Ashby Folville.....
Discussion
b.johnson said:
no way dude, whats the highest temp you'v seen on your dash?
I've only ever seen the temperature go up to around a ton, which is also the only time I've heard the fan kick in, but that was on a proper hot day whilst I was jump starting a 205, so to be expected! Other than that the temperature never goes over 90. It may be a combination of a very small water leak, explaining the coolant loss, with some ropey HT leads, explaning the lumpy idle, but that doesn't explain the small amounts of mayo that developed... Who knows, I know sweet FA about mechanics anyway!
Head Gasket Failure
This isn't an Elise specific problem. The K-series engine is prone to premature head gasket failure. I've owned 6 K-series engined cars and one failed at 22,000 miles. It was fixed under warranty. Mike Satur sells a competition head gasket which is less likely to fail. The gasket above the alternator can fail due to the small surface area on the head between the water jacket and the outer face (about 5-6mm). This coupled with the deficencies of the gasket materials causes the seal, which is bonded to the steel gasket, to blow out causing a water leak.
Rover modified the K-series engine in March 2001 (but I'm not sure when these changes arrived at Lotus) to reduce the problem of HGF. The original cylinder head / gasket to block alignment method used 2 nylon hollow dowels one either end of cylinder head. The 2 nylon dowels have since been replaced with steel dowels to improve alignment. This along with associated head gasket modifications to improve sealing and oil drain back have reduced the possibility of failures occurring.
found this, thought you might like to read
This isn't an Elise specific problem. The K-series engine is prone to premature head gasket failure. I've owned 6 K-series engined cars and one failed at 22,000 miles. It was fixed under warranty. Mike Satur sells a competition head gasket which is less likely to fail. The gasket above the alternator can fail due to the small surface area on the head between the water jacket and the outer face (about 5-6mm). This coupled with the deficencies of the gasket materials causes the seal, which is bonded to the steel gasket, to blow out causing a water leak.
Rover modified the K-series engine in March 2001 (but I'm not sure when these changes arrived at Lotus) to reduce the problem of HGF. The original cylinder head / gasket to block alignment method used 2 nylon hollow dowels one either end of cylinder head. The 2 nylon dowels have since been replaced with steel dowels to improve alignment. This along with associated head gasket modifications to improve sealing and oil drain back have reduced the possibility of failures occurring.
found this, thought you might like to read
Edited by b.johnson on Tuesday 11th July 09:55
Cheers Ben, as you know I too have had the pleasure of previously running a K Series, only my last one was the VVC which had the problem with the cams and variable valve thingy falling apart. When I bought the Elise I was fully expecting HGF at some point, still it's not confirmed yet... Were all your minis running the K Series?
JB, where are you?
WildCards said:
I'll be there from 6ish. As my wrist is still kernackered my old man is acting a chauffeur and would you believe he's just bought a VR-4 aswell. How embarrassing!
Anyways, i'll have a cast on my left wrist, if you see me, say Hi.
Steve
Also missed! Anyways, i'll have a cast on my left wrist, if you see me, say Hi.
Steve
Think we saw your "wagon" though. 
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