HGF SYMPTOMS

[Andy2005]

2005 Elise K series engine with 46k on the clock.Had radiator replaced 1200 miles ago(with 45k service) because of water loss (droplets on windscreen and the usual coming apart of the aluminium and plastic end tanks).First run on a motorway yesterday since then (much at 50mph because of roadworks) and returned to have to put 3/4 pint of coolant in.No sign of leaks.

Went out today to test and returned after 15mins.with coolant visibly leaking below engine tray and n/s side rail.Small amount of steam in offside engine bay and tiny puff from o/s tailpipe only when idling but nothing dramatic (it was early morning and a bit chilly).No water on dipstick nor oil in coolant.Oil filler cap spotless,no rough running,performance fine,engine temperature constant at 87deg.

Found flexible air hose laying loose in engine compartment near o/s wheel arch so have doubts about the quality of the radiator repair job/whether system was bled properly/hoses tightened etc.

Am I looking at dodgy workmanship or HGF anyone?

[Justin S]

Could be anything really. The guys changing the rad would have no need to venture down the o/s side of the engine. The bleed for the engine is under the flexible hose between airbox and inlet manifold. To be honest, you will need to investigate further as to the leak, by removing the drivers side wheel and line and maybe the undertrays. The cars do suffer loose jubilee clips and the like, so time to get looking.

[Andy2005]

Thanks Justin.Maybe should have mentioned they could have messing around near o/s of engine as alternator was also replaced at the same time as the rad.having failed coincidentally a couple of months after the alternator belt was replaced and ?incorrectly tensioned? which is why I'm a bit wary of the garage.

[Justin S]

I would just have a good gander at it first, if you can, before seeing them all guns a blazing. There is a lot of pipework etc with jubille clips and the like which rot and leak.HGF normally shows with erratic temps and rough running.I changed my rad last year, as it suddenly went and also recently changed the sender for the temps a couple of weeks ago, as was running slightly warm. I think we all have the HGF worry on our minds, but is only a 'small' issue compared to other cars,which there are cures for. Good luck.

[Andy2005]

Justin-turned out mine was HGF.

Be warned.

[MadProf]

Commiserations,my S2 was diagnosed with a HGF on Tuesday,I'm having a new cam belt fitted,oil change ,coolant change and repair for the HGF and I've been informed of a bill of about £1000.

Love my Lotus but not the K' series engine that comes with it.

[Justin S]

Andy2005 said:

Justin-turned out mine was HGF.

Be warned.

Bugger. At least you caught it early and no overheating etc, so the head should come up good with a skim. Always on my mind to a degree, but I just keep driving and if it happends, so be it.

[Andy2005]

Just a hunch as a non mechanic but it seems to me the cooling system operates at too high a pressure on these cars so the coolant looks for the weakest point to escape,which is the radiator,(crimping aluminium over plastic end tanks sounds like a recipe for trouble),then once that's fixed and the system runs at pressure again the next weakest point is the head gasket so that goes.

[Justin S]

If the head gasket is starting to fail and pressurises the system , if the rad is weak, will fail there. It seems a common one. Then the next weak area with use is the head gasket. I changed my rad last year and 'hoped' it didn't lead the hgf and currently all sound. At least when it is done properly, you can rest easy..................

[wacattack]

Just so I can feel like im joining your club, my car was diagnosed with HGF last week too!

[Gooby]

2005 K series?
Thought the only 2005 K series went to HK?