Back on the road! Pleasure, Pain and Pics..

[Stevo9]

Finally got the Elise back on the road again today and got round to posting some pictures. It has been in the garage since the 2nd of November and it 's great to get it dusted down and fit some of the stuff I had accumulated over the winter.
First the pain!
After fitting the clear side repeaters, stone chip guards and headlight covers, I was full of enthusiasm and launched straight into swapping the front indicators. What a hassle that turned out to be! After breaking in the wheel nut tool into pieces, I had to go round the wheel and in through the wheel arch lining 'Vets in Practice' style. Started first time though.
Pleasure
What a joy it was to back in the Elise again with the top down. Dry roads and cold, clear sunshine...amazing. I'm determined to get plenty miles in this year so lets hope for many more days like this from now on.
A bit more pain...
The K Series HGF paranoia is back again with a vengeance...when I am driving along, the temp remains constant - about 83-84. A soon as I slow, even for a junction or some lights, the temp rockets up above 90 and I'm sure would keep rising if I stayed still. Is this normal?? It really gives me The Fear and totally detracts from the pleasure of driving..no oil in the expansion tank or 'mayo' on the filler cap. Should I stop worrying or start panicking?
Pics
Although I have been on here for a while I haven’t managed to post any pics of my car...well here are some for those who are interested! Stevo



and one from last Autumn

[mwmackenzie]

Car looks great, not sure Chris Corranga would agree though

It might just be a coolant temp sensor that's fooked, keep an eye on your coolant level and if your not using or losing any you should be ok that along with no mayo is good

[Shug]

Normal for the temp to creep up when stationary (water pump not turning fast enough at idle) Fan won't cut in to well over 100 indicated, remember that it won't be boiling until over 110-120 on the gauge as the system is pressurised. Don't worry until the display is flashing the number at you. Worst case, you've got a bit of an airlock - really don't think it'll be HGF from those symptoms alone. Sure they'll be someone nearby that could help you re-bleed the rad - it's a pig to get all the air out.

[Rich H]

what he said - just healthy paranoia.

It is worth checking that the fan works though, they have in the past been known to seize. The fan is controlled by the ECU and a seperate sender to the dash gauge so (Assuming it's working!) it acts as a fail safe.

For some reaosn on my car the blue sender (Dash) fials regularly yet the brown one doesn't? They get changed together just in case though.

[tut]

If you have doubts about the fan, they can seize if not used, put a long screwdriver through the front grill and try spinning it.

tut

[Stevo9]

Cheers guys. Thanks for the reassurance! I'm taking it up to Perthshire tomorrow for a good long run so hopefully all will be well!