The Lotus Grand Tourers

Richy B wrote:Sounds like the place to go, Pure Lotus are ok but based in Wetherby and have never fettled in Excelness much

Thanks!

you could try McDonald racing near lanchester, they are predominatly Morgan, Lagonda but my mate Mark works there and he does alot of the work on my Loti

Back to the origonal topic, I unbolted the power steering pump from engine when I changed the clutch this weekend. I was struggling when I re-attached it to get any leverage to tension the belt correctly. I ended up tying some cord to the adjusting bracket which is bolted to the pump and pulling it tight whilst tightening the locking bolt. Worked well and a easy(ish) 1 man job.

Ted

MrCoolA wrote:

Richy B wrote:Sounds like the place to go, Pure Lotus are ok but based in Wetherby and have never fettled in Excelness much

Thanks!

you could try McDonald racing near lanchester, they are predominatly Morgan, Lagonda but my mate Mark works there and he does alot of the work on my Loti

Thanks MrCoolA, not far from where I live that so would be worth investigating I know where it is too dirven past it a few times, quaint little garage

Cheers Ted, they put a lot of pressure on the belts, sure when mine was adjusted it lasted about 4 miles then went back to the old setting, suppose if the rack is sticking that would cause it to squeel too, wouldnt mind forking out for a new rack if if rids the squeel when turning into the estate and on most parking manouvers

On the subject, what size hex key do I need to loosen / tighten the bolts to adjust the power steering pump belt tension? It's bigger than all the ones in my (limited) selection, I'd rather know the size than buy a whole lot and hope one of them is right...

It's a later version Hobourn pump, if that makes any difference.

Thanks!!

Richard & Lilith

8mm seems familiar for that job, but that's from memory.

Having done it twice now in the last few weeks post engine out (twice), a firm pull on the pump whilst it is being tightened stops mine squeaking. You defintiely need to get it replaced and check the pulley / the bracketry. Can't remember what size it was but will have a look tonight as I know which one I used.

Ted

Just a quick update, had the car over McDonald Racing where they have diagnosed the squeaky power steering belt to a loose fastener, however, the PAS is leaking fluid through the seals so they fitting a recon rack from Lotus Bits. They also found the front discs are warped and pads worn (which I kind of already knew) so new ones from Lotus Bits will be fitted, also....Front wheel bearings need servicing and a few brake pipes need replacing here and there.

All would of been MOT fails

Recon it could be a different car when I get it back!!


Oh and insurance is due too!

I can confirm it's an 8mm hex key!

Whoever last did those bolts up did them seriously tight!!! (Peter, are you still lurking here???). Finally managed to wrench them loose, belt is tightened, all is good now. How lovely it is to have power steering at manouvering speeds once again!

Richard & Lilith

Richy B wrote:Just a quick update, had the car over McDonald Racing

any idea who is working on the car?? if it's Mark, send my regards..................

Not sure, I did mention they and Mark had been recommended from yourself, and they knew who I was on about

She is still there pending parts from Lotus Bits.

Will report back upon return

Just an update...

My beloved Excel was ready for collection last Wednesday

However

The Steering Rack sent up to the garage from Lotus Bits (which they fitted) turned out to be faulty (leaky seals) so had to be removed and posted back down. So at the moment she is still at the garage awaiting another Steering Rack to be posted up (which I was told was the last remaining rack left so they going to have to repair the one they sent up)

Good news is it aint gonna cost me any more for the error, but can you imagine the frustration in the garage after spending hours removing the rack, then replacing with a new one only to find that one is buggered too! Would of liked to be a fly on the wall there!

Hay ho, have now asked to have her MOTed while in the garage wonder if I will see her next week some time then??

She'll be back before you know it....and then it'll seem like she's never been away.......Or on the other hand just think how much cas you are saving on fuel..

Just been under the Excel to investigate a fluid leak and found a tiny split in the offside gaiter is leaking power steering fluid. I might be wrong but I don't think fluid should normally get as far as the gaiter but does anyone know if this is the case or not ?

I suspect the rack seal is u/s.

KevW wrote:Just been under the Excel to investigate a fluid leak and found a tiny split in the offside gaiter is leaking power steering fluid. I might be wrong but I don't think fluid should normally get as far as the gaiter but does anyone know if this is the case or not ?

I suspect the rack seal is u/s.

I believe the theory is that the gaiters are there to stop fluid getting out when the seals let go at the ends of the rack (allegedly )

If it's a small leak, some of the Lucas PAS additive that I used might be enough to cure it until you have time to get the rack refurbed - it worked for me for a couple of years.

Thanks Angus. I think I might just bite the bullet.