Plus2 Sovi Device

[gwiz22]

Has anyone had a go at repairing a Sovi device that sits atop of a Plus2 brake master cylinder. If so, any tips on getting it apart and what lies inside would be appreciated.
Many thanks.

[pharriso]

Do a search on here... lots of good info.

Phil Aka Dr. SOVY

[Billmack]

What is a SOVI device??

[pharriso]

What is a SOVI device??

A brake fluid level warning device, known the name of it's manufacturer "SOVY". Basically it's a float in a canister; when the brake level is low it closes a pair of contacts & lights a brake fail light on the dashboard.

The Plus 2's SOVY fits in the master cylinder:

While the Elan's sits in a separate can on the top of the brake master cylinder:

Every car has a similar device today

[Billmack]

Up to now I'd never seen one on a lotus. Jags yes but never loti

[Hawksfield]

Hi
My car has a sovy it's straight forward to strip. Contacts get dirty and corrosion of shaft. I have just changed the cork float in mine due to water ingress works well.

[gwiz22]

Hi Hawksfield
How did you manage to get it apart? Did you drill out the two rivets on the top? If so, how did you reassemble?
Any guidance and photos you have would be very much appreciated.
Graham

[nmauduit]

How did you manage to get it apart? Did you drill out the two rivets on the top? If so, how did you reassemble?

no need to drill the "rivets" (which are screws actually, only with a non slotted round head): in most cases one should be able to pry them out slowly from underneath the nylon top, if need be after some lubricating. To reassemble, just screw them back while pressing them down.

[alanr]

I posted this last year when I repaired my Sovy. Scroll down to the bottom of this 'What did you do' thread.
viewtopic.php?f=50&t=43054&start=660

Alan

[gwiz22]

Nmaudit and Alanr

Thanks for your advice. I’ll give it a try.
Graham

[gwiz22]

Hi,
Just to let you know the advice given on this thread has been put to good use. I managed to get the screw studs out by using a small screwdriver to ease them up a fraction, then used pliers to twist and remove them. Hopefully a clean of the contacts and a new cork will do the trick.
Graham

[pharriso]

Good to hear, you might enjoy this topic - https://lotuselan.net/forums/viewtopic.php?f=42&t=14800

[gwiz22]

Thanks pharriso.
I enjoyed the stories and there some useful tips in there too.

[gwiz22]

Just to let you know, I followed the advice and managed to pry out the screws. I cleaned the contacts and it is now working ok on the bench. I’m just wondering whether I should bother replacing the the cork.
Thanks again.
Graham

[pharriso]

I’m just wondering whether I should bother replacing the the cork.
Thanks again.
Graham

I would as they tend to soak up brake fluid, then go brittle & fall apart.

If you go to the the thread mentioned above you can see there have been developments in material technologies over the last 50 years relevant to Sovys