Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

BAD EARTH! I connected a jumper lead between the battery negative terminal and the bellhousing (easiest place to clamp). As soon as I turned the key the starter cranked. I tried again at a couple of earthing points as suggested in this thread but without success so I had it narrowed to the main earth point in the boot. That surprised me as I had cleaned it and greased the connection only a couple of years ago. I took it apart again, wirebrushed what I could reach and remain the connection and all is well. I just came back from a 4 or 5 mile drive and everything is working as expected. Thanks again for all the suggestions. They did help to focus on the root cause of the failure.

Great, glad you got to go for a drive!

pharriso wrote:Great, glad you got to go for a drive!

The first of many this summer I hope!

mmmm..... the 100 pound fee to fix nothing is an interesting remaining issue ?

cheers
Rohan

It is, Rohan, but since I didn't make it crystal clear that all I wanted was to have it tested I don't feel I have a strong case. I won't be using that shop again though. To be honest, I'm not even certain that he tested the motor. I asked what the current draw to the solenoid was and he said not more than 10A. I tested it myself with a clamp ammeter and got 35A. The Bosch Automotive Handbook says it should be in the 30A range for that type of solenoid so I no longer have any faith in that "technician". Unfortunately I'm the type of person that won't accuse someone of lying unless I am certain that he is and I cannot say that with 100% certainty in this case.

Bad earth in the boot ! found it with a jump lead !!. That`s what I said 14 minutes after your first post.
Nobody listens to me. It`s just like being at home. Hello,, hello, is anybody there? Is this thing working.?

Well done anyway Galway. Glad you are driving it again.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

Who said that ?


John

John,
I know your game. You just want to get your post count to 5000 then you will disappear to the world of Zetec Morris minors, leaving us to struggle along without you.
See you at Tatton Park if you can make it. I intent to go on the Saturday.
Cheers
Eric

Eric
I intend to go both days,I've got a car to sell......

John

P.S.
Next weekend is the Llandudno Transport Festival/Victorian Weekend if anyone is stuck for something to do

http://www.victorian-extravaganza.com

http://www.llantransfest.co.uk/

John

Wonder if any of these issues have contributed to the car burning out?

Well,I've been to the Transport Festival for the past few years and not had any overheating problems....

John

John
5001 posts. OK, knock it off now, you`ve done it.
cheers
Eric

Resurrecting an old thread but would appreciate views......

Went to start the car yesterday after many months of slumber. Under these conditions the engine usually churns over for some period of time as fuel is sucked through and coughs as it fires. After a number of turns of the key, usually with a wait between churns it will burst into life, or alternatively the battery runs too low on power to turn the engine over so a bit of a wait and the battery back on charge and then it goes ok. I generally go in 10 sec bursts and rest in between.

Yesterday tempting fate as it was pretty cold, I did the same process and despite a few coughs I ran out of battery before getting started. However on the last attempt the starter just spins without the engine turning over. 24 hours on the conditioner and the starter still just spins, engine doesn’t turn over.

I have had the car over 20 years and it has never done this before. Engine rebuilt by PMatty about 15 years ago and relatively low miles since. I put it in 3rd and tried rocking it back and forward a bit but no change.

Battery back on charge. What to try next?

Take the starter motor off and free off the bendix..

..or check the teeth on the ring gear..

John