Lotus Elan Central

Since my CAS assembly is currently under the drill in my workshop (don't ask!) I thought I'd get some replacement O-rings for the CAS and the rear cam cover blanking plug before I refit it.

Standard, cheap O-rings are good value, but are usually made from Nitrile rubber and have a temperature limit of about 70C. When subjected to prolonged periods of loading and heating, Nitrile rubber seals suffer from failure due to compression set. This is where the O-ring fails to recover its original shape, instead permanently assuming a flattened profile on the outer and inner loaded surfaces. Sound familiar? This appears to be the standard failure mechanism for our existing O-rings.
Incidentally, it's usually quite easy to distinguish between failures due to compression set (where two opposite surfaces of the ring are flattened) and due to abrasion (where the ring will typically develop only one flattened surface).

I've ordered some O-rings in the correct size, but in Viton (fluoroelastomer), a higher grade material rated for up to 200C, and with very low compression set. In theory these should last a lot longer than the originals.
If anybody wants some, let me know. £1 a pair, plus postage if necessary.

Cheers,

Adam

Adam,

I'll take 3 set please.

Ailwyn

i will take a pair please

Adam,
I'd like a pair of O-rings please.
I replaced mine a couple of years ago, and they looked exactly like your description with flattened inner and outer radii. If the cause is the material used, they won't last.
John

Nothing like a group buy

I`ll have 2 Pairs please

Lets do it the proper way

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs

dapinky wrote:Lets do it the proper way

Haha, thanks!

I'd suggest that if you've replaced the O-rings recently, you're unlikely to need more for some time. Even the cheapest ones should last a couple of years, and they might well last decades. Still, it's a cheap spare to keep around I suppose.
I've got 18 pairs available, although I can obviously order more if there's demand.

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs

Yes please

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs
Breed 1 pair

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs
Breed 1 pair
Saska 2 pair

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs
Breed 1 pair
Saska 2 pair
muley 3 pairs

Tks

2 pairs for me too please.

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs
Breed 1 pair
Saska 2 pair
muley 3 pairs
rip 2 pairs

That'll be the 18 pairs then!

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs
Breed 1 pair
Saska 2 pair
muley 3 pairs
rip 2 pairs
esprit888 2 pairs

If you`ve only got 18 pairs then i`m happy to just take the one set to let others have a chance. Mine were replaced approx 5 years ago and they still fine today

Monty wrote:If you`ve only got 18 pairs then i`m happy to just take the one set to let others have a chance. Mine were replaced approx 5 years ago and they still fine today

Thanks Monty I have reduced mine to one pair

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs
Breed 1 pair
Saska 2 pair
muley 3 pairs
rip 2 pairs
esprit888 1 pair

I'd be ok with 1 too, but...

This group buy has maxed out in under 8 hours. At that rate, I'm sure that there'll be loads more interested to make a bigger run worthwhile

rip wrote:I'd be ok with 1 too, but...

This group buy has maxed out in under 8 hours. At that rate, I'm sure that there'll be loads more interested to make a bigger run worthwhile

Ok, well if anyone's in a big hurry for theirs they can pm me. For the others, please jump on the list and we'll see how many we need.
There's a minimum order value, so if there's demand for many more I'll just order another big bag and we'll have plenty to do us for years. Are there any other O-rings in the engine while I'm at it?

Ad

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs
Breed 1 pair
Saska 2 pair
muley 3 pairs
rip 2 pairs
esprit888 1 pair
paza1 1 pair

Cheers
Mark

Adam,

If it makes life easier, i can drop one of my pairs (they are destined for the spare engine), but i have (minor/usual) leaks from both cars.

Ailwyn 3 pairs
Mark675 1 pair
John_W 1 pair
Monty 2 pairs
Pinky 3 pairs
Breed 1 pair
Saska 2 pair
muley 3 pairs
rip 2 pairs
esprit888 1 pair
paza1 1 pair
al 1 pair