talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 2, 2008 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! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 529 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 2, 2008 You really don Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 2, 2008 Believe me, I know. I've already got the quotes on parts alone. Apparently new head bolts are recommended as well. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 529 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 2, 2008 I talked to an experience 918 engine builder about the head bolts. He stated that the head bolts should be fine provided they haven Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 2, 2008 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. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 529 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 2, 2008 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 Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 3, 2008 Went and saw the car yesterday. It is definitely the gasket on the passenger side head Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 529 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 3, 2008 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 Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 3, 2008 Exactly. And it does grow on trees, right? right? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kyliesmith.com 3 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 3, 2008 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. Quote No.23 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 5, 2008 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 17, 2008 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
outtamyway 0 Report post Posted July 19, 2008 Talon, How many miles on your clutch? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 21, 2008 24,0047 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted July 30, 2008 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 529 2 Vehicles Report post Posted July 30, 2008 It feels great to see them going back together, right? Hope you get it back in time for the weekend. Cheers, Mike S Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
talon 0 1 Vehicles Report post Posted August 13, 2008 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 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
kyliesmith.com 3 2 Vehicles Report post Posted August 13, 2008 I am so glad its back home so you can enjoy it again. Even just to look at it for now feels nice huh! Quote No.23 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
