What did you do to your Lotus today...

[mbell]

I have a remote controlled one (battery brain I think), which can also auto disconnect if the brain voltage gets too low.

[Quart Meg Miles]

Tried to do some electrical work today and found that I'd left the ignition switch on a couple of days ago. Yellow oil is coming out of the coil now. Damn.

Bad luck, Ben, perhaps you need a buzzer across the ignition lamp like a lamps-on warning. Most people don't leave the keys in the ignition.

On the type 26 you can fit an isolator next to the battery ground just behind the LH seat, but you still have to remember to take it out. Am I right in believing the battery is behind the LH seat in LH drive (26) cars and the power cable goes down that side of the car too?

[The Veg]

I've been leaving the key in more from being lazy than anything else, confident that since my wife's 3800-pound car is in the way, nobody would be able to steal the Plus 2. Not that they'd get very far most of the time lately anyway, what with the various maladies that I've been sorting. That and the number of people here is USA who can drive with a clutch is dwindling!

The main battery cable isn't within driver's reach in this car as it runs along the floor on the right side over by the outside wall, but if I really wanted to I could divert it to be closer.

[MrBonus]

I've been leaving the key in more from being lazy than anything else, confident that since my wife's 3800-pound car is in the way, nobody would be able to steal the Plus 2. Not that they'd get very far most of the time lately anyway, what with the various maladies that I've been sorting. That and the number of people here is USA who can drive with a clutch is dwindling!

The main battery cable isn't within driver's reach in this car as it runs along the floor on the right side over by the outside wall, but if I really wanted to I could divert it to be closer.

Install an electric fuel pump. You'll never leave the keys in the on position ever again.

Also, even if a prospective thief could drive a manual, good luck knowing the proper riverdance required to start an Elan.

[The Veg]

Also, even if a prospective thief could drive a manual, good luck knowing the proper riverdance required to start an Elan.

This car actually starts quite easily as long as you pull the choke first.

The most complicated starting-rituals I've ever experienced were in the airplanes I flew back when I was trying to be a pilot. They were all Piper PA-28s but each had its own unique preference for what passes and incantations would make it fire. One liked three pumps of the primer, mixture at half, throttle at full, another liked five pumps and everything full, etc., and even then there was a certain amount of luck involved.

But any car-thief in our garage would most likely just rather take my wife's car, as it's a rather smart-looking Dodge Challenger with some nice options.

[TBG]

" good luck knowing the proper riverdance required to start an Elan."

Some strange Elans out there! I turn the key holding the throttle steady about a third down - no choke as it has not got one connected - and away we go. A bit of farting and so on as it starts but that's it.

Size matters!!

[512BB]

'Some strange Elans out there! I turn the key holding the throttle steady about a third down - no choke as it has not got one connected - and away we go. A bit of farting and so on as it starts but that's it'

Maybe when the virus is out of the way, you should consider consulting a Dr about that. You will be shitting yourself next.

Leslie

[TBG]

Dear Leslie - it releases the tension dontcha know!!

[MrBonus]

" good luck knowing the proper riverdance required to start an Elan."

Some strange Elans out there! I turn the key holding the throttle steady about a third down - no choke as it has not got one connected - and away we go. A bit of farting and so on as it starts but that's it.

Size matters!!

img050.jpg

I meant most don't know how to start a carb'd vehicle. Mine is 3-4 throttle pumps if it's above 50F, turn, and when she catches give a dab of throttle; if it's colder, make it 6-7 pumps. If it's below 32 degrees F, I use a little choke.

[MrBonus]

So a few pages back, my driver's side window stopped going down, only up. I never got around to fixing it. Had let the car sit about a month due to weather and started it up. The window is working again. My only thought was I let it sit out overnight in the rain at the shop in August and moisture may have been the issue? Any guesses?

[Certified Lotus]

It’s a British sports car with Lucas electrical systems. Sometimes things work and sometimes they don’t. All part of the adventure.

[USA64]

Not rocket science: http://www.mossmotoring.com/lucas-wirin ... -approach/

[ericbushby]

Hi USA64
Thanks for that. I did not understand the reason for the colours before. I have printed that off and filed it in `Electrical` It will be useful.
Eric in Burnley
1967 S3SE DHC

[George S L]

Well done USA64 i.ve worked on cars from the early 70,s from mini,s to E type,s and this is the first time i,ve seen this info i followed the links and the technical service manual is invaluable for anyone trying to understand classic car wiring.

[MrBonus]

It’s a British sports car with Lucas electrical systems. Sometimes things work and sometimes they don’t. All part of the adventure.

Lucas Wiring: The Drinking Game.