Torn and blown off cooling system hose

[cyc0140]

Hi All
I bought my 1990 Lotus Elan SE M100 in Nov 07 and since then I have had 3 times where the cooling system hose was blown off(ie torn) resulting in overheating each time. In addition I have had about twice where the hose got disconnected at the joints. Each time I noticed is during hard acceleration. I am wondering what is the connection here. I spoke with my mechanic and we both suspect that the engine top gasket may have some leakage whereby during acceleration, the high pressure air somehow got into the cooling system. I am not a mechanic and I hope someone can provide some advice if this is a likely cause or are there other causes you may be aware of. If it is the top gasket, would appreciate it if someone can point out to me where I can get them. Thanks!

[GeoffSmith]

Sorry to hear it, from what you describe, it certainly sounds like head gasket.

You should try a compression test (although it sounds like it's a pretty small leak and may not show anything) and a 'sniffer test' which checks for hydrocarbons (exhaust fumes) in the coolant. The important thing is to catch it before it gets any worse=expensive.

There are quite a few write ups on head gasket problems.

Good luck,

Geoff

[theelanman]

You should try a compression test (although it sounds like it's a pretty small leak and may not show anything) and a 'sniffer test' which checks for hydrocarbons (exhaust fumes) in the coolant. The important thing is to catch it before it gets any worse=expensive.

thats how I found mine......high pressure cooling system and hydrocarbons in the cooling system too