the pressure in my cooling system is excessive....
its in having a check for exhaust gases in the cooling system....
what am I looking at???....
head gasket failure????
my engine has increased oil pressure at the moment too.....its getting to 6bar when cold....but drops to the usual between 2.5 and 5 when its warm
any ideas??..
its also developed a little oil leak.....
thoughts???
cheers
G
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high pressure cooling system
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high pressure cooling system
by theelanman » Thu 05.04.2007, 15:10
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by Enright » Thu 05.04.2007, 15:14
Sounds like it could be head gasket on it's way out to me - letting pressure into where it shouldn't be. Hope not, but there's been a lot of it about recently.
Are you running increased boost?
Are you running increased boost?
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Neil
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by theelanman » Thu 05.04.2007, 15:31
its running on castrol magnatex
I am running it on inreased boost but have never got more than 0.75bar....
have been meaning to plug my elanscan in but havent had time....
whats a head gasket cost then?????
I'll be getting it done at my local specialist garage as the last one I did on my lotus twink I managed to break......
if it is then i presume they do me a cam belt change and all that with it.....or do I need to ask em to do it....
cheers
g
I am running it on inreased boost but have never got more than 0.75bar....
have been meaning to plug my elanscan in but havent had time....
whats a head gasket cost then?????
I'll be getting it done at my local specialist garage as the last one I did on my lotus twink I managed to break......
if it is then i presume they do me a cam belt change and all that with it.....or do I need to ask em to do it....
cheers
g
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by theelanman » Thu 05.04.2007, 15:41
right then
he's just been on the phone....
Ive got 60 hydrocarbon in my cooling system so it looks like my head gasket.........
what do I do.......????
what shouldnt I do......????
can I use it?......
whos the best to get to do it????
should I just use my local guy or should I go to a specialist????
help....pointer....anything in the way of direction would be much appreciated
cheers
G
he's just been on the phone....
Ive got 60 hydrocarbon in my cooling system so it looks like my head gasket.........
what do I do.......????
what shouldnt I do......????
can I use it?......
whos the best to get to do it????
should I just use my local guy or should I go to a specialist????
help....pointer....anything in the way of direction would be much appreciated
cheers
G
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by theelanman » Thu 05.04.2007, 15:53
I think this might need shifting to engine section...or problems
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by Enright » Thu 05.04.2007, 16:43
How competent are you? Enough to do the job yourself?
Two pointers: PaulWatkins and Monty.
They've both done it recently and their projects show the job and any pitfalls.
If you can source the parts cheap you'll cut down on the repair bill.
A garage will buy at trade price buy then charge you retail.
You may even be able to beat their trade prices.
I'd get onto KMCKMC ASAP and get him to send you a gasket set.
You need a cambelt, idler pulley and tensioner pulley at the same time.
It may be possible to get those cheap from www.rockauto.com
Have you downloaded the manuals yet?
Do it - just so that you can read through the job in order to avoid any prospective garage bullshit.
Get at least a couple of quotes - one from a Lotus specialist even though it will be expensive because you need to know exactly what they say is involved, and one from a good (but cheap) local garage, so that if it's TOO cheap you can ask them if they've not accounted for something important.
Two pointers: PaulWatkins and Monty.
They've both done it recently and their projects show the job and any pitfalls.
If you can source the parts cheap you'll cut down on the repair bill.
A garage will buy at trade price buy then charge you retail.
You may even be able to beat their trade prices.
I'd get onto KMCKMC ASAP and get him to send you a gasket set.
You need a cambelt, idler pulley and tensioner pulley at the same time.
It may be possible to get those cheap from www.rockauto.com
Have you downloaded the manuals yet?
Do it - just so that you can read through the job in order to avoid any prospective garage bullshit.
Get at least a couple of quotes - one from a Lotus specialist even though it will be expensive because you need to know exactly what they say is involved, and one from a good (but cheap) local garage, so that if it's TOO cheap you can ask them if they've not accounted for something important.
Striking fear into the hearts of duplicate posts everywhere...!
BCingU,
Neil
BCingU,
Neil
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by dapinky » Thu 05.04.2007, 16:58
Gareth,
Just a few random thoughts, having been there myself recently:-
The job is quite straightforward, so you could be okay getting your local man to do it, however, it would be worth giving him a copy of the manual if he is unfamiliar with the engine.
Also, perhaps, a copy of Paul watkins' thread, or mine, will show him some ways round the usual pitfalls, as there are ways to save time, and time = money at a garage.
Also, if you can source the parts youself you can save a small fortune - head sets from SJs cost lots, ones from kmckmc cost lots less!
The cam belt won't automatically be done with a head gasket (i did, Paul didn't) so it may be worth getting it done if its due a chane, but if it doesn't need one, its another time/money saver.
Belts/tensioners/idlers from USA www.thepartsbin.com are a hell of a lot cheaper (if you can wait a week or so for delivery) and they take paypal for instant dispatch, likewise water pumps (whilst the belt is off!).
