K- series reliabilty
Discussion
I want to buy a mk1 elise but am concerned about all the horror stories I have heard regarding the k-series engine- usually relating to head gasket problems. Everyone I know who's had an MG/ Rover/ whatever has had this trouble. Will I experience the same trouble if I buy a mk1 elise? Do all you elise owners have the same trouble with head gaskets as Rover owners? If so I may have to buy a VX220!
They do fail but the problem is over-hyped in my opinion. I can't remember the last time someone posted on here that theirs had gone, given the nature of BBS you normally hear more bad than good so judge for yourself.
Make sure you go into it with you eyes open and try to keep a bit of cash back in case of problems. They are generally good, reliable cars if you get a good one - shop around and take you time.
Make sure you go into it with you eyes open and try to keep a bit of cash back in case of problems. They are generally good, reliable cars if you get a good one - shop around and take you time.
I agree ... problem rather hyped. I have had an Exige and now Elise 111s VVC and have had no problems with either. What's nice about the Elise S1 is its basic simple engineering, not much the competant home enthusiast can't tackle. Don't worry about the head gasket ... get the car and it'll bring a big smile to your face every time!
Cooling systems (I hate - never cured the Dolomite Sprint overheating). As for the Elise the only problem here is that the car started to run at 64 to 79 instead of 84 to 95 new Thermostat cured it.
Some people talk about the Elise and cooling being a problem. The theory is, and it is just a theory and could be a load of hog wash, that in the cold months when going for a spin the car gets up to working temp. The water in the pipes from the thermostat to the rad is freezing cold (Thermostst not open yet as the temp is 84). The foot goes on the accelerator and the engine warms thus opening the thermostat and bang the freezing cold water hits the alloy head warping it with the CHG giving up. My tip here when driving the car is to let her warm up and watch the temp to see the thermostat open warm up again and now you can have your fun.
Good tip when checking a car, start from cold and leave the car standing and allow it to warm up ensuring the fan cuts in. Let this cycle happen at least three times. If it cannot warm up and cool down tread carefully.
Also Check when the last C service was - CAM belt - this one is the biggy.
Check the Brakes the last set of disks and pads all round on a C service hit me for £998.
Check out the URL Lawrence5 shared: www.elise-faq.info/content/buying/index.php
Gary.
Some people talk about the Elise and cooling being a problem. The theory is, and it is just a theory and could be a load of hog wash, that in the cold months when going for a spin the car gets up to working temp. The water in the pipes from the thermostat to the rad is freezing cold (Thermostst not open yet as the temp is 84). The foot goes on the accelerator and the engine warms thus opening the thermostat and bang the freezing cold water hits the alloy head warping it with the CHG giving up. My tip here when driving the car is to let her warm up and watch the temp to see the thermostat open warm up again and now you can have your fun.
Good tip when checking a car, start from cold and leave the car standing and allow it to warm up ensuring the fan cuts in. Let this cycle happen at least three times. If it cannot warm up and cool down tread carefully.
Also Check when the last C service was - CAM belt - this one is the biggy.
Check the Brakes the last set of disks and pads all round on a C service hit me for £998.
Check out the URL Lawrence5 shared: www.elise-faq.info/content/buying/index.php
Gary.
Well id love an elise, but i dont trust the K series engines.
My pearents have an MGF which is currently in the garage having a complete engine re-build due to head gasket failier and over heating.
The car was a 2002 car and had 45K on the clock when it went pop.
And a friend had a rover 200 (i think?) and the H/G went on that at about 35K.
My pearents have an MGF which is currently in the garage having a complete engine re-build due to head gasket failier and over heating.
The car was a 2002 car and had 45K on the clock when it went pop.
And a friend had a rover 200 (i think?) and the H/G went on that at about 35K.
garydvo said:
My tip here when driving the car is to let her warm up and watch the temp to see the thermostat open warm up again and now you can have your fun.
Good tip when checking a car, start from cold and leave the car standing and allow it to warm up ensuring the fan cuts in. Let this cycle happen at least three times. If it cannot warm up and cool down tread carefully.
Also Check when the last C service was - CAM belt - this one is the biggy.
Check the Brakes the last set of disks and pads all round on a C service hit me for £998.
Check out the URL Lawrence5 shared: www.elise-faq.info/content/buying/index.php
Gary.
Do not want to tempt fate. Bought in Spet 1999 83,000 miles used daily Sun, Cloud, Rain, Hail, Ice, Snow no CHG problems. I follow the simple rule above:
Let the engine warm up to 84 watch the temp fall and rise again above 84 (allow the Thermostat to open). Now we can have fun.
CHG fail generally due to the engine being cold and asked to do too much. I found out the hard way many many years ago. Let the engine get to working temp before you ask it to perform.
Also for peace of mind the AA do a Parts an Labour insurance that covers the first £500 of Parts & Labour for £50 for 12 months or the first £1000 for £100. The car must be below 100,000 miles when taking out the policy.
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