Head Gasket Fixed - now worried

[splatt]

Hi all.

I've just had the Head Gasket replaced on my Elise S1 (31K miles) by a Lotus specialist. Head was skimmed before refitting.

The car appears to run well however :-
1. The engine seems noisier - More ticking noise than before.
2. Air sucking noise when you blip the throttle which wasn't there before.
3. Much more steam out of exhausts when cold (I know this is fairly normal - but is noticibly more than before).

It's worth mentioning that I also had an A service, MOT and SS exhaust fitted at same time which may contribute to the above?

Should any of the above be cause for alarm?

Also, do the stretch bolts need torquing up at all after so many miles?

Cheers Matt

[gooby]

I would assume that the stainless steel exhaust attracts more condensation when it cools and therefore it steams more when it warms. The mornings have been reasonably cool so the exhausts look more "steamy".

The sucking noise could be the changed dynamics due to the new exhaust. I would have a good listen around the intake, if the seal between the intake manifold and head is not complete then you will get a sucking noise, I would also expect there to be a decline in performance. I wouldnt worry unless the engine was "playing up"

[awtong]

had a s/s exhaust from elise parts fitted recently to my s1. I believe it now steams a bit more than before and the induction "sucking" is definitely more noticable. I took my mate out for a blast so he could hear the new exhaust and he made a comment how much louder the induction is.

HTH

Andy