Low compression and Noisy Engine +2s '69

[99minerals]

Hi,

I have just joined this forum and looking for some advise.

Just had a compression test and results as follows; 95 : 90 : 95 : 150

Also engineer wrote; 'Noisy Engine Pos - Rattle on Timing Chain.'

Money's quite tight as made redundant - I'm mechanically-minded - Appreciate simple step-by-step advice on how to proceed + whether anyone has had similar problem and knows a fix.

Massive thanks and regards,

Sha

ps: Car was running beautifully/powerful - has been sitting/little long runs, for 6-8 months

[david.g.chapman]

What I would do...

If someone else has done the compression test, I would buy a compression tester for ?20 and repeat the test myself - checking that the throttle is wide open while cranking the engine.

Then repeat the compression test with two teaspoons of engine oil poured into each plug hole. If the compression results come up to 150-160+ on all cylinders then you have worn/broken piston rings, or worn bores, or both.
I would then take the head off, take the sump off if you have a removeable chassis cross member, undo the bid-ends and push the pistons out of their bores. Then measure up the bores and pistons and check that the rings are not broken.

If the compression results are much the same with and without oil, then that is good news - sort of. The valves are probably not sealing properly, either because the clearances are too small, or the valves are burnt due to weak valve springs or simply age. If its clearances, then take the camshafts off, re-shim the clearances and test again. If you have good clearances, then the valves need inspecting and a re-grind, and the valve to guide and valve tappet fit has to be checked. Also check the free length of the valve springs and replace if in doubt. This is where a basic workshop manual such as the Brooklands book on the Lotus Elan and +2 will come in handy.

The timing chain rattle might be cured with a simple adjustment - again the above book will be a great help.

Dave Chapman.

[99minerals]

To Dave Chapman,

Just wanted to say Thank You !

Your composition is very easy and logical for me to understand and we'll get straight on to it.

Hopefully it is the later scenario (clearances/valves) - Will keep you posted - Hopefully can get my pride and joy running sweet again


Sha

[Craven]

Hi,
It may be worth a quick Google, Sticking Piston Rings, you may find an answer.
Ron.

[99minerals]

@ Dave & Ron,

Nice one guys, managed to get my Elan fully sorted and the new owner is extremely happy with his new purchase!! I have recently invested in a DB9 back in the UK, and can say it's not nearly as much fun to drive.

Thanks again for your help guys,

Shah

[fatboyoz]

So Shah,
What was the problem, and how did fix it/them?
Regards,
Colin.

@ Dave & Ron,

Nice one guys, managed to get my Elan fully sorted and the new owner is extremely happy with his new purchase!! I have recently invested in a DB9 back in the UK, and can say it's not nearly as much fun to drive.

Thanks again for your help guys,

Shah