B service

[talon]

I dropped my car off for it's B service the other day. While it was in, I was going to have them address a small coolant leak coming from under one of the belt covers. Well, yesterday the shop called and they think it might be the head gasket I'll know more today as they should have the motor out this afternoon.

On the plus side, Dave Simpkin from Lotus USA called me last night and said that he doubts it's the gasket as he has not seen one go like this before. Regardless of the outcome, at least Lotus service is excellent.

...so, fingers crossed!

[mike_sekinger]

You really don

[talon]

Believe me, I know. I've already got the quotes on parts alone. Apparently new head bolts are recommended as well.

[mike_sekinger]

I talked to an experience 918 engine builder about the head bolts. He stated that the head bolts should be fine provided they haven

[talon]

Excellent. The bolts have been on since original assembly. I'll mention that to the shop. They can check them and make the call, but if I don't have to buy them, it will save a nice chunk of change.

[mike_sekinger]

Just thinking - While they have the engine out, you should get them to check the exhaust manifold heat shields. As discussed many times before, they tend to crack and produce the most annoying rattle. It is an easy job if the engine is out, but a pain on the RH side when the engine in situ.

Cheers,

Mike S

[talon]

Went and saw the car yesterday. It is definitely the gasket on the passenger side head

[mike_sekinger]

Oh dear Russ.... that is crap luck.

At least with yours being a later car, the liners should be sealed with the good stuff. Unless there are other liner problems, they should be able to overhaul the top-end without disturbing them.

.... look at it this way - it

[talon]

Exactly. And it does grow on trees, right? right?

[kyliesmith.com]

Russ :crybaby: Hope its not too expensive mate.

So where did you look exactly to find the leaks again? Do you mean taking off the black rear cam covers. Can you see this from looking down with a torch or need to get underneath.

[talon]

We originally used one of those camera scopey things to see the leak, but it became really apparent after the cam covers were removed. Once the car was up on the lift, we could really see it from below as well. Not a bad leak, but enough to be worrisome. At least it doesn't appear to be dumping coolant into the oil

[talon]

It's turned out that it is not a head gasket afterall. There is a casting that bolts between the block and the water pump that is leaking neard the head gasket seam. so, on the plus side the head does not need to come off. On the bad side, the clutch is shot

[outtamyway]

Talon, How many miles on your clutch?

[talon]

24,0047

[talon]

Here she is, buttoned up and ready to go back in the car - after a good clean up

http://www.shand.us/images/lotus/IMAG0159.jpg

[mike_sekinger]

It feels great to see them going back together, right?

Hope you get it back in time for the weekend.

Cheers,

Mike S

[talon]

I just parked baby in her new home. The car has been gone for so long we had time to move houses! It was raining when I picked it up, so I couldn't really play with it, but the car feels MUCH stronger and sounds much better.

I think she likes her new home too. She has plenty of room as she is the only car in a 2 1/2 car garage

[kyliesmith.com]

I am so glad its back home so you can enjoy it again. Even just to look at it for now feels nice huh!