VRH314H Update

[AlistairF]

Hi,

I thought it was time for an update on my Elan +2S.

Previously, the front brakes were renewed with plain discs, refurbed callipers and Mintex m1144 pads which work really well. Also the disintegrating front lower Polybushes were replaced by Kelvedon uprated metalistic bushes, and the petrol breather pipes and all oils renewed. The cam cover gasket was replaced by a cometic one which solved the uppermost oil leak but the front of the engine has more!

More recently, I have had the carbs rebalanced and they were definitely rich, but the tuner suspect a weak diaphragm in one of the carbs, so a full carb rebuild may be on the cards this winter.
The Pirelli P4s were starting to show signs of age so now we have Avon ZT7s which work really well.
The OS rear damper (AVOs?) was sticking and has just deposited a small pool of oil on the garage floor after a run out to Hethel for the Elan picnic event a few weeks ago (pic below). I think TTR Konis may be a good option for replacement?

What else is on the to do list? There are a few cosmetic things to sort out, a small water leak from around the thermostat housing, a creak from behind the dashboard, the ventilation fan makes a racket, and the drivers door restraint strap bobbin (?) in the sill is worn. I won't get all of this done but will focus on the safety and driving elements before the cosmetic.

The picnic in the Hethel was interesting but attendance a bit disappointing with about 40 cars, some rolling restorations, and a few absolutely better than factory fresh, and everything between. Fortunately the weather was kind and my Grandson an I enjoyed the tour of Classic Team Lotus.

That's it for now, but I do wonder what I did with my time before the Elan?

Cheers

Alistair

[alan.barker]

hi Alistair,
for the Shocks imho it's Koni Koni or Koni.
If you think that you might fit CVs then think about the Koni that are a little shorter to stop CVs locking up.
I know someone will now say on a +2 you don't need the shorter Koni. But you only want to do the job once and 100% Koni Shocks are not cheap but imho the best for road use.
Alan

[trw99]

Alastair, although they were not all there at the same time, we counted some 60 Elans coming throughout the day.

We were happy with that, 60 Elans for the Elans 60th!

Tim

[AlistairF]

Hi Tim,

Ah, that will be why I counted about 40. Indeed I had to leave a bit early unfortunately and how great to get 60 for the 60th... sets a challenge for the 70th!

Well done!

Alistair

[AlistairF]

So, what happening with VRH314H?

Well I am running well behind my fix plan after a December and January full of seasonal illness. So here's the latest progress and plans:

1. Heater valving was cleared of blockages, corroded copper pipework replaced, the cooling system flushed, a new lower temp thermostat fitted and I decided upon new radiator (Coolex) as the old one was starting to seep and, whilst it seemed to flush ok and maintain pressure, it seemed very very heavy, I suspected partial blockages. I figured cooling systems need to be in great condition.
2. Now I am rebuilding the carbs as there was a flat spot and the tuner I consulted last year suggest a variation in the pump/diaphragm mech as a possible area to check out. The first carb is dismantled and it's surprising how much grit was in the float bowl given in-line filters. The diaphragm looks ok but shows some signs of wear but it will be replaced. Let's see how the other one looks this weekend.
3. The braided petrol hoses have perished behind the stainless braid, so I have enough E10 compatible hoses awaiting fitting.
4. The gearbox is leaking from the speedometer drive, so it looks like a few pence for the O ring and gasket but I forecast a day of frustration and expletives to change that out!
5. I still need to replace the rear shox.

So I hope to complete all of this by the end of April and I am postponing a ton of other mainly cosmetic stuff to next winter. I look forward to getting it on the road an perhaps meeting up with other Lincolnshire based owners.

Cheers

Alistair

[jono]

Hi Alistair,

Good to hear your update - still miss that car!

Regarding the flat spot - it always had that; if I recall a 'transition stumble' around 3k rpm?

I did manage to eliminate it by going down a choke size but that lost a bit at the top end so I went back to 33mm chokes.

Peter Burgess certainly improved it significantly, and the general behaviour and power on the engine generally, on a 4hr rolling road session so, to me, everything was optimised as far as it it could be for the given state of tune (the head is ported, allegedly by QED) so I would be disinclined to go much further TBH.

Cheers

Jon

[AlistairF]

Well, its back on the road and more work mostly successfully completed:

1. All rubber fuel hosed renewed. (some were fine but the stainless braided ones were porous but difficult to inspect).
2. The Carbs have been rebuilt and the hesitancy at 3000rpm gone, but I need to refine the idle balance. My first attempt with Carbtune suggested an idle circuit on 3 may not be operating correctly, so I will have another go at that.
3. New TTR rear dampers fitted and new rear wheel bearings. Only one bearing really needed doing as it was gritty and full of brown emulsified grease, so I guess the seal had failed. I am wondering if it is worth getting the AVOs refurbed and to keep or sell them on?
4. New speedo drive O ring and insert... no leaks from here now!
5. Full service: Nothing to note really. Compression test showed 180 -185 psi. Seems good? Oil sample sent to Millers for analysis and I await results with interest.

Still to do:
Adjust the ride height and check geometry.. turn in feels slightly different left vs right
Renew the door hinge bushes
Renew a door window seal
Resolve a dashboard squeak and heater fan noise when (hot)
Consider addressing minor wear and tear bodywork blemishes.
and ... solve some oil leaks!

Not sure how many things will get checked off the list until winter!.. Time to drive it!

Cheers
Alistair