Head Gasket Kit

[stmas]

Hi All
I was wondering if any kindly soul on here could help either with information or a bit of a miracle. The problem - I'm pretty sure the head gasket has or is in the process of failing on my wife's Elan M100 se (turbo) and think that after 150,000 miles she (the Elan) deserve's to have it replaced rather than labour on in the forlorn hope that it might be one of the number of other reasons it could have for intermittently overheating.
I'm less concerned about the car having a new HG than I am with the fact that at this time it appears to be impossible to source a genuine lotus part. Lotus have some on back order (mmm - sure we've all been there at some point) and I'm waiting for a fine fellow to get back to me with a prospective delivery date but will not hold my breath on when the may become available. After reading other threads it seem's that the Lotus one is the only one worth fitting.

So my question is - does anyone on this forum know the whereabouts of a HG or HG set or if there is in fact a worthy aftermarket product to use in it's place.


Many thanks in advance for any advice or information that might come our way.

Stuart and Vicky

[lotusgirlmarie]

The OEM lotus HG is made by isuzu. They're identical as isuzu was the engine supplier. They still have conversion sets last I checked. I wouldn't do aftermarket. They tend to have a history of premature failure.

[HJ2]

?? I thought they just sell you the ISUZU gasket ??
What's this conversion set yhen you are talking about LGM?

[Monty]

You can get the Gasket and set from the USA at http://www.rockauto.com/

Look for
Isuzu
1991
Impulse RS
and look under engine

[Nickydee]

Looks like that Rock Auto only lists two aftermarket sets their own and a Felpro item. Not sure if these are the ones we should avoid. Any advice would be appreciated.

Regards

Nick

[stmas]

Hi again to everyone who's posted. Many thanks for the information so far.
I've contacted Rockauto re the parts and they've confirmed that these are not original manufacturers parts. As per Nicks question I don't know if these are the parts used with questionable success or not but after trawling countless isuzu website the FELPRO are shall we say ubiquitous.

I will wait to see if there are any members that have any experience of these products and then have to make a decision whether to jump but unless Lotus come through then this might be the only option anyway. Maybe we will be the Guineapigs

[bobbrown]

You could try http://www.isuzuparts.com/index.html not sure if they ship outside of the states if they don't I'm sure something can be organised and cheaper than pattern part.

Bob

[lotusgirlmarie]

The isuzu conversion set contains all of the gaskets and seals in the head. Valve guide seals, intake plenum, valve cover ect. including the HG. This might be overkill for what most require though. Felpro do make good gaskets. I've used them on my hondas that I raced. They're not turbocharged though.

[bobbrown]

Well one question answered, isuzuparts.com only ship within the USA, no doubt there are ways around this.

[Nickydee]

You could try http://www.isuzuparts.com/index.html not sure if they ship outside of the states if they don't I'm sure something can be organised and cheaper than pattern part.

Bob

Thansk everybody for their help so far.

I assume that we need the kit for an 1991 Impulse RS Turbo. If someone would be good enough to confirm this, I will send them a mail to confirm that there are OEM and enquire re shipping to UK. Would be worthwhile doing a group buy to save on shipping.

I spoke to Steve at S&J this afternoon - he has 14 on backorder for a couple of months and there is no sign of a delivery date. Steve suggested that we all harass Lotus.

Not much help to me as I have already loss a hose and probably a rad due excessive pressure so my car not going anywhere until its fixed.

Regards

Nick

[muley]

Nick

You have PM


Jim

[stmas]

Hi again
Have contacted Isuzuparts and it appears acedemic as to whether they ship outside the US as they don't have the required parts and they are also discontinued by Isuzu.
Oh well, back to square one.

Many thanks for all information, as usual the forums are the lifeline.

Will keep you informed as to any progress

Stuart and Vicky

[lotusgirlmarie]

Conversion sets are NLA but ironically enough all of the individual gaskets and seals are. HG is around 55-60USD. I just called my local isuzu/GM guys. I called asking about a new oil pump too those are just shy of 300USD.

[BFG in the BRG]

Hi,

I came across this thread whilst looking for something else - Upgraded Head Gaskets link supplied by Geoffers looks interesting - anybody used them?

Nickydee - you have a PM - albeit it was before I saw this...depending on what experience people have had with this company....might be worth doing a GB with them

Mind you I know two things about head gaskets:-

1) Now't
2) Bugger all

[stmas]

Hello again,
Lotus Girl Marie - many thanks for your comments so far, you wouldn't happen to have the number of your local dealer would you. Phoned a local in the UK and although helping as best they could - couldn't really help that much. Maybe best to try and source directly from a US dealer if they have availability.

[lotusgirlmarie]

1(866) 627-6817. They're in California USA. Ask for Rich in parts. If you order it let me know if they will not deliver and I can pick it up and ship it off to the UK using my airline discount.

[Monty]

Has no one used the HG from RockAutos?

[ESM]

If anyone can find a route to the supply of the Isuzu head gasket I'd be interested to hear about it. My red car has been languishing off the road for some months for the lack of a decent HG.

[GeoffSmith]

Some interesting information on Isuzu Performance:

PLEASE NOTE: The 4XE1 DOHC 1.6 liter Non-turbo, 4XE1 DOHC 1.6 liter Turbo, and 4XF1 DOHC 1.8 liter Non-turbo engines use DIFFERENT PATTERN HEADGASKETS. Water flow through the block is controlled by the shape and size of the water jacket openings in the head gasket.
Using a 1.6 liter Turbo or 1.8 liter head gasket on a 1.6 liter Non-turbo engine will result in engine temperatures too low for the oil to properly lubricate the engine, resulting in rapid bearing wear and engine failure.
Using a 1.6 liter Non-turbo or 1.8 liter Non-turbo head gasket on a Turbocharged engine will result in inadequate engine cooling, overheating, oil breakdown and lubricant failure, head warpage, cracks in the engine's water jacket, and destruction of the engine.

Maybe the reason for the problems Monty had.

[dapinky]

Good info, Geoff!

It answers the question of why they have different part numbers, and Lotus were selling off the NA gaskets for £2 each!

(and before anyone asks, they haven't got any left, but i might be able to lay my hands on one - assuming they are still where i sent them )