Smoke Coming From Engine

[Red Devil]

This morning I had a lot of smoke coming from the engine - checked oil and coolant levels they were fine. Got the AA to bring it back home but now I am wondering where to take it to get it looked at. The AA seem to think I have an oil leak that is dripping onto the exhaust system causing the smoke and smell.

 

I remember reading about a garage in Burbage (ony 5 miles from where I live) but have read a recent post saying they no longer deal with Elises. My only other options are Horizon or Nick Whale - both 30 minutes drive from here. Unfortunately the AA have told me only to drive the car for a very short distance.

 

Has anyone got any ideas please? Were would be the best place to take it?

 

Thanks All,

 

Steve

[Kris H]

I'm sure Scott said that Horizon can collect the car but don't know if that's by way of driving or on a low loader. I expect he'll be along to advise in a minute though...

[pants]

Why do you need to take it to someone who specializes in lotus cars.

After all an elise is not a sophisticated car, even a modern day ford fiesta is more advanced. It is a top quality kit car with a rover engine which has been around for donkeys that any half wit mechanic could work on.

The important thing is to take it to someone/somewhere you trust!! (harder said than done).

The only time I would insist on my car going to lotus dealer is with body/ chassis damage as an elise is glued back together rather than welded!!!

 

My opinion

Pants

[Scott_Mac]

Cos i wouldn't take it to a non-lotus specialist as i am shocked at most places ability at working with a std car.... many won't even touch it when they see what it is.

 

Horizon will collect AFAIK... i'd give Wendy a call and see what they can do. They do charge for it, but not a lot IIRC.

 

01384 566660

[GCCK]

I'm sure if it's something straightforward, it would do no harm to ring Lou at Tollgate Garage (Coventry Road, Burbage) - it does sound like a Rover engine related thing rather than anything too "Elisey" (new word).

 

The only reason he backed off the Elises is because as his reputation grew, there was a bit of momentum going. He didn't have the capacity in his little workshop and would risk his other, more prosaic clientele. He plans to do a lot more with Elises in future, once he's sorted out his new property.

 

He can always say no, but worth a try on 01455 615785.

 

Graeme

[Mark A]

The AA should transport the car to the garage for you!

[Scott_Mac]

They won't though Mark, they will only rescue you once from a breakdown.

 

I discovered this to my peril

[Red Devil]

Very true! With my level of cover he could tow me upto 10 miles.

 

Even with the highest level of cover he couldn't come out to the car a second time for the same problem without seeing proof that the car had been fixed by a garage.

 

So if I have to drive the car over to horizon and it goes again - I am well and truly stuck.

 

Steve

[Scott_Mac]

Phone/email Wendy and ask what they can do... they have towing capabilities, but as i said, i am not sure what the charge involved is.

[Dixie]

Would have though it would be the rocker gasket.

 

Get a decent size piece of kitchen roll or a clean rag and wipe down the front of the engine above the exhaust manifold. See if there’s any oil on it once you’ve done that. If that’s the case i'd have though ANY garage could fix it in less than an hour. You could even do it yourself.

 

If you do need to use it though, make sure you wipe any leaked oil away if poss and don't leave without an extinguisher. (Just in case)

 

HTH

[Mark A]

They won't though Mark, they will only rescue you once from a breakdown.

 

I discovered this to my peril

Don't understand that.

 

In the past if I have broken down and had the car recovered to home as the garage is closed, the AA will collect the following morning from my home and deliver to the garage, done this approx 3 times!

[Scott_Mac]

You've done well then... i've tried in the past and they said they will only recover you once from a breakdown.

 

I guess it may be different if they are trying to take you to a garage and its closed.

[Bramble111s]

Oh dear, have been dreaming of my Orange Exige since Lotus Sunday and now I see Marks has been towed 3 times!

[Scott_Mac]

Don't think it was his Exige that has been towed... more likely the S160.

[Red Devil]

The problem has turned out to be a blown cylinder head gasket. Spoke to Mike at Horizon - he has come out to my home and driven the car back to the garage. I can't fault the service!