XIL - A Rolling Project

[cliff]

Thanks Fred & Dave, all sorted now, the testing centre were very helpful and the car passed as soon as the correct data was used.

I had a look at the vacuum leak with my trusty tool.

Obviously the leak was at the back of the engine in the hardest place to get to, after removing the secondary throttle reservoir, it was quite clear what the problem was.

For some reason, when I replaced the vacuum pipes, I used 5mm pipe between the manifold and the reservoir instead of 3mm, pipe replaced and problem solved. As the reservoir is in a nasty position behind the engine block, I temporarily repositioned it and used a tywrap to secure it to the wiring loom.

The car is running nicely now, hopefully I will get to use it a bit more.

[HJ2]

great news!

[cliff]

Took the car for a run the other day and annoyingly it kept going into limp mode at about 4000 rpm! No CEL and for some reason neither of the laptops I have will talk to the ECU with Elanscan.

I did a bit of research and the problem seemed to point to the Coolant Temp Sensor, I measured it and sure enough was open circuit. I ordered a replacement from SJ but went for the Esprit version (A910E6928F) at £22.95 as it was £52 cheaper! Incidentally, PNM offer the Elan part (A100E6373S) for £22.95 but were out of stock. Fitted but didn't cure the problem.

Then I noticed that the CEL light was not working with the ignition on, I traced the problem to be a pushed back pin on the instrument panel connector. With that working, I got code 22 in service mode and quickly traced the fault to the TPS, the red wire had broken at the soldered connection to the TPS. This was the first issue I had with the car when I bought her 10 years ago. At least I know how long my soldering lasts!

With that all done she is running nicely and has plenty of power.

As it has been almost 5 years since I built the engine, I decided to change the Cam belt and drive belts. Not an easy job but it does get better with practice, copper grease and some modified tools.

Ready for the summer now.

[TorqueHorse]

Awesome news to hear that it is running well again!
Maybe that should be a new signature footer option: how many cam belt changes you've done

[378S2]

Hi Cliff - thanks so much for posting these photos. I have the same problem at the moment, but caused by the vac feed coming off rather than being the wrong size. Do you know if there is a trick to putting it back on with the reservoir in situ? Should I start pulling the cooling hoses off?

Is your heater valve on the right way around?

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EDIT: I’ve managed to reconnect it, I had to remove the header tank and all coolant hoses in the area then I managed to reach it reasonably easily by following under the plenum.

I’ve cross checked with mine and the WSM and I do think your valve is pointing the wrong way but if it is not could you let me know as I’ll be putting mine back on in the next couple of days.