Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Post more details on the starter problem. Is the starter oem, ie, Lucas? Slow cranking? Any noises?, etc.

Hi Pete-welcome to a great forum - your car looks great. I echo Dan Collins comments re your starter issues. Probably the best mod to my Elan has been a Gustafson gear reduction starter obtained from Ray at RD enterprises in PA(great source for parts and just the nicest, most helpful gent).

I elected to keep the original solenoid - wiring which requires a short jumper wire on the new starter between the main power stud and solenoid terminal. It works great with much easier starting requiring less cranking, has a lower current draw providing more for the ignition! I don't mind having the solenoid in an accessible spot and have a spare if needed. Also, it doesn't trash the ring gear. When I pulled off the old Lucas starter the impeller teeth were knackered but fortunately the ring gear teeth were not( I didn't look too carefully!)

Cheers, Mark Whitaker
69 Elan S4 DHC
45/8396

The starter is a Denso, I assume from a Miata. I'm wondering if the Lucas starter is a little more resilient to oil

I'm wondering if the Lucas starter is a little more resilient to oil

I'd very much doubt it!

elanfan1 wrote:Can’t be too far from SENC then!

4+ hours, as I'm on the SE coast of NC and Pete west-central.

Pete, pm'ing you my contact information should you find yourself out my way.