I'm sure there's more, but if you have any specific questions, just ask.
By the way, the maual states it's an 8 hour job - they're lying!
Just a few random thoughts, having been there myself recently:-
The job is quite straightforward, so you could be okay getting your local man to do it, however, it would be worth giving him a copy of the manual if he is unfamiliar with the engine.
Also, perhaps, a copy of Paul watkins' thread, or mine, will show him some ways round the usual pitfalls, as there are ways to save time, and time = money at a garage.
Also, if you can source the parts youself you can save a small fortune - head sets from SJs cost lots, ones from kmckmc cost lots less!
The cam belt won't automatically be done with a head gasket (i did, Paul didn't) so it may be worth getting it done if its due a chane, but if it doesn't need one, its another time/money saver.
Belts/tensioners/idlers from USA www.thepartsbin.com are a hell of a lot cheaper (if you can wait a week or so for delivery) and they take paypal for instant dispatch, likewise water pumps (whilst the belt is off!).
I'm sure there's more, but if you have any specific questions, just ask.
By the way, the maual states it's an 8 hour job - they're lying!
Dave
Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it
...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it
...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
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by dapinky » Thu 05.04.2007, 17:00
oops, Neil answered whilst i was typing!
He's right though
(PS, the link he gave to rock auto is spot on, it was just the waterpumps i got from the parts bin
)
He's right though
(PS, the link he gave to rock auto is spot on, it was just the waterpumps i got from the parts bin
)Dave
Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it
...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it
...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
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by Enright » Thu 05.04.2007, 17:42
Good catch with the water pump though Dave!
And I might try that link that you provided sometime too.
And I might try that link that you provided sometime too.
Striking fear into the hearts of duplicate posts everywhere...!
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Neil
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by theelanman » Thu 05.04.2007, 18:00
dapinky wrote:By the way, the maual states it's an 8 hour job -
they're lying!
is that more or less then????
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by theelanman » Thu 05.04.2007, 18:07
the guy at the garage that I trust is feeling abit aprehensive about doing it as he's only done one once before but that one went ok but there one of his mechanics who's also done one that involved engine out and all sort of stuff so he's now uming and aring about it.......
I cant read the manuals as the text sy put on to stop people nicking it I cant set as a watermark and it sits on top abliterating half the text....not sy's fault as I understand completely why it was done......
if anyone has a copy with out Id much appreciate it...or even print me one out with out the copyright text on
argh!!!!
does it invole engine out????
what are the practicalities of doing it.......???
cheers
G
I cant read the manuals as the text sy put on to stop people nicking it I cant set as a watermark and it sits on top abliterating half the text....not sy's fault as I understand completely why it was done......
if anyone has a copy with out Id much appreciate it...or even print me one out with out the copyright text on
argh!!!!
does it invole engine out????
what are the practicalities of doing it.......???
cheers
G
I’m normally not a praying man, but if you’re up there, please save me, Superman.
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by dapinky » Thu 05.04.2007, 18:33
It's NOT an engine out job, although it would make it easier!
Realistically, a couple of weekends will see it done, if you stick to the jobs as listed (gasket, belt, pullies, water pump).
However, 'project creep' usually sets in and you may end up with an engine bay like Pauls!
More things worth bearing in mind (now i've had a think) - if you catch it earlier rather than later, you may avoid a head skim.
That can be a hell of a time saving as the manifolds all stay attached to the head throughout!
Project creep will sneak up without noticing, so be aware of the phantom 'waste-gate' porting
Also, valve re-lapping (not always necessary, but i do it anyway)
Painting the heat-shields, cam cover etc all takes time! If you do the job yourself, you can factor all these things in, at a garage they'll do the bare minimum (quite rightly, as time = money) to get the car back on the road (always good at this time of year!)
Remember to change your oil filter whilst the head is off - it's lots easier than reaching up underneath!
Realistically, a couple of weekends will see it done, if you stick to the jobs as listed (gasket, belt, pullies, water pump).
However, 'project creep' usually sets in and you may end up with an engine bay like Pauls!
More things worth bearing in mind (now i've had a think) - if you catch it earlier rather than later, you may avoid a head skim.
That can be a hell of a time saving as the manifolds all stay attached to the head throughout!
Project creep will sneak up without noticing, so be aware of the phantom 'waste-gate' porting
Also, valve re-lapping (not always necessary, but i do it anyway)
Painting the heat-shields, cam cover etc all takes time! If you do the job yourself, you can factor all these things in, at a garage they'll do the bare minimum (quite rightly, as time = money) to get the car back on the road (always good at this time of year!)
Remember to change your oil filter whilst the head is off - it's lots easier than reaching up underneath!
