Hello

[chrisstarr396]

Hello,
First wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and happy holidays. Just came into possession of my dads 1969 Elan +2, British racing green. I enjoyed working on the car when I was a kid and look forward to jumping back into it. It hasn't run since early 90's due to some carb issues and been garaged the entire time. Is there a check list for trying to get this thing running? Before he passed he said the engine was frozen. Just wanted to see if there is an order of parts to be checked/replaced before trying to start the vehicle? Love the website and already have gone down so many rabbit holes.

Chris
69 Elan +2

[berni29]

Hi

Welcome on board. Sorry to hear of your dad's passing, but pleased the +2 is staying in the family. My last +2 before my recently acquired one was in BRG with a black interior and a green tinted screen. What a looker!

Do you have any pictures of the car?



All the best

Berni

[chrisstarr396]

That car looks amazing. Im heading up next week to uncover it and take a look. Ill get some pics.

[Donels]

First thing would be to check if the engine is 'frozen'. I would remove the plugs and put a good squirt of oil in each cylinder and leave for a few minutes. Then try and rotate the engine by hand either via the crank pulley or moving the car whilst in top gear.
If still frozen then put a slug of diesel in each cylinder and leave for a few days. Repeat hand cranking.

If it frees up then your into normal recommissioning with oil and fluid changes etc, before cranking with the plugs out to get oil rotating through the engine. Probably before that though you need to drain the fuel tank and flush the fuel lines with fresh fuel, checking for any leaks from perished hoses, etc. if all is ok then try a start.

If it doesn’t free then your into an engine strip.

Good luck.

[chrisstarr396]

Very much appreciated.

[mbell]

Before trying to crank it with the starter pump some oil in to the oil pressure gauge take off in the engine (by the pool pump). This gets oil to all the bearings before putting a significant load on them.

[The Veg]

Welcome Chris! Glad to hear of another Plus 2 coming back to life, especially here in USA where they are so rare!