First time I really drove the car in 10 years

[atikovi]

I bought this '91 Elan just over 10 years ago. Wasn't looking for one, but it happened to be at an auction I was at, and I loved the look so just had to have it. Had only 55,000 miles but on the drive back I felt a major random miss in the engine when warmed up. Soon after, I replaced the plug wires with OEM Lotus and the plugs looked new. No change. Not having time to look into it any further, I parked it in my storage place. And it has basically sat there ever since. Well actually, I do take it out every 2 years for emissions inspection a few miles away. The only reason I took it out now was for a local car show that only allows cars 25 years and older to enter, so this is the first year it's eligible. Funny thing is, on the 25 mile drive home from storage, it ran just fine, no missing at all, and that's on 10 year old gasoline. Maybe I'll have to drive it some more, just have to clean out all the mouse crap in the trunk.

[lotusflasherman]

Watch out for the cambelt! They should be changed very 5 years ,or 60,000 miles, but it's age that's really the problem. If yours is 10 years old you're 'living on borrowed time' ...

[Brit-Car-Nut]

I agree with Phil. The first thing you should do is get the timing belt system replaced. You should also get the brake fluid changed (it absorbs water over time) and probably a flush of the cooling system. Of course, drain and refill the fuel so you have something decent to burn..

We all would like to see some pictures...

Welcome back!

[atikovi]

OK, I'll order parts for the timing belt. Coincidentally, I'm just finishing up a timing belt job on a Saturn that has been sitting just 5 years. What Isuzu do I search under? Stylus DOHC? Are original Isuzu belts available at a reasonable price? Just to keep it original. I changed the oil this afternoon and used an AC Delco filter, Would have prefered an Isuzu filter but it would take the local dealer a week to get. I did change the brake fluid when I got it ten years ago but will do it again soon. I've got just under half a tank of fuel left and it seems to run fine with it. Not sure if there is an easy way to drain it, or just use it up. I'll post some pics of it at the car show I'm taking it to tomorrow. And why don't I get email notification of replies here? I have the box, Notify me when a reply is posted, checked?

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Ati:
Most everyone uses the 1991 Isuzu Impulse 1.6L Turbo listing on Rock Auto for parts like the timing belt kit. The common kit is DAYCO 95169K1 plus the common water pump (it is driven by the timing belt and as big a pain to replace as the belt, so it makes sense to replace it at the same time) is AIRTEX AW9220. The M100 used a rounded tooth pulley system while later GEOs and Isuzu used squared teeth. Sometimes, the" water pump included kits" ship with the wrong water pump. The camshaft seals rarely need replacing and if you find you need them after the order arrives, they are common and cheap enough to pick up locally. That is why I give you the timing belt kit without seals part number. Original Isuzu parts are rarely available since they left the US market years ago and would need to be imported at great expense.

The Dayco kit works fine and they are a reputable manufacturer. Any oil filter from a big name manufacturer (Delco Filters are made by Wix, I believe) is fine. Some brands are available with a hex fitting on the bottom so you can use a wrench to loosen the filter easier than with a strap wrench. I have a couple of NOS Lotus timing belts that I purchased but they are ancient and well past their shelf life. That is what you would find if you go looking for OEM Isuzu or Lotus timing belts. The other drive belts are common and the sizes are on the belts.

If I was going to drain the fuel tank, I would disconnect the return fuel line at the fuel pressure regulator and run a hose to the catch tank. With the engine running it will empty the tank pretty quickly. There is no drain on the tank itself and the fuel pump only runs for a few seconds when you turn on the key until the engine starts and the ECM tells the pump to run continuously.

I can't answer why you are not getting notified unless you miss-typed your email address or your email system is sending the notices to junk/spam mail or just blocking them to irritate you..

[atikovi]

More pics from the show at: http://www.fototime.com/inv/E18597E8853513D

[lotusrepair]

It was nice to meet you today. I read the posting yesterday and we ran into each other at the same show. 10 Lotus in all with 2 M100.

I talked to several people who have Lotus that one day they hope to get finished and drive again.

Chris