Head Gasket

[Peter wood]

Does anyone know of a garage with Lotus knowledge in Essex (Braintree area) capable of changing the head gasket on Elan SE Turbo??

[PANTZ]

[move]  :P The P.G tips monkeys could probably change the Head Gasket on a Lotus Elan [/move]<br> <br>Just Because it says Lotus on the cam cover ..People automatically assume that it is special..its no more complicated than a tractor engine......

[Darren]

Peter,<br><br>I'm with Pantz on this one i.e if you get a good garage, you shouldn't have too many problems.<br><br>Now, if you need to change the head gasket, then you may as well get the cam belt (& may be the water pump) changed at the same time.<br><br>If you need an electronic copy of the service manual (PDF), then register and send me a personal message (Darren).<br><br>Head gaskets do gone on the Elan's but fear not, you should get at least the same time again out of the new one.<br><br>Darren<br>~~~~~

[rbailey]

I'm not a mechanic and I changed mine ! You just need to take your time and follow the distructions, er, I mean, instructions, carefully !<br><br>This took me 3 days in total (8 hour days). I changed the cambelt but not the water pump. If you do this yourself, just remember to make a note of anything you disconnect that is not in the book !<br><br>Hope all goes well<br><br>Regards<br><br>Roy ;D

[timhagger]

Out of interest anyone got the contact details for getting gasket parts in the UK... good web address etc<br><br>Thanks

[Sy V]

Engine | Gasket sets, gaskets & seals<br>HEAD GASKET (TURBO)  A100E6104S EACH 24.93 <br><br>SJ Sportscars<br><br>http://www.sjsportscars.co.uk/partsandaccessories/parts.asp

[paulD]

Hi all, Have you got a rough idea on the price to change the Head Gasket? I was quoted 400-500, does this sound too much? Regards Paul D

[Darren]

Hi all, Have you got a rough idea on the price to change the Head Gasket? I was quoted 400-500, does this sound too much? Regards Paul D

If I remember correctly, it's a 6+ hour job + head gasket & may be new stretch bolts.

So at a labour rate of say £50 per hour, you've got £300 straight off. You may then need to get the head skimmed etc.

Darren
~~~~~

[jimp357]

Consider yourself lucky. Chris Foulds has just quoted me £1200 + VAT and it may not stop there. OUCH

Now on the search for as much info as possible and I'll do the job myself.

£1500 - £2000 my bottom......

[jimp357]

My head gasket seems to finally given up (white smoke, missing on tickover, crap in the oil etc). Bang goes the rest of the summer. I was so looking forwards to Hethal in the Elan, but will have to use someting else. Don't know if I can get it done before the Scotland Camping trip. Bugger.......

OK here goes......

I'm after as much info as possible. Would those of you that have any literature on the subject please send it to me. Procedures, photos, settings, things to be aware of from personal experience (and i'm talking in relation to the head gasket here )

Mechanically i'm quite capable of doing the job, but like to know as much as I can before I start. Any help will be very greatfully received.

Cheers

JimP

[John_W]

Jimp,
Andrew Ennis did this 3 weeks ago. If you ask him nicely he might give you some words of advice. Send him a PM or ask me for his phone no if you can't get a reply in time.

He's an ex ships' engineer and it took him a weekend to do. He said if mine ever went and I needed help doing it, then I could forget it.

John

[Monty]

I was just going to say u should beable to take u`r time and do it over a couple of days, even though i haven`t done this Yet LOL it would all depend if u need to get the head skimmed and waiting for gaskets etc. Mark from cheshire had his done not long ago and was about £600.

If mine ever went think i`ll be tempted to do it myself than pay Foulds prices.

Good luck.
Hope u`r M100 makes it to scotland.

[jimp357]

thanks to everyone who got back to me. Your input was very welcome. Especially want to say thanks to mike-Y for giving me the details of a local Lotus guy.

It's definately the Head gasket, No 1 pot doing a nice kettle impression. Car's in and getting sorted at an acceptable price.

Unfortunately, It won't be ready for Hethel, but I'll have it back for the Scotland trip.

[Dico]

I'll have it back for the Scotland trip.

Good lad!