Elan S4 Stromberg engine mounts

[professor]

Hi, I have searched all the archives but still confused !

I have a 1970 S4 with Stromberg carbs. The engine is higher on the right side ( ie carb side ) than the exhaust. The cap for the brake master cyl only just unsrews without fouling the bottom of the front carb. I have just replaced both engine mounts with the correct ones (i.e. both the same and not higher on the carb side as for Webers ) and the carb side of the engine is now lower and the engine no longer sits higher on the carb side. Looks great ! However,the front carb now sits hard on the brake master cyl ! so I don't really need an engine mount at all on that side (untill the master cyl snaps off, that is ! ) Ha. I could fit a remote brake reservoir,which would work,or fit a higher mount on the rh side. not very good eh ?
Maybe the master cyl is too high ? Does anyone have a measurement of the height to the top of the cap,I have seen some cars fitted with the lower clutch cyl but i guess it is the wrong bore etc, or any other suggestions?
Many thanks for any help you can give me. kind regards, Andy

[paddy]

The two master cylinders are the same height, but the top of the reservoir for the brake would be higher if it is one with a taller reservoir, which is not uncommon.

Are you sure both mounts are the right way up?

Paddy

[professor]

Hi Paddy,
many thanks for reply. the mounts are the right way up but the brake reservoir is a lot higher than the clutch one.It is the type with a plastic reservoir that can be ucsrewed and was renewed just before I bought the car. It has a large plastic cap. Do you have a measurement of the overall height that should be fitted ? Cheers,Andy

[69S4]

If nobody else comes up with a measurement I'll have a look at mine tomorrow morning (work in the way atm). My Aug 69 S4 has the metal cap on a metal cylinder set up - no plastic extensions, so my guess would be that someone has changed something. The carbs don't get near either of my cylinders but they have fouled on the footwell, tapping away merrily on tickover. My "workaround" has been to slot the chassis end boltholes on the carbside mount and jack the engine up slightly. If you go too far the tapping transfers to the bonnet instead, but there is a happy mid point. Not quite pro-spec engineering but it's worked for 20+ yrs.

Looking from the front the engine isn't level - or mine isn't anyway (even before the slotted mounts). Carb side is up, exhaust side is down a little bit.

[paddy]

I don't have a measurement for the standard "large reservoir" master cylinder because on mine both are the same smaller size. However, the larger reservoir capacity is mainly due to a larger diameter and it isn't that much taller - maybe 1/2". It would look something like this:

http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p6667 ... _info.html

Are you saying that you've got a reservoir extension fitted (like this: http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/p549/ ... _info.html) ?

Or does the master cylinder have a large plastic reservoir that completely replaces the usual integral metal one?

If there is a big difference in the heights then it does sound like that's your problem.

Paddy

[oldelanman]

Hi Andy,
Are these pics any help ?

[professor]

Hi Guys..the master cyl does not have an extension ,as in the photo, it is just a large reervoir.Sorry but I don't have a picture as I am an IT baffoon ! May be able to get one next week. However,the picture of the two master cyls. shows them at the same height which mine are not. So I guess someone has fitted the wrong one. It is at least 2" higher than the clutch. Ugh !
Many thanks for everybody who has helped. i will keep you updated. Cheers,Andy

[professor]

Hi..checked the height again and some idiot has fitted the wrong brake master cyl which is too high. Then..wait for it... has "lifted" the rh side of the engine with an engine mount fitted upside down to get the extra height ! Unbloodybelievable !
So many thanks for all your suggestions and to Roger for the photos.Next step, either fit correct cyl as in Roger's picture or,as it is a new master cyl, think about using the reservoir in a remote location,on the bulkhead ,where I can get at it,and join up with the correct fittings and hose (bit like my E Type Jaguar). Parts,incuding bracket quite cheap.
Thanks again guys,all the best, Andy

[oldelanman]

Hi Andy,
Maybe you can get hold of a shorter reservoir for your master cylinder.......have a look here:-
http://www.raceparts-direct.com/products/brakes_and_brake_components.asp?section=Girling+Master+Cylinder+Reservoirs

Regards,

[professor]

Hi, tried the smaller extension which is 88mm in height,but it's the one already fitted! However, Susan Miller has come to the rescue ( not for the first time, ) and has sent an original spec cylinder which is the correct height. So,pity that someone fitted the wrong(new !)one.Ho hum.

Many thanks for all those who helped,now to fit electric headlight motor! Cheers,Andy