Lotus Elan

3D printed fuel filler baffle

PostPost by: Richardsona39 » Tue Apr 30, 2024 1:48 am

Even though I have a US +2 that is supposedly less prone to fuel leakage out the filler cap, I still get it on occasion when fuel level is pretty full and I take a right handed in a spirited way. So I designed and had 3D printed in ABS a cylindrical baffle. It just sits on the flange inside the filler neck, and I put a rubber o-ring at the top to reduce vibration. There's a handle across the top to hold it when removing or replacing it when filling.

It's been in there about 8 months and has held up well, and I haven't had a dribble since! Let me know if you want the 3D file to make one yourself. Note that it needs to be ABS or a similar chemical-resistant material, which not all printers can do. Also, I initially used a silicone o-ring, but that almost melted very quickly - old fashioned rubber has been fine.

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PostPost by: Baggy2 » Tue Apr 30, 2024 9:22 pm

PM sent
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PostPost by: Frogelan » Wed May 01, 2024 9:42 pm

Interesting idea.

Every year when I attend the Spa 6 Hour race, many competitors with 100 litre fuel tanks spill fuel onto the track in the opening laps.

This little gadget seems worth trying out!

I'll send a PM!
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PostPost by: Richardsona39 » Wed May 01, 2024 11:39 pm

This isn't a new idea, I believe some have adapted similar baffles from MX-5s (usually for racing purposes). I thought it would be fun (and probably easier) to try making one custom for the +2
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PostPost by: Lotus54 » Thu May 02, 2024 12:40 am

I have not had any issues with my Elan - but I would like the STEP or STL file - just in case.
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PostPost by: alan.barker » Fri May 03, 2024 5:56 am

On an Elan i think it would stop venting of the Tank.
On a +2 it would be ok because the +2 has venting direct near top of Tank
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PostPost by: h20hamelan » Fri May 03, 2024 6:27 am

Is the MX5 anti slouch valve a one way valve?
Or like an anti siphon or roll over on a modern car, a flap that opens to allow fuel in. When not being fuelled, the spring closes the door and the force of the fuel in the tank against the door keeps it closed.
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PostPost by: JonB » Fri May 03, 2024 7:45 am

MX5 part is more like a valve but not spring loaded. When fuel sloshes up to it, the valve is pushed closed. The one I had comprised of three flaps that opened or closed depending on the direction of fuel flow. Not exactly a valve (doesn't seal 100% when closed), its purpose is to hold fuel back from the filler neck as you corner.
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