Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Just got my cams back after a re-grind. The plugs are not installed in
the end of the cams. Anyone know how to fit these? What torque? Should I
use locktite?

--

Regards,

Steve Waterworth
***@***.***

Einstein: "The faster you drive, the slower you age..."

Steve
I'd use locktite,i'd hate to see the pressure guage falling as one fell out,as for the torque i don't think it matters
John


Steve Waterworth <***@***.***> wrote:

Just got my cams back after a re-grind. The plugs are not installed in
the end of the cams. Anyone know how to fit these? What torque? Should I
use locktite?

--

From: "Steve Waterworth" <***@***.***>
To: "Lotus Elan" <***@***.***>
Sent: Friday, December 31, 2004 5:43 AM
Subject: [LotusElan.net] Camshaft plugs


Steve,

I wouldn't use Loctite Threadlocker since that would make getting the plugs
out again darned difficult. If you use a Loctite product at all, use
PST... an anaerobic thread sealant. Or use Hylomar. Don't use a lot of
sealant since you don't want to push a bead of it ahead of the grub screw
and into the oil passage. Lightly coat the screw. Use a swab to put a
little sealant down in the bore... just a wipe, not a gob.

Do Not use RTV (silicone sealant). With RTV, there's a risk that any blob
that might form ahead of the screw may break off after it cures and block a
critical oil passage. Never use RTV where it might find it's way into an
oil passage. Hylomar never hardens and the anaerobic PST doesn't harden in
the presence of air, to they are more safe for use around oil passages.

Install the grub screw, threading it in until it seats, then give it a
good twist to lock it into place. Torque isn't critical since you're not
putting a pre-load stretch into a bolt... just securing a grub screw. But
something in the 14-16 Lb-Ft would be appropriate for the thread size.

Clean out any residue sealant in the bore-threads behind the grub screw.
Use an aerosol brake cleaner or carb cleaner and a small bore-brush. If
you can't find a small engine cleaning brush or a bottle brush, go to a
gunsmith and get a cleaning brush for a small-bore rifle. Anyway, clean
the bore-threads to bare metal. Then put a generous smear of RTV
(silicone sealant) on the back side of the grub screw, the bore-threads
and the threads of the bolt that secures the cam pulley. Install the
pulley, thread in the RTV coated bolt and torque it to spec.

Good luck.
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North

Thanks for a very detailed reply.

Tim Engel wrote:

--

Regards,

Steve Waterworth
***@***.***

Einstein: "The faster you drive, the slower you age..."