Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I still have one of those red clutch lines, new. Still has the paper part number tag on it.

Those red clutch lines were made by Girling and used on millions of cars during the 60's and 70's. If they are adequately shielded from heat they last forever. Yes I can understand on something like an Esprit if the pipe is very long it may expand under pressure over a long length and give a squishy feel to the pedal. That's probably more a Lotus design issue however than a fault with the clutch line itself. Probably a lot of issues combined on the Esprit cause the problem - i.e high line pressure due to heavy duty clutch and master/slave cylinders sized to suit, long line length, etc.

In Cortinas, Escorts, Triumphs and heaps of other British cars of the period they are very reliable. Much more reliable than anything made of rubber.

StressCraxx wrote:I still have one of those red clutch lines, new. Still has the paper part number tag on it.

If you want to let it go, I've been looking for one for my Seven.

SENC wrote:

StressCraxx wrote:I still have one of those red clutch lines, new. Still has the paper part number tag on it.

If you want to let it go, I've been looking for one for my Seven.

I will find it, get some photos and send you a message.

My late 68 S4 had the red tube. With big bore race headers it came to close to the exhaust so I replace with hard pipe and a short length of brake hose from the chassis to the bell housing which was how it was done on my 73 Plus 2

cheers
Rohan

I was intrigued by the anorak detail of a red clutch hose and a quick look on Google images shows that this is not just a 1960's fad, they are still fitted to motor bikes and a few moderns:

HEL seem to make one version (achtung: probably for the M100?):
https://auto.helperformance.com/hel-fle ... hand-drive

https://www.as3performance.co.uk/produc ... e-hose-red

Obviously there is rather a subject to get the correct hose texture, fittings and length but perhaps the concours type folks can handle this?

Lotus didn't see fit to properly shield it from heat in the Plus 2.

Whilst I have full respect for anyone who wants originality.......

the Kelvedon clutch hose was easy to fit.

Seems to be durable , as they are used in racing.

Bled easily using my (retired mechanic, 40 years exp) friend as advisor. Six pumps of the pedal then open the bleed screw.

But the main advantage is the hose leaves the slave to the right under the bell housing. As far away from the exhaust as seems practically possible.