cars!!

Reminds me a bit of my girlfriend when I look at other girls too!!

cheers

Jamie

Apparently Landie gasket set includes a 6th layer "headsaver shim" and needs alot skimming off the head also needs good liner heights to begin with, reputedly less tolerant to wonky liners. Stick with the rover one IMHO.

Main thing is to work out why it's gone and fix that too. Head shuffle dues to nylon dowels and wonky liners being the main culprits.

If you are pumping hot water through the bores one of the spark plugs will be very shiny compared to the others (steam cleaned), so pop them out and have a look!

While the head is off, ideal time to get it fettled, I say!

Cheers,
Robin

I thought the plugs go rusty, but same difference! Check it first!

Thanks again for the help guys.

Will take a look at this over the weekend. In the meantime off to Bedford for a race day tomorrow. Getting to drive Caterhams, Jaguar JP1 track cars, Palmer Fomular Audi's (look like F1) and Porsche GT3's, Clio Sport, New supercharged Jag XKR.

Will hopefully help take my mind of the probs. If it was any other car it wouldn't bother me. Problem is, you get so attached to your Lotus.

I have the manual etc so will get stuck in and will let you know how things go with the HG.

cheers.

apparently in the last couple of months the rover gasket has been changed/uprated again...

i.e. the gasket I got off Robin/Andy the other day is now out of date...

and the chineese say they have the cure all, new gasket, for their k series
with help from lotus

Jamie, I will be returning Robins cut down socket on Saturday, could drop it off with you if needed

I don't need it in a hurry so feel free to pass along - just so long as someone returns it eventually

Cheers,
Robin

Hi Guys,

Thanks for the offer of the cut down. May well need it at some point. Strange one though, had a good look / test drive etc over the weekend and all previous symptoms disapeared. No water loss, no misfire, no high temperatures etc.

I will keep an eye on it and will pressure test the cylinders, check the spark plugs etc for deposits or lack of deposits (steam cleaned) and take it to a somewhere to get the coolant system tested as well.

Thanks again for your help.

Jamie

Rough loving fixes most problems!