ABZshire head gasket repair needed!

[andyc]

So, first track day was AMP3 in my S2. Got 2 pax laps in my car for a bit of a heads up as to how it all works....
temp rises, men look at engine, men scratch heads, Lotus mechanic confirms, no more laps in my car....Boo Hoo
I then go out with BigD....holy sh*t....smile back on face

So, I limped(ish) back to Inverurie after the BBQ and now I need help to find a decent garage to repair my head gasket.
I want a good job done as I don't want to spend my driving life watching my temp gauge!

Right guys, let the help commence!

Ps: anything else I should have done whilst this job is being done?.....(No Alan, not fitting a Honda engine..ha..ha!)
Pps: thx to ScottyC for pax laps...Awsome driving and fancy Riverdance styly footwork! Good brakes too.....thank f**k
thx to Alan for the Clio pax....as scary as BigD!
thx to AliC for the guidance.
thx mostly to colin for letting me take his 340R on the track

[haggis catcher]

Glad you got home ok Andy. I am sure it will be fixed shortly.

[andyc]

Cheers. Temp sat at 91 degrees all the way up the road, went up a wee bit going thru Dundee and Aberdeen but was chuffed it got home with no traumas! I did keep the heater blasting hot all the way which did lead to being extra tired during the drive. Windows open, loud stereo, matchsticks in eyes! Fingers crossed I get someone decent and quick to fix it. When is the next track day

[tut]

Andy, Ricky Gauld at Bridge of Marnoch near Huntly. Been looking after my Elises for ten years, and worked on many others on here. 01466 780190.

tut

[markymark]

Andy, Ricky Gauld at Bridge of Marnoch near Huntly. Been looking after my Elises for ten years, and worked on many others on here. 01466 780190.

tut

Have heard he's a good mechanic

[andyc]

Cheers Tut. I will call first thing on Monday. Don't want to fanni about....just want car going well
There goes the cash that might have gave my front end a lick of paint....och well....better to be able to drive it than look at it I suppose!

[kpb]

Try John or Dave at JD motors at Insch they are doing a lot of Lotus cars and the hourly rate is very fair,I know they have just finished doing a S2
Tel 01464821151
Cheers
Kinnon

[andyc]

I used those guys for my last service. Did fine cheap job but they are always so stacked up with cars that I'm tempted to try somewhere else for this task. If the Huntly chappie can't sort it then JD will get my call most likely.

[Mikie711]

I used those guys for my last service. Did fine cheap job but they are always so stacked up with cars that I'm tempted to try somewhere else for this task. If the Huntly chappie can't sort it then JD will get my call most likely.

Don't expect Ricky to be any different, he is always out the door with work. Sort it he can do with his eye's shut you just don't want to be in a hurry. Know JD's has a good rep as well, but good garages will be busy and some how reassuring.

[Alex 111s]

Try John or Dave at JD motors at Insch they are doing a lot of Lotus cars and the hourly rate is very fair,I know they have just finished doing a S2
Tel 01464821151
Cheers
Kinnon

Another vote for John & Dave at JD. they did my Head gasket last year.

[andyc]

What kind of cost are we talking about for a head gasket repair? Going to flush the system (cheers Alan!) first to ensure there isn't just an airlock or something going on.....no doubt it will be head gasket though but worth a try before the cost begins

[Alex 111s]

my bill was circa £800 but this could be a bit high w.r.t. labour costs because they had a nightmare getting the crank pulley bolt off & ending dropping the engine off it's mounts to get more leverage at it.

[andyc]

Did they skim the head also? Seems quite expensive! Lotus tech at AMP3 reckoned 500-600 to repair. I assume you have had no trouble since you had it done?

[tut]

Andy, do you not have AA Parts & Labour?

I would have thought that it is an essential for any Elise owner once the Warranty period has run out, as you know that you are going to need it. The £500 covered my HGF's(several) when done by Ricky.

tut

[andyc]

AA parts and labour....so many people mentioning this to me. Maybe get it for the future! Mr. Gourlay is going to bleed my system and tinker to see if it may just be an air lock in system. Drops of oil in coolant bottle don't look good though