New comer - Progress (edit)
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- Jason.goad
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- Model: excel
- Colour: red should be black
- Year: 1985
- Location: Bolton
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
Have you changed the gearbox oil lately? Also change the filter ( if it has one). It's a bit of a messy job as the sump needs removing.
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richardw
- Moderator
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- Joined: Wed Feb 06, 2013 15:06
- Model: Elite S2.2 Automatic
- Colour: Essex Blue
- Year: 1981
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
If you haven't already, it might be worth talking to Ashcroft Transmissions (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/) as they specialise in the ZF 4HP22 box, mainly in Land Rover/Range Rover installations.Hawaiis0 wrote:No not really, but I am thinking of having the gearbox overhauled as think it could be cream crackeredNigelD wrote:Excellent photo Stu. As an aside did you ever sort out your problem of stalling when put in gear? If so would you share your solution for us fellow SA owners?
Good luck, Richard
- Hawaiis0
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- Model: '86 SA; '89 SA '78 Elite 504
- Colour: BRG; Dirty White
- Year: 1986
- Location: West Oxfordshire
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
They are the ones I will consider if I ever decide to go that way. £675 reconrichardw wrote:If you haven't already, it might be worth talking to Ashcroft Transmissions (http://www.ashcroft-transmissions.co.uk/) as they specialise in the ZF 4HP22 box, mainly in Land Rover/Range Rover installations.Hawaiis0 wrote:No not really, but I am thinking of having the gearbox overhauled as think it could be cream crackeredNigelD wrote:Excellent photo Stu. As an aside did you ever sort out your problem of stalling when put in gear? If so would you share your solution for us fellow SA owners?
Good luck, Richard
Nothing is fool proof. Fools are clever!
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richardw
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- Model: Elite S2.2 Automatic
- Colour: Essex Blue
- Year: 1981
- Location: Worcestershire
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
Stu, I can't remember too much about your car stalling when drive is engaged, but here are one or two things I'd look at (apologies if I've forgotten our previous conversations):
- Does the car stall when reverse is engaged as well as drive? If so it's less likely to be the gearbox and more likely to be the engine.
- Is your ignition timing correct? Having the right amount of advance at idle is important, so I'd check static timing. You could try advancing it a little from standard (but only a little) to see if this helps - I have a theory that the standard timing settings are slightly retarded to assist with emissions control. If it only happens when cold I'd also check that the thermal ignition valve, vacuum pipework and dizzy vacuum canister are functioning correctly, as these seem to act to restore optimum timing advance to a cold engine when emissions control is not so much of an issue.
- I know we have talked about this before but is the kickdown cable sufficiently loose? Too tight and gear engagement will be sharp which could cause stalling.
ATB Richard
- Does the car stall when reverse is engaged as well as drive? If so it's less likely to be the gearbox and more likely to be the engine.
- Is your ignition timing correct? Having the right amount of advance at idle is important, so I'd check static timing. You could try advancing it a little from standard (but only a little) to see if this helps - I have a theory that the standard timing settings are slightly retarded to assist with emissions control. If it only happens when cold I'd also check that the thermal ignition valve, vacuum pipework and dizzy vacuum canister are functioning correctly, as these seem to act to restore optimum timing advance to a cold engine when emissions control is not so much of an issue.
- I know we have talked about this before but is the kickdown cable sufficiently loose? Too tight and gear engagement will be sharp which could cause stalling.
ATB Richard
- DavidOliver
- Senior Poster
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- Model: Excel
- Colour: Calypso Red
- Year: 1985
- Location: Majadahonda Madrid Spain
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
I have had excellent service from Ashcroft Transmissions, on Land Rover and Jaguar boxes.
Recently I found Bristol Transmissions (in Bristol !!!) as Jaguar automatic specialists.
Remenber that a Lotus Excel box out is also an engine out excercise, not acheap job.
Dave the cog.
Recently I found Bristol Transmissions (in Bristol !!!) as Jaguar automatic specialists.
Remenber that a Lotus Excel box out is also an engine out excercise, not acheap job.
Dave the cog.
- Hawaiis0
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- Model: '86 SA; '89 SA '78 Elite 504
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- Year: 1986
- Location: West Oxfordshire
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
Bloody Head linings given up the ghost.

Nothing is fool proof. Fools are clever!
- Lotus-e-Clan
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- Model: Excel SE - EWP/Waterless!
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- Year: 1989
- Location: Swaledale
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
Cold damp weather can't be helping ?Hawaiis0 wrote:Bloody Head linings given up the ghost.![]()
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The glue on mine's is drying out/degraded too ..bubbles appearing in places above rear shelf/rear seats. Only just started to bubble so it's not done too bad considering it's getting on for 30 years old.
Annoying though!
Peter K
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
that's a lot of play in 3 mins stu.......wish i could get my door off that quick!!!!!
I REALISED YOU CANT LIVE WITHOUT A LOTUS!!! Until now 
- Hawaiis0
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- Model: '86 SA; '89 SA '78 Elite 504
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- Year: 1986
- Location: West Oxfordshire
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
Rebuild Stage 2

Last edited by Hawaiis0 on Sun Jan 12, 2020 16:11, edited 1 time in total.
Nothing is fool proof. Fools are clever!
- Lotus-e-Clan
- Senior Poster
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- Joined: Thu Nov 30, 2006 13:25
- Model: Excel SE - EWP/Waterless!
- Colour: Not Blue or Green
- Year: 1989
- Location: Swaledale
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
I like the sign on the van ..very apt! Accident or design?
Good gaps btw.
Good gaps btw.
Peter K
- Hawaiis0
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- Model: '86 SA; '89 SA '78 Elite 504
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- Year: 1986
- Location: West Oxfordshire
Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
Pure chance but very apt as mentionedLotus-e-Clan wrote:I like the sign on the van ..very apt! Accident or design?![]()
Absolutely lovely at the moment. Really pleasedLotus-e-Clan wrote:Good gaps btw.
Nothing is fool proof. Fools are clever!
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Pete Boole
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Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
Looks good Stu! Just ready for LITP
Pete
Pete
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richardw
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Re: New comer - Progress (edit)
Really pleased your doors are back on and looking so good. Now will you come out to play?