Dave
Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it
...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
Just the one now, but this one's mine! - and it will be finished eventually..... - but also temporary custodian of a project until it is finished enough for Angie to drive it
...oh, and a 2006 Freelander destined for the jungles of The Gambia - 4500 miles across roads, desert and tracks - what could possibly go wrong?
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by paulwatkins » Thu 05.04.2007, 20:24
C'mon Gareth, open yourself a new thread in the Projects section, and get stuck in!
Take a methodical approach as I did.
1. Print off the sections of the manual that you need, put them into plastic A4 pockets and put them in a ring binder (keeps your grubby mits of the paper). Read them through so that you get familiar with the procedure.
2. Before you disconnnect anything, stick a piece of masking tape on it, number it (with a permanent pen), take a picture of it, and make a note of it in a book - discribing what goes where. I made approx 150 numbered notes and was able to cross every single one off in reverse as I reassembled.
3. Try to enjoy it! I know it sounds sadistic, but try and get as much out of this bad situation as you can! I have learned soooo much by doing it myself; and by watching others do the bits I didnt have a clue about (thanks again Dave!) I'm confident I could do them now, if i had to.
4. Dont be afraid to ask any questions, even if you think it may be a daft one! You will find people on here generally know when to have a laugh and know when someone is a little bit stressed and just needs constuctive input and advice!
5. Get plenty of WD40!
Go for it Gareth....good luck
Cheers, Paul
Take a methodical approach as I did.
1. Print off the sections of the manual that you need, put them into plastic A4 pockets and put them in a ring binder (keeps your grubby mits of the paper). Read them through so that you get familiar with the procedure.
2. Before you disconnnect anything, stick a piece of masking tape on it, number it (with a permanent pen), take a picture of it, and make a note of it in a book - discribing what goes where. I made approx 150 numbered notes and was able to cross every single one off in reverse as I reassembled.
3. Try to enjoy it! I know it sounds sadistic, but try and get as much out of this bad situation as you can! I have learned soooo much by doing it myself; and by watching others do the bits I didnt have a clue about (thanks again Dave!) I'm confident I could do them now, if i had to.
4. Dont be afraid to ask any questions, even if you think it may be a daft one! You will find people on here generally know when to have a laugh and know when someone is a little bit stressed and just needs constuctive input and advice!
5. Get plenty of WD40!
Go for it Gareth....good luck
Cheers, Paul
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by theelanman » Sun 08.04.2007, 09:41
Guys
Just a thought.....
Im wondering if all this was my fault......
I decided the car was running a bit sooty...you know on start up you get that extra whiff of petrol and a little puff of black smoke......so I stuck through a redex treatment......
wondering if its cleaned all the stuff off that was holding the head gasket together...????
what do you reckon...?????
oh I need to order a head gasket set on monday....where the best (and cheapest) place to get the propper ones from???
cheers
G
Just a thought.....
Im wondering if all this was my fault......
I decided the car was running a bit sooty...you know on start up you get that extra whiff of petrol and a little puff of black smoke......so I stuck through a redex treatment......
wondering if its cleaned all the stuff off that was holding the head gasket together...????
what do you reckon...?????
oh I need to order a head gasket set on monday....where the best (and cheapest) place to get the propper ones from???
cheers
G
I’m normally not a praying man, but if you’re up there, please save me, Superman.
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theelanman - Moderator
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by Monty » Sun 08.04.2007, 16:36
Looks like i`ve got to do my head again 
I got my gasket kit from Micheal (Kmckmc) £75 with postage sump gasket and others, lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8178
CN`s does a head kit for £133
but this time i`ll just get the head gasket from CN`s at £25
Can`t see the fuel treatment would cause your gasket to go
I got my gasket kit from Micheal (Kmckmc) £75 with postage sump gasket and others, lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=8178
CN`s does a head kit for £133
but this time i`ll just get the head gasket from CN`s at £25
Can`t see the fuel treatment would cause your gasket to go
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by theelanman » Sun 08.04.2007, 16:46
the previous owner did put 4star in it which is why I thought it was always a bit sooty.......and after 4 years decided it was time to clean it
ah well!!!
monty...whats happend to your
ah well!!!
monty...whats happend to your
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theelanman - Moderator
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by Monty » Sun 08.04.2007, 17:04
theelanman wrote:monty...whats happend to your
Pinky has been sick
have a read of Pinky II in projetcs section
Bloody sun is out and i`m sat in the house thinking of whats the next step
May start stripping the head again tomorrow 
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by theelanman » Mon 09.04.2007, 01:52
I know the feelin....
keep thinkin of Sy's woes too!!!!
keep thinkin of Sy's woes too!!!!
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High pressure cooling system
by algirdas » Wed 11.04.2007, 05:37
Dear Gareth:
Injector cleaner/fuel additive had nothing to do with it. Stop beating yourself up.
Sincerely,
Algirdas
Injector cleaner/fuel additive had nothing to do with it. Stop beating yourself up.
Sincerely,
Algirdas
Noli illegitemi carborundum.
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