What to do with my S2 (rad and HG)

[whaleys]

Chaps,

For info I have a 2002 S2 Elise K-series non VVC

Around 5 years ago my Pro Alloy radiator started leaking coolant where the coolant rails met the end caps. Pro Alloy were kind enough to replace the radiator as it was just under two years old at the time. Unfortunately it seems it has happened again . I have contacted Wayne at Pro Alloy again as last time he did mention they can repair (although I dont know if it will just be more cost effective to buy new).

To add insult to injury there is also a little bit of soot around the edge of the coolant tank at the coolant level which is making me suspect the beginnings of HGF. It has never overheated or had any issues with temperature or coolant in the oil.

So now that my whining is over, whats the best options for me assuming the worst?

With the car never having over heated or had any real issues would the head need to be tested or skimmed or could I just have the head gasket changed? It was also due a c-service next year so I'm thinking its not totally terrible timing. If the head gasket is getting done, is there other things that I should make sure get done at the same time? I've read about making sure the long bolt set gets replaced and that the revised design oil ladder be fitted. Is there anything else? (I already have a remote thermostat fitted)

Also are there any modifications that I should look to do at the same time that wont cost too much?

Finally if I were to buy a new radiator because the old one cant be repaired, what should I go for? I have seen that two makes are available at different costs:

http://www.elise-shop.com/aluminium-tri ... 263e2.html
http://www.eliseparts.com/products/show ... -radiator/

Is a triple pass radiator overkill? Its only fractionally more expensive than the Aluminium Upgraded Radiator that I already have so figured it was worth getting. My only thoughts were to go with the elise-shop one that is actually cheaper because I have had issues twice in the past with the pro alloy one.

Thanks,
Graeme

[Stu160]

You can get the coolant checked to confirm its early signs, it may not be.
I have an Elise Shop rad in the S160, 4 years now, and no probs.

Stu

[Scotty C]

ive never heard of a pro alloy rad failing.

i think both the elise shop and elise parts ones are both made by pro alloy.

[pete]

Chaps,

For info I have a 2002 S2 Elise K-series non VVC

Around 5 years ago my Pro Alloy radiator started leaking coolant where the coolant rails met the end caps. Pro Alloy were kind enough to replace the radiator as it was just under two years old at the time. Unfortunately it seems it has happened again . I have contacted Wayne at Pro Alloy again as last time he did mention they can repair (although I dont know if it will just be more cost effective to buy new).

To add insult to injury there is also a little bit of soot around the edge of the coolant tank at the coolant level which is making me suspect the beginnings of HGF. It has never overheated or had any issues with temperature or coolant in the oil.

So now that my whining is over, whats the best options for me assuming the worst?

With the car never having over heated or had any real issues would the head need to be tested or skimmed or could I just have the head gasket changed? It was also due a c-service next year so I'm thinking its not totally terrible timing. If the head gasket is getting done, is there other things that I should make sure get done at the same time? I've read about making sure the long bolt set gets replaced and that the revised design oil ladder be fitted. Is there anything else? (I already have a remote thermostat fitted)

Also are there any modifications that I should look to do at the same time that wont cost too much?

Finally if I were to buy a new radiator because the old one cant be repaired, what should I go for? I have seen that two makes are available at different costs:

http://www.elise-shop.com/aluminium-tri ... 263e2.html
http://www.eliseparts.com/products/show ... -radiator/

Is a triple pass radiator overkill? Its only fractionally more expensive than the Aluminium Upgraded Radiator that I already have so figured it was worth getting. My only thoughts were to go with the elise-shop one that is actually cheaper because I have had issues twice in the past with the pro alloy one.

Thanks,
Graeme

I've had soot in my header tank for about 3 years.

[whaleys]

I've bought a tester to check for exhaust gases in the header tank, will update on how I get on...

ive never heard of a pro alloy rad failing.

It does seem unusual and people said that last time and I just figured I had bad luck, but lightning striking twice?

G

[whaleys]

I've had soot in my header tank for about 3 years.

That gives me a little bit of hope, will try the tester on it and report back.

[robin]

I wonder whether there is some mechanical stress in your car that is causing the rad to fail - cannot immediately think what that might be, but it does seem really unlikely that you would have two fail for "natural causes".

I would certainly ask Pro Alloy to take a look at the failed rad and comment on potential causes. You'll be able to live without the rad for ages while you do the head gasket

Cheers,
Robin

[whaleys]

The kit for testing for HGF arrived yesterday so I tried it pretty much as soon as it arrived and great news for me, no HGF! So it's just a radiator fix that's required which is as good as I could have hoped for.

[neil]

ive never heard of a pro alloy rad failing.

I managed to kill one on my first Exige. Killed a lotus motorsport one on my second Exige too so maybe I'm the problem...