Headlight vaccum mechanism is broken - fix or replace?

[Spyder fan]

I know what you mean Jim, and there is a danger of diluting the purity of the original design and maybe trying to fix something that isn’t broken.

However it’s frustrating to own a car that has issues, especially if in trying to fix the issues using original pattern parts results in repeated failures. Hence my “solution “ for the headlamp lifters on my +2 which has proven to be reliable, effective and economical. I have another Elan which has the twin pod setup, it works okay, but the time between pulling the switch for raising the lights and them actually appearing can be measured on a calendar, the system works, but it’s not satisfactory, when the pods give up I will be converting to my Miata/MX5 based system.

In my not so humble opinion, original is not best for this aspect of Elan’ ownership, the system is best described as quaint.

[Quart Meg Miles]

.... the system is best described as quaint.

.. a term which has been applied to some of us owners.

[prezoom]

Between the S2 and the Plus2, I have both types of headlight operating systems. Electric for the Plus2, and vacuum for the S2. Back in 07 I think, I followed a post by Emma, describing how she re-furbished her S2 vacuum switch. The only difference was the insertion of small block of rubber beneath the tension spring over the sliding rubber block to increase the downward pressure. Draw filing the flat portion of the switch where the tubes attach helped make for a leak free assembly. The lights will still stay up for a couple of days after shut off. After finishing the rebuild, the record was 4 days before starting to sag. The sliding block was also flattened by sanding the block on a flat surface. Rubber grease also helped the sealing. Both systems work just fine, and the only advantage to the electric system is the speed in which it operates. I also anticipated a possible failure of the electric system by fabricating a shaft that extends the electric motor shaft up into the engine compartment. Should failure occur, open the hood/bonnet and turn the little red knob to raise the pods.

[tdskip]

Love the discussion and options, thanks for sharing the experiences.

[Mazzini]

I have no issue with the domestic market headlamp set up, though I think the Federal version is probably better. As previously mentioned, repairing the dash switch really helps hold the vacuum. As for electric motors...that's just heresy

[Spyder fan]

IAs for electric motors..that's just heresy

Heresy
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

"Heretic", "heretical", and "heresies" redirect here. For the website, see Heretical (website). For other uses, see Heretic (disambiguation) and Heresy (disambiguation).
Not to be confused with hearsay.

The Gospel (allegory) triumphs over Heresia and the Serpent. Gustaf Vasa Church, Stockholm, Sweden, sculpture by Burchard Precht.

The burning of the pantheistic Amalrician heretics in 1210, in the presence of King Philip II Augustus. In the background is the Gibbet of Montfaucon and, anachronistically, the Grosse Tour of the Temple. Illumination from the Grandes Chroniques de France, c. 1455–1460.

Heresy is any belief or theory that is strongly at variance with established beliefs or customs, in particular the accepted beliefs of a church or religious organization. A heretic is a proponent of such claims or beliefs.[1]

Gosh!
Sorry..... didn’t mean to offend those of a religious persuasion

[tdskip]

Turns out the headlight issue was user error – I got a hand pump on the correct tube and, well, look for yourself.

[Gordon Sauer]

Continuing with quaint on my single pod +2, I just put in a new vacuum solenoid and regrettably despite having already scattered one-way valves throughout the system I’m still getting the lights starting to come up in just an hour; so next I guess will be the pod, continuing the pursuit, and I have an RX7 in the driveway, so I get it,Gordon Sauer

[alan.barker]

Gordon,
Before you commit a blasphem remove the Vacuum Unit and pressure test it. Put a little air pressure inside then submerge in water to look for bubbles
Alan

[Mazzini]

Gordon,
Before you commit a blasphem remove the Vacuum Unit and pressure test it. Put a little air pressure inside then submerge in water to look for bubbles
Alan

We still do that to witches round our way

[alan.barker]

Good point,
you could strap it to a "Ducking Stool" down at the river
Alan

[Mazzini]

And heretics from Tunbridge Wells

[baileyman]

Thread causes me to admire all the more my dad's Plus 2 rebuild, which pods would stay down for weeks. John