New here, new build, new car...new problems to follow

[PG54]

Hi folks,

I am (or is that 'was') the happy owner of a Westfield FW Special. I bought it last May after the build was finished (by someone who received the kit as a gift project) the build was done to an exceptional standard and I enjoyed it throughout the summer months. 

Our last journey of last year is where my troubles began. I'll detail things in the technical forum but long story short; it overheated and spewed coolant. Whilst readying for this year I've finally bled it but it continues to over pressurise (even without the thermostat in place.) 

My fear is that it is the head gasket but various other possibilities have been put to me. Time will tell.

 

[Thrustyjust]

Welcome to the forum and a great looking car !! As for the issue you have, I would start at the basics and get the airlocks out. What sort of timescale from starting does it boil up ? Is the fan coming on to cool the rad ? Whats the difference between hot and cold levels on the expansion bottle ?

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Indeed, welcome.

I know it's difficult, but try not to panic at the moment. For every owner that genuinely has a head gasket problem, there are usually loads that thought they had, when actually it was something simple, (and often inexpensive) to put right.

[PG54]

Thanks guys.

With less than 1500 miles on the engine I genuinely hope so!

I'll detail symptoms and what we've done in a thread in the technical forum. One thought is it may be the EGR valve. Perhaps that's just wishful thinking. 

I came from a brand new Lotus Elise that had 18 faults in 8 months of ownership (the final straw being brake failure!) so was kind of hoping for a hassle free experience for a year or so... 

[Steve (sdh2903)]

Could be a dodgy header/expansion tank cap which doesn't release pressure as it should and then builds up until it finally does let go causing overflow and overheat. Have heard of this a few times.

[Thrustyjust]

It shouldnt have an EGR valve in operation on the car, its not required and wont affect cooling. Best to post a picture of the engine and cooling pipework and we can help you out.

[Hornet600]

Hi m8, I have a leak down kit which will tell you if you have a leak on any of your cylinders if you want to borrow it?

[PG54]

Thanks for the welcome and the kind offers of help.
Looks to be well on it's way to being solved.