Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

Fixed the cig lighter socket. Had problem with phone going flat even when charging in the car. Turned out to be standard earth connection missing, so cig lighter was earthing via the light bulb, limiting the current available for the phone charger.

Also fixed the connection for map light while I have the trim off.

After removing engine and gearbox.
I just removed the TTR Propshaft, Jesus removing those 4 bolts in the Flange are enough to make a Saint swear. Yes i know Saint Wilkins. Why oh why didn't they design something easier. I noticed the centralising shoulder on the Propshaft grips the Diff Flange a bit too much for my liking.
Wow all that gunge and crap inside the Chassis( sorry subframe) backbone. Could have done with a "Westie" to clean that out lol.
Alan

alan.barker wrote:After removing engine and gearbox.
I just removed the TTR Propshaft, Jesus removing those 4 bolts in the Flange are enough to make a Saint swear. Yes i know Saint Wilkins. Why oh why didn't they design something easier. I noticed the centralising shoulder on the Propshaft grips the Diff Flange a bit too much for my liking.
Wow all that gunge and crap inside the Chassis( sorry subframe) backbone. Could have done with a "Westie" to clean that out lol.
Alan

On the later diff’s Ford changed to a larger flange and 4 tapped holes, metric BTW.

Hi Craven,
I'm talking about original diff in my Sprint 1972 and TTR Propshafts for 26R (large flange).
I know all the history of my Sprint from new untill me. I am the 4th owner.
I think the dia of the location dia on my TTR Propshaft just needs to be 2 thou smaller.
No big deal but enough to make a Saint swear lol.
Alan

Here's your answer to the diff / prop shaft flange bolts
viewtopic.php?f=37&t=35206

Much easier to R&R.

Another nice thing is, you can choose shaft length so no threads are in shear. Don't forget the AN washers that are required with the bolts. Been using these bolts, nuts and washers for over 40 years on every drive shaft connection.

Many thanks great info.
Alan

When you reassemble, Alan, you might consider fitting the gearbox alone and then fitting the clutch housing. It solves the problem of getting the latter part round the engine mounts though at the expense of controlling the clutch thrust bearing mechanism. I crouched in the engine bay then lifted in and held the clutch housing by hand to fit the four bolts, too lazy to place a jack to help.

For sure i'll fit the Gearbox first but with the Bell Housing already fitted. That way i can seal the bottom left bolt to stop Gearbox oil leaks. Just before the Gearbox is fully back i'll slide Propshaft into the tail. That way i don't need to remove the drivet's seat.
Just waiting for delivery of Gearbox bearings and Gaskets.
Alan

Went for a spin. Weather was too good not to

Well done that man,
That's what owning a Lotus is all about driving.
Alan

Ah yes.....a short drive to the edge of the planet.....just another day in paradise.....

"Today"...
Wish it was that quick.
Diff out, new input and output oil seals , and new output bearings.
This is an attempt to stop the leaks so I've Hylomared the input shaft splines as well as siliconing around the nut.
Whilst pulling the struts off found a spun bearing on one stub axle so that's away for metal spraying.
Decided to replace all seals and bearings in the hubs and came up against the usual hassle finding the inner bearing.
Found a reasonably priced German one, in preference to some dodgy Chinese one, so have put up a photo in case someone else finds it useful.
Off an old Viva apparently, and has an unnecessary O ring which can be removed, plus an unneeded spacer.

Ralph.

DJW wrote:Went for a spin. Weather was too good not to

Beautiful car, great pictures, thanks for sharing!

Just taken Gearbox apart. Input shaft out , Main shaft out and Layshaft out.
I looked in the bottom of the Gearbox and found a small Pin/Roller 3.5 mm dia and 10.8 mm long.
Can someone tell me where it belongs.
This is my first adventure into a semi-close ratio 2000E Gearbox.
I'm a Gearbox Virgin please help
Alan