Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

The old bad fuel was drained from the tank a while ago, any engine running being accomplished by using a small aux supply. So today thought it was time to look at the fuel tank, fitted new in the '90s

I was expecting rust but look what came out .... Not the brush!
It's a foul smelling fine brown non magnetic powder, the pile measures 5x5x3 inches at the high point. The baffles in the tank are proving a problem in removing the last small amount I can still hear. A cursory visual inspection has revealed much less rust than expected but an inch crusty and slightly sticky tide line left by the bad fuel.
Has anyone got any simple proven methods for cleaning?

persiflage wrote:. A cursory visual inspection has revealed much less rust than expected but an inch crusty and slightly sticky tide line left by the bad fuel.
Has anyone got any simple proven methods for cleaning?

I've heard of steaming it by part-filling it with water and setting a fire or a gas ring under it.
I haven't tried it myself so don't know the practicality, safety or any down sides, just ensure it's clear of any petrol. . . .

Hi persiflage,
I used POR15 Marine Clean to clean an Elan petrol tank recently, and I'm pleased with the results. I've put a link below.
John Larkin.

https://www.holden.co.uk/p/por_15_clean ... us_gallon_

Today, a red letter day, as 26/4996 gets her inspection, aka, "MOT". Which occasion merited an adventurous drive over numerous two-lanes. The baffle under the oil filler is working great. The cobbled together vent collector, too. Though less auspicious is the rear main seal. And the semi-helical box, not sure that will do either. Hopefully enough confidence will develop before next Wednesday to make the long secondary road trip to Tiny's in Ayer for a little head wagging. John

Interesting Bailey man, I own 26 4995 and that too was medici blue. Looks stunning.
Best regards, Peter

Oh Peter I don't want to leave any misimpression. This car was originally, I think, BRG, but it is very dark when I scrape on the old shell, which was pretty well knackered. The new shell is 26R medium weight with alu trusses. It is now Medici Blue as copied from an original door owned by Gary Anderson, who incidentally has 26/4997. The steel subframe was one foot in the grave, so that was replaced. Now that it is legally on the road, every day is trying to find and solve niggling issues, horns, fan, fuel gauge, handbrake light, boot ground loom, the list goes on...

John

Sorry but
With the Subframe changed and a new Body it sounds a bit like "Trigger's Broom"
Alan

Sounds just like my car to be honest. We managed to save the boot, doors, light pods, engine, gearbox and diff but other than that, it's a new car. We are doing it to early 26R spec so it will look like a normal Elan but will have lovely, unvented 26R wheels , 26R chassis, 150 BHP engine and a straight cut gearbox. Will be brilliant (and still medici blue).
Peter

baileyman wrote:... Gary Anderson, who incidentally has 26/4997....

John

How is Gary doing, John? He was a mine of information but I understand his frustration.

Peter, where did you source the unvented 26r wheels from? I’ve been trying to find them for years, closest I found was a run made in Japan but I’ve never had a reply to many enquires.
Cheers
Vaughan

John Larkin wrote:Hi persiflage,
I used POR15 Marine Clean to clean an Elan petrol tank recently, and I'm pleased with the results. I've put a link below.
John Larkin.

https://www.holden.co.uk/p/por_15_clean ... us_gallon_

Hi John,
Thanks for your prompt response to my question.
I've had a look at the Holden link and have another question for you.
Did you use just the cleaner or did you complete the procedure as shown in the video?
I ended up using the few pints of old bad fuel I still had to flush out the remains of the powder and the house still stinks despite doors and windows left wide open.
Paul.

Vaughan, we were very lucky in that they were thrown in with the car. We told the seller what we intended to do with it and he said that he had some originals that we could have so we had them... They have now been crack-tested and painted and I am awaiting photographs. Should be very nice.
Have you tired Kelvedon? they had some made a while ago.
Best regards, Peter

persiflage wrote:

John Larkin wrote:Hi persiflage,
I used POR15 Marine Clean to clean an Elan petrol tank recently, and I'm pleased with the results. I've put a link below.
John Larkin.

https://www.holden.co.uk/p/por_15_clean ... us_gallon_

Hi John,
Thanks for your prompt response to my question.
I've had a look at the Holden link and have another question for you.
Did you use just the cleaner or did you complete the procedure as shown in the video?
I ended up using the few pints of old bad fuel I still had to flush out the remains of the powder and the house still stinks despite doors and windows left wide open.
Paul.

We (a pal and I) followed the full POR15 process to the letter, and as shown on the Holden video. We are pleased with the results, but we have not put petrol in the tank yet as we await a new drain plug and sealing washer. Make sure that you leave the drain plug and the six screws for the sender unit in place when you apply the final surface finish paint to the interior of the tank so that you don't gum up their screw threads.

Thanks Peter, you were very lucky indeed, I’ll send Kelvedon an email.
Cheers
Vaughan

Well I painted my Knob and Connolised my steering wheel!!