Oily No1 plug, oops servo!

[miked]

I went to check My S4 Elan this morning. I have the chance of track day on Wednesday. It is a stromberg set up and has 2yrs running and about 7000miles since total refurb'.

Noticed on the last run that the performance had lost its edge ever so slightly. I was treating it to new plugs and was to check the timing. Upon pulling them out, found 2,3 & 4 a good colour. No 1 was wiskered and fouled looking. Looked down the plug holes and the other pistons were dry except this. Did quick cold compresion check and fould this cylinder higher than the rest. It then dawned about what was different. I pulled the air vac' pipe from the servo and sure enough it was full of oil. No smoke from the exhaust (that I noticed)on the last run, had heard all about this before. Then checked the brake master cylinder to find the level had dropped by about 20 mm. I understand that my servo that cost me ?185 has got a problem. However, I am somewhat confused. When I fitted it I had heard about petrol running down the pipe and laying and perishing the servo rubber bits. The brake specialist advised me to keep the pipe low thus creating a kind of trap. I did this and it has been like this for two years. I will take it back in case it is something just failed.

How bad would it be without a servo? I am tempted to cancel the track day.

Any advice on both issues, servo pipe trap position and running without it. Could I just fit a new temporary pipe from the master cylinder down to the "T" piece and go on the day out.

thanks Mike. :

[ppnelan]

Mike,

My S4 was rebuilt 6 years ago without a servo and it's fine. Brakes are very responsive with excellent 'feel'. My +2 has a servo which causes a few strange side effects and probably needs it, being a heavier car. Early Elans didn't have them anyway !

Make sure you test it & get used to it before the track day though !!

Matthew

[miked]

Matthew,

Thanks for your reply. I have taken your advice, had a small pipe made up. I have pulled the servo pipes out. Will bleed up tonight. I must admit I had a go of my mates S3 FHC without a servo and never even noticed.
Speaking to the brake guy the life expectancy can be very small for cars with infrequent use. Not going to waste my money.

thanks Mike