cazalea
[Seiko Moderator]
20972
Story of an Old Friend: Lotus Elan, Part 3
LOWTUS had been languishing in the garage for 2 1/2 years, from what I can recall. No particular reason - just a host of small problems and multiplicity of other life events going on. But my wife was nagging (gently reminding) me to get it going again.
Friday and Saturday we cleaned the garage. So Sunday after church we decided to give the Lotus some attention.
We took a battery out of one of the Citroens (handy having cars with same size/capacity). I poured in 2 gallons of fresh "premium" fuel. Not Super or Super Sport. That would melt through my tank!
We gave the carbs a few shots of starter fluid, and the car fired right up! I was stunned. We watched it run, checked levels (clutch cylinder almost empty), tire pressures (10-15 psi) and hoses (DRIPPING FUEL). I shut it down and we filled up the clutch, aired up the tires, and started in on the fuel leaks.
I had just repaired & replaced the fuel lines on the Citroens a couple months ago, and the fresh hoses fit the Lotus too. It's a fiddly job but not too hard so this was the end result.
I fired up the car and it was still leaking down onto that nice yellow ignition coil below - a sure invitation for a BBQ! I removed the front carburetor and it turned out the fuel bowl brass thingie (fuel plug) below, which had a worn O-ring, as you can see. And strangely enough, my O-ring assortment had a few of the right size. So I swapped to a new one and the leak was cured.
So I cleaned myself up, put on a nice watch, and we took it for a short drive, during which we got 3 red lights and the temperature rose to 110 C. Too hot!
So I spun around and came home. We trickled cool water over the radiator until it was back to normal. Took off the watch. I discovered the cooling fan circuit was inoperative (see episode 2 for more details). So I tossed the temperature control and just wired the fan to run whenever the engine runs. No, there is no mechanical fan on the front of the water pump, because the pump bearings are so fragile that the extra load risks early pump failure. Which means head removal - I've been there, done that, and don't want it again. Or perhaps we put on the new improved, lasts-forever pump during the rebuild. I forget.
I put the hood (bonnet) back on and went out for another drive. Up to 70 mph, coolant at 80 C. Good.
Mileage today is 40,404. I looked through my photo archives and found this - we hit 40,000 way back in 2011. Only 400 miles in 7 years?!
Nowadays the Lowtus seems only to go to car shows and get its picture taken
and watch stores with safe parking out front
and show'n'tell, cars & coffee type things.
The size of the trucks and SUVs, combined with inattentive, mobile-phone focused drivers scares me a bit, especially given the size of this car (compare it to a Morgan above) and its complete lack of safety gear.
But I still love it, and hope to keep driving it for years to come, rain or shine, hood up or down (or off).
Cazalea
The Story of an Old Friend: Lotus Elan, Part 1
This is the story of my 1971 Lotus Elan #0149K. It is the second of the 5 Lotuses I have agreed to buy, garage, title, maintain and occasionally drive. It's the Lotus I have owned the longest - in fact I bought it 24 years and 3 days ago, for $8000 from a...
Story of an Old Friend: Lotus Elan, Part 2
This is the second installment in my 24-year ownership of Elan 0149K. The first article tells about its purchase and restoration. Before I get into my experiences driving my car, I have to say that I went to Scotland shortly after I finished its restorati...
I remember your last picture very well, and saved it in my hard disc many years ago... Fantastic to have the three of them.
I know what you mean when you write that you don't want to go too far from home with this Elan. Still, a bit of a pity, as driving it for a long trip would have been an even more superb experience. Can't wait for Part Three. Best, Nicolas
The charm of vintage cars. They all require attention and work, more or less...
But it is so rewarding! Thank you so much for tjis superb post, Mike. Best, Nicolas
Yes, but "more work" means my aching back and hands will suffer even more
I'm smarter about these things than I used to be, but not so flexible or able to get down into this engine compartment!
Story of an Old Friend: Lotus Elan, Part 3
LOWTUS had been languishing in the garage for 2 1/2 years, from what I can recall. No particular reason - just a host of small problems and multiplicity of other life events going on. But my wife was nagging (gently reminding) me to get it going again. Fr...
LUCAS - THE KING OF DARKNESS !
Beautifull story of a wonderfull car with and a great motor! Best Walter
Story of an Old Friend: Lotus Elan, Part 4
I think I should conclude with the results of today's test drive. LOWTUS started right up, with just a few seconds cranking and a bit of choke. I got out on the freeway for a 20-mile run before the sun and tourists came out to play on the freeways. I had ...
Great history & write up of your 'pocket rocket' LOTUS, Mike - thanks for sharing.
and good to see this particular Elan to have less ( L oads O f T rouble) U sually S erious problems too ;-) Cheers Giles
Alas it's got loads of trouble, not that serious
Current issue involves rebuilding the pedal box (shaft & pedals) as when you press the brake the clutch goes down, and partly vice versa. And the headlights don't work. And the doors must be realigned which is about as easy as exiting the EU. Otherwise, i...
All in a 50yo cars day ;-)
I look forward to having an analogue car again & when I have the time to commit to it - alas that’s still some yrs away. Cheers. Giles.
Giant killers
Always enjoyed watching Lotuses take on much bigger competition at vintage races. They punch above their weight class. What a wonderful long term relationship and a beautiful Elan. Thank you for sharing your story, Wojo