Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Hi All

I am at present refitting the engine back into my +2. I have also rebuilt the clutch slave cylinder and I am in the process of re-routing the hydraulic pipe. I have taken a copper pipe from the master cylinder to a bracket on the right hand engine mount, then a flex to a bracket at the bottom of the bellhousing and finally I want to run a copper pipe from the flex to the slave cylinder.

Can anyone tell me the correct route for the coper pipe? I am trying to avoid getting close to the exhaust.

My previous setup was a copper pipe from the master cylinder to the left hand chassis member then a flex to the slave. When the engine was hot and I was in stationary traffic, or manouvering the clutch would all but pack up making gear selection very difficult.

Many thanks

Andy

Andy,

Wrap the pipe in some heat mat or use sleeving. http://www.cbsonline.co.uk/tempreflect- ... -423-c.asp

I have some heat mat that could be stapled to make a tube around the pipe and slave cylinder. Let me know how much you need.

FWIW, I use a flexible hose from M/C to S/C.

i use the set up you describe for your replacement on both my Elan and Plus2. The length of pipe from the bell housing to the slave cylinder runs with a few millimetres of the header pipes on both cars and i have never had any problems with the clutch not working due to overheating. You do need to regularly change the clutch fluid to remove any water build up. With the long travel of the slave cylinder it quickly picks ups moisture which lowers the boiling point. I suspect you may also have had problems due to the rubber hose overheating and swelling under pressure rather than the fluid itself getting to hot.

I would also use steel pipe for the run to the slave cylinder - copper can work harden from vibration and break off ( been there done that)

cheers
Rohan

This is my Sprint went for a heat shield as SS exhaust was to close to the slave and pipe and was noticeable in heavy traffic (alloy).












Neil
The bleed nipple needs be at the top

Thanks for all your help guys, Brian I would like to take advantage of your offer of some spare heatmat. I need it to cover the copper pipe shown on the photos Neil as attached to his post. I would guess it is about 8 - 10" long. I'll send you a pm. Neil the photos where particularly useful, thanks again.

Best regards