Lotus Elite / Eclat / Excel

Three thoughts on drilling for lockwire. One is to drill the nut only, two holes across opposite nut edges. Not sure yet where to tie the lockwire ends to. Two is to previously drill right across the nut before installing and once tightened to drill the balljoint stud. Not easy. Third is to drill ac...

Photograph....here we go https://db5pap001files.storage.live.com/y4mK-sOB3rGKl_FJF7Yh1_D9Biy0ayZR7oj0Km75bEUicoH96R3qXgL3URme2kStKNExdFCMeisJD7vBYBmC4nCqFEiJo5W3BNmmwdKWuYIwFUQpiTvy1DZrGRObKzAgVJdGfb16DpXMU35E9mWIaOzsMUVjigN7GtBXGxRcyizHS7dwOrn4gIbuGvFTDc8wnk5?width=640&height=480&cropmode=none Dave...

While checking around the front suspension I found the nut securing the lower ball joint to be loose! Failure here would be very dramatic! In ordinary use this joint is always trying to separate itself. I have relocated including locktite but consider this insufficient for such an important nut. The...

I do not agree with Richard about putting rope (or anything) in a plug hole. As others mention first try handbrake, fourth gear (direct), breaker bar to tension up and a smart heavy hammer blow. Otherwise a long bar to the ground and a sharp engine start on.off (coil disconnected). The pulley has tw...

As Lotusbits have developed injection for our engines, including crank sensor, perhaps Mike can advise/supply.

Dave the cog.

Hi Pete. The XJ40 is the same ZF HP22 box so all questions on distance between gearbox lever positions should be solved. I mentioned locating the gear stick off-centre to get greater clearance to the top of the gearbox. The XJ40 gear lever comes out very easily, there is a rubber surround you pull o...

I have lost track of what the two of you, Pete and Neil are trying to acheive. I assume you both are using automatic gearboxes but not sure whether mechanical shift or electronic. Gearshift levers with cables obviously are mechanical. The travel between positions is not a constant which will invalid...

Brain Power. That cuts me out then.

Dave the cog.

Hi bian. Here in Andalucia during the summer with a good oil, preferably synthetic as it breaks down at higher temperatures than non-synthetic, it is more important to ensure clean radiators, coolant, radiator air ducts ( these often get knocked off). Our engines run at 100ºC water temperature, so a...

The vent is as necessary to allow air in than as to allow (warm) air out. A blocked vent can cause the petrol tank to collapse, particularly with a hgh pressure pump which can develop a sizeable depression as with injection systems. I believe the Excel has a venting pipe which goes round the boot an...

Glenn, bit too late now but for your next order to SJS there are some small bits that cost little and are well worth including. Namely; Rotor arm SJ907E0012 Plastic drive for distributor Pick-up magnet. SJ912E0027 Oil pump gasket. A907E0474Z Countersunk screw auxilliary pulley. A075W7018Z Door hinge...

Kemal, on this Forum we have a members map showimg locations.
You could start an Aussie map also.

Dave the cog.

Hi Glenn. It is very easy to inspect the needle valves for sticking, float levels and jets for dirt/grit. Also when you lift out the float assembly you can see if there is a fair amount of fuel in the bowls. When replacing and before screwing down try switching ignition on to check fuel flow through...

Hi DOC. I am pleased you have found the Lotusbits document. Lotusbits is sometimes hard to contact, here we use the phone to Mike. In my opinion the Excel does not need top end power unless you intend tracking it. The car is so light it would ne difficult to use full extra power for any length of ti...

Would someone close to Abingdon find the author of the description text and put him/her right about an 1989 Excel (not Eclat). Headlights do not fail from rising, bodywork does not crack, and some strange comments about wheel size and tyre condition. Perhaps who goes should take one of the breaker b...