new to forum,

[schranz]

hi guys, im chris from malta.
i just bought this Elan +2 for uk. at a first glance i got a shock, as the dealer did not inform me with all the issues it has, overall its ok but i thought it was perfect. i joined this forum hoping i would find the solution to some of my problems;
first problem is headlamp is touching the front bumper inner side, so it wont flip up when actuated, do i need to remove bonnet to access headlamps?
all dash lights dont go on, indicators left is good right remains on,
oil leaking from the oil pump and filler cap,
interior is tatty, can i buy it from a complete online store?
also black liquid im assuming is fuel is exiting my exhaust. also a big smell of fuel in the car when turned off,
thanks for your help.

this is not my first classic car, i know that no classic is an easy one to keep, however i wish it to be close to perfect as can be. it sits along with my escort mk1 grp sequential /Alfa romeo Gtv2000 car/ and my mini mk2 cooper s
thanks for you time
regards
c

[SimonH]

If you got a car from a dealer with that much wrong I hope you didn't pay too much.
You will find answers to most of the questions on here, some like the fuel smell in the past few days discussions.
The +2 interior is not available as a kit and will need retrimming to your satisfaction.

[schranz]

i bought it 18k. here is the car maybe somone knows about this car. thanks for replying

[SimonH]

Looks very nice. Obviously not as nice underneath as you hoped. I would ask the dealer what he will do about some of the issues as I don't think he should have sold it at that price as it sounds to be.

[schranz]

he promised ot pay the electrial bill...underside is totally refurbished. but i am a freak on cars i like them being prestine. from the forums i read this car can never be prestine?

[Europatc]

Welcome Shranz, sorry to hear of your misfortune. This is the best place to be if your looking for guidance and information. Hope you get it resolved to your satisfaction
all the best
Stuart

[vincereynard]

Check the consumer laws in Malta. As you got it from a dealer you may be able to reject it if it does not fit with the description you were given.

This could save you a lot of grief.

[richardcox_lotus]

Welcome to the forum - the best place to be

Yes please go back to the dealer for faults.

I recognise that colour scheme from a "for sale" thread maybe 2 years ago ?? Will need to search for it, may yield some more history.

Regards
Richard

[weddingcarclive]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/LOTUS-ELAN-2S ... SwNRdYAU7Z

Be patient bits come up now and again

[weddingcarclive]

Black liquid could just be dirty condensation water in the exhaust system which also could have collected due to tail pipe rising collecting rain water, car has probably sat unused for some time ! run the car for a few weeks before trying to diagnose what possibly is just collection of water in the system, dash lights are all separate bulbs within the clocks just pull the holders out of clock sockets, possibly just need to replace blown bulbs, check the condition of cleanliness of indicator bulbs , replace the bulbs they are cheap enough and make sure they are correct 21 watt rating and check all connections and especially earth connections to lamp bodies, finally change flasher unit all cheap fixes, check for fuel tank leaks visually behind panel in the boot between back seat also check around fuel pump and carb joints
Good Luck

[weddingcarclive]

headlamp pods accessible through front nose grill area, nothing difficult they just pivot on 2 nuts & bolts be careful the spring doesn't fly off it is quite strong but easy enough to disconnect so long as you are holding on to it to stop it coming away unexpectedly

[denicholls2]

all dash lights dont go on, indicators left is good right remains on,
oil leaking from the oil pump and filler cap,
interior is tatty, can i buy it from a complete online store?
also black liquid im assuming is fuel is exiting my exhaust. also a big smell of fuel in the car when turned off,

Dash lights could be bulbs or, because so many are bad, voltage regulator for dash or ground connection. Glassfiber cars rely more heavily on ground wires!

Right indicator stays on because either there is a blown bulb in it or the bulbs aren't of sufficient load to trigger the blinking relay. (Use of LED bulbs will cause this problem). Or there's a poor wire connection. I found that the suggestion to disconnect all easy to access bullet plugs, clean them, and then apply a coat of petroleum jelly before reassembly worked wonders with my Lotus wiring.

I like the recommendation to run it awhile before worrying about engine condition too much, but I would recommend you check the float levels on the carbs quickly to make sure they aren't too high. On Webers, this is quite easily done.

The fuel smell is "normal" for the Plus 2, though check the recent thread on it for ideas regarding the breather pipe.

Alas, dealers of older cars (seems almost all of them in the U.S.) hide all of the problems, which can be significant, or leave the buyer to realize from photos what serious issues there are. If this one doesn't do right by you, at least tell the forum who they are so we can be forewarned, they made a handsome profit on your purchase. The headlight and electrical issues are not excusable, interior issues would be up to the buyer to evaluate.

You don't mention how it runs when running. Starts easily and runs without stumbling? Also, pictures under the hood and under the car would help us help you regarding what you bought. Overall, though, if the list is limited to the above I believe it can be made right with a bit of TLC and possibly help from an upholsterer. Lotuses are seldom low-maintenance but are not as awful as some impressions you get.

[schranz]

Hi Guys,
thanks for all your help. today i sorted the starting problem. its running rich, flooding my plugs, then realised the starter was touching the clutch or brake braided hose and shorting the circuit. i sorted that out also. battery was leaking acid, changed that also, now il get removing the headlamps. one more question please? does the fuse box have a cover? as mine hasnt got one and i wish to purchase one.
thanks for all your help your great.
thanks
chris