Lotus Elan Central

by **Enright** » Sat 31.03.2007, 21:00

OK, I just had to deal with a completely siezed wastegate on another Elan today. It had siezed because the owner - a lady driver, simply didn't "exercise" it enough! It just goes to prove that Elans need to be driven how they were designed to be used. That's my excuse officer and I'm sticking to it! :lol:

Like Geoff, I found that to get the necessary leverage, the best bet was to undo the 3 bolts that secure the diaphragm bracket to the turbo impeller housing (the shiny aluminium bit).

This then allows you to move the whole diaphragm and rod from side to side, which soon has it running silky smooth.

The only problem is the bottom bolt (nearest the wastegate actuator rod). Ideally you need to curl your arm right underneath by snaking it down past the water pump.

If you haven't done this, then as Geoff says, there could be more than one point of resistance.

Here are a few pics - I've just been cleaning up my spare turbo. Ignore the join in the wastegate actuator rod - it's decidedly non-standard, but helped to get it out of the way for the purpose of these photos.

by **GeoffSmith** » Sat 31.03.2007, 21:49

Nice photos Neil - worth a thousand words.

The biggest problem I had was getting the rear bolt back in. I spent ages without success, then asked my 12 year old who did it in 10 seconds!

by **Paul.P** » Thu 01.11.2007, 22:42

Neil, do you know if you can remove the complete aluminium housing ( on the right hand side ) to polish up, without disturbing anything ?

by **Enright** » Thu 01.11.2007, 23:01

Yes I do.
Yes you can.

by **Paul.P** » Thu 01.11.2007, 23:29

Enright wrote:Yes I do.
Yes you can.

, is it just a case of undoing the small bolts, then the casing just falls off ?
Also i'm going to port the wastegate & wonder if you can tell me that i have to dissconect the wastegate actuater arm ( by taking small C clip off ) to be able to open flap to gain access to port ?

by **Enright** » Fri 02.11.2007, 00:18

Yes it is, and yes you do!!! :lol:

by **lotusgirlmarie** » Fri 02.11.2007, 00:55

CAn you clarify that for us :bonk:

by **Sy V** » Fri 02.11.2007, 09:32

Marie

What part of "Yes it is, and yes you do!!!" did you not understand?

Would you like a porting practical perchance? ;-)

by **dapinky** » Fri 02.11.2007, 10:15

Just to clarify Neils long-winded responses.......

Yes, Yes, I did, you can.

by **Enright** » Fri 02.11.2007, 13:56

Sy V wrote:Marie

What part of "Yes it is, and yes you do!!!" did you not understand?

Would you like a porting practical perchance?

Now THERE'S a class I wouldn't mind teaching - especially if Marie's in it! :lol:

by **lotusgirlmarie** » Fri 02.11.2007, 18:03

I don't understand the Y in Y-E-S...what does it all mean I'm so confused :-D

too many yes's

by **Paul.P** » Fri 02.11.2007, 20:21

lotusgirlmarie wrote:I don't understand the Y in Y-E-S...what does it all mean I'm so confused too many yes's

Your confused Marie

by **Rambo** » Sat 03.11.2007, 12:54

geoffsmith wrote:Nice photos Neil - worth a thousand words.

The biggest problem I had was getting the rear bolt back in. I spent ages without success, then asked my 12 year old who did it in 10 seconds!

Perhaps Neil's turbo photo's should go in your Wiki thing Geoff ??

PS Glad you found that lady's "W" spot Neil :lol:

- no doubt you suggested giving it a bit more abuse in future ? :lol:

by **Paul.P** » Sat 03.11.2007, 13:00

Right then, the bracket the actual wastegate is fixed onto, the one that is held onto the aluminium housing by three 8mm headed bolts, is mild steel i think, & posibly coated in something, can anyone advise what to recoat it with please ?

by **GeoffSmith** » Sat 03.11.2007, 13:44

Rambo wrote:Perhaps Neil's turbo photo's should go in your Wiki thing Geoff ??

Been there for months dear boy!

by **Paul.P** » Sat 03.11.2007, 13:52

Ive found some heat resistant paint that will be ok to 600c, will this be enough ?

by **mikeydude** » Fri 30.11.2007, 22:08

Ah.....I have only just seen this post...hold it there, do not paint it, there is no need...It is Zinc plated (drab olive passivated) that's why it is a dark colour.....get some Cream metal polish and rub the hell out of it....it won't seem to be doing anything for a while then it will shine like Chrome!!!!

Autosol is the best one.

In theory it's less resistant to corrosion after the passivation is removed. but I have found it to be fine.

Try getting a little buffing wheel set for a dremil type tool..ten off you go....most Zinc and Nickel plating will polish up like chrome.

That's how these classic car guys do most of there stuff...it's not all re-chromed like we think..its just the original plating polished.

by **mikeydude** » Fri 30.11.2007, 22:37

Ah.....I have only just seen this post...hold it there, do not paint it, there is no need...It is Zinc plated (drab olive passivated) that's why it is a dark colour.....get some Cream metal polish and rub the hell out of it....it won't seem to be doing anything for a while then it will shine like Chrome!!!!

Autosol is the best one.

In theory it's less resistant to corrosion after the passivation is removed. but I have found it to be fine.

Try getting a little buffing wheel set for a dremil type tool..ten off you go....most Zinc and Nickel plating will polish up like chrome.

That's how these classic car guys do most of there stuff...it's not all re-chromed like we think..its just the original plating polished.

by **Specky** » Mon 04.08.2008, 17:54

Waste gate got stuck today... I think... Wierd Turbo whistle too..

0.75 Bar.. :shock:

When you do the wiggle how much play should you have... or what are the extrmities...

TTFN

by **Specky** » Mon 04.08.2008, 19:01

Buggeration...

Bottom bolt rounded already.... :twisted:

and I've just dropped my 8mm combi spanner in the lower heat shielding.. :evil:

TTFN

Lotus Elan Central

unstuck wastegate, turbo seems to have gone

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