Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Recently I bought my first Lotus, a 1967 S3SE DHC. My questions is about the vacuum pods: The vacuum from the engine is routed via the vaccum dash switch to the LH pod and from there to the RH pod. Is the vaccum of the RH pod dependent on the LH pod, or is the vaccum line split in the LH pod? My LH pod is not working, but the RH is, so I wonder how this could be.?..Most likely a stupid question...

Thank you!

Phil

If the LH pod is not working and the RH one is, I would guess that either the inlet pipe of the LH pod is clogged up or the rod that pokes out of the top hole has become disconnected from the diaphragm inside.

It is unlikely to be a split diaphragm or a hole in the lower metal case as that would tend to let the ambient air in and prevent the other pod from working.





lotus-chassis-f36/vacuum-pod-repair-t25234.html#p164248

Check the system for leaks - usual place is the Tee piece on the front crossmember which is the vacuum reservoir - and also check the pods are moving freely on their pivots. Low vacuum and a stiff LH pod could combine to produce your symptoms.

If your LH pod is not operating but the RH one is, that tells me the LH one is holding vacuum, so your problem must be in the operating links between the vac chamber and diaphram and the headlamp pod. I suppose it could also be something locking the pod from pivoting on its axis. Can you raise the headlamp by hand against the spring force?

Roger

Thank you all for your input. I can raise the lh easily against the spring. I have 'tested' the vaccum pod with my mouth(tasty) and the rubber seems to be intact.