Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I had fun this fall!
After 53 years of ownership and 52,035 miles the water pump packed it in. It had been 20 years (and 17000 miles) since the last engine go over so for good practice I replaced the timing chain (no decernable wear or slack build up), the throw out bearing and cleaned up and refreshed the engine and bay - because it was the thing to do.

After all those trouble free years with little but annual inspection. / service I had a wonderful time with her - even tho I spent 128 1/2 hours in my fussy way.

I look foreward to do it again in another 20 years - when I am 96 years old.

Bill

Heck, Bill, didn't you like it? My car had already done that mileage when I bought it in 1969 (and my water pump packed up two years later, the week before I got married)!

Hi Bill
yes those water pumps are unreliable ... only 53 years .... its not good enough.... typical Chapman / Lotus cost cutting

use good synthetic oil and leave the fan belt a little looser and you will not have to worry about an engine refresh until your around 120.

cheers
Rohan

Just keep your stick on the ice!

Roger

Invite me over for the next rebuild, and I'll buy the beer!

Hi Gents

Rohan = Thanks for the response - the low milage after all these years is not for lack of driving. The problem is my island is not that big - and the Elan doesn't have water wings. - I keep the fan belt loose from just shy of squelling so should be good for another 50k

Frank- you can bring a beer - I could use a hand by that time.

Roger - my stick is always on the ice.

The bottom line is that I really enjoyed having a reason (water pump) to refresh the engine and bay.

Thanks for the coments guys - keep them going!

Bill