Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I'm biting the bullet and removing the dash to fix myriad issues. It's almost out...

How do I remove the temp sensing tube from the back of the temp/op gauge?

For extra credit - how do I get the temp and chock cables off the dash as well?

Thanks,
Steve

The gauge, piping and sensor bulb screwed into the head by the thermostat form a single sealed unit.

You have to remove the bulb from the head and carefully feed the bulb and piping through the bulkhead wall and the hole in the dash to remove the gauge.

The bulb fitting often corrodes, and it is easy to destroy the bulb or fracture the piping in the process of removal.

While it is possible to repair a damaged unit, it isn't easy. Be prepared to buy a new one.

steve lyle wrote:For extra credit - how do I get the temp and chock cables off the dash as well?

Thanks,
Steve

Disconnect the rod/cable from the temp control valve / carbs, then pull out leaving the sleeve still there. Use a pair of needle nose pliers or special tool unscrew the bezel nut. You can buy a tool like this:

Or I have the cheaper version made from a short length of copper pipe.

I have a fix posted on www.lotusowners.com for the oil pressure gauge. Simple cheap fix.

Tony

tvacc wrote:I have a fix posted on http://www.lotusowners.com for the oil pressure gauge. Simple cheap fix.

Tony

Main snag with this is that we can't seem to get inexpensive bulb-capillary temperature guages in the UK. Looks like we would need to buy one from the USA.

They only cost $15 or so in the USA. Get a group buy together, send me the order and I will buy them for you and ship them over.

From Advance Auto parts. $17.99 plus 8.75 percent tax.

pharriso wrote:

steve lyle wrote:For extra credit - how do I get the temp and chock cables off the dash as well?

Thanks,
Steve

Disconnect the rod/cable from the temp control valve / carbs, then pull out leaving the sleeve still there. Use a pair of needle nose pliers or special tool unscrew the bezel nut. You can buy a tool like this:

The attachment s-l1600.jpg is no longer available

Or I have the cheaper version made from a short length of copper pipe.

Thanks, Phil. But it looks like my cables aren't held on with any kind of screwed nut. Looks like a locking ring of some sort - maybe I just have to grind or cut it off?

No.no.no.... the nut is on the front face down the tunnel...

Maybe someone can post an exploded view...

pharriso wrote:No.no.no.... the nut is on the front face down the tunnel...

Maybe someone can post an exploded view...

Aha - the lightbulb just went on. No need for an exploded view, I think I've got it.

Thanks!

I have used a needle nosed pliers to get that nut off.

When you loose the big brass nut holding the temp bulb into the head HOLD THE BULB ON THE FLATS WITH A SPANNER WHILE LOOSENING THE NUT......if you do not the chances are that you will twist the capillary pipe and break it then a repair or new gauge will be needed!........if you get a hospital smell (either) then you have broken it.