Boost Gauge

[Elanlover]

Well, my nearly new, pristine white Elan has just arrived and it looks fabulous. But, there's one problem I noticed immediately with it. Upon start up, the turbo boost gauge runs right off the scale and stays there regardless of throttle position. This is at idle or any speed. I've just got the car and will eventually hook up Elanscan to it but I don't think this is an actual turbo related problem (at least I hope not). I've driven the car about 9 miles so far and it runs great and without warning lights. Haven't opened up full throttle as yet but I've had it up to 4500 rpm and no issues, strange behaviour or warning lights.

I'm thinking this is a gauge problem. Anyone have a similar problem? If so, does this require a replacement gauge or is a repair possible? How do you get the gauge out??

Thanks!

[Sy V]

Boost gauge transducer (orange rubber cylinder under bonnet on driver's front wheel arch). Check earth wire, remove and replace when cleaned if necessary.

It might be grey in colour if yours is a late SE or S2.

[Elanlover]

Hi Sy, this is a California federal Elan. make any difference as to where its located that you know????

[Doc Fizzix]

There is one noticeable defect I can see right away. The turbo gauge, upon start up, runs immediately off the scale. That's in idle (or at any other throttle position). Any thoughts on what that could be?

Easy fix, the grounding wire on the sensor is not making contact. This is very common so simply open the hood and look for the big red rubber sensor on the right side of the engine (left if you have the hood open and at looking at the motor), tighten both bolts holding the sensor inplace.

Sometimes the rubber securing the bolt into the fiberglass deteriorates, you may have to use a new bolt

[ESM]

The sensor is in the same spot, whatever the year/type. In mounted on the bodywork on the left side as you face the engine bay (the passenger side on a federal). A small rubber pipe comes off the plenum to it as well as two wires from the harness, one (the earth, usually the problem point) goes to the mount and the other to a terminal on the back of the sensor.

[Elanlover]

Thanks folks, I'll have a look at it tonight after work. As usual, you are all too kind and quick with your help.

[Candles]

I was going to say something here but the thread seems to have changed whilst I was at it and the answer is already there!

[Candles]

The sensor is in the same spot, whatever the year/type.

Even on a Normally Aspirated?

[Elanlover]

Had a chance at lunch to look at this quickly. Sure enough, the contact was disconnected. Start car up and gauge is at 0. I didn't take it for a spin but I did rev the engine.............gauge still at 0. Was expecting a small jump in turbo pressure but saw nothing. Is that normal? I'm nervous that the contact was disconnected on purpose..............yes, I'm a conspiracy theorist

[Elanlover]

Turbo gauge showed about .5 bar under acceleration in second. Spooled up rapidly after hitting around 3000 rpm (just a guess) and died immediately when I took my foot off the gas. I'm considering this issue resolved until I hear metal grinding from the Turbo.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

[WillB]

The sensor is in the same spot, whatever the year/type.

Even on a Normally Aspirated?

[Rambo]

Start car up and gauge is at 0. I didn't take it for a spin but I did rev the engine.............gauge still at 0. Was expecting a small jump in turbo pressure but saw nothing. Is that normal?

Yes - you'll need to be moving and flooring the pedal to see the turbo needle move. Should go up to about 0.65 bar but don't expect to see too much accuracy on the gauge. If you want to see it in the 0.9 region, buy yourself an Everest chip from ESM - unless you really have an N/A ?

Mark

[ESM]

The sensor is in the same spot, whatever the year/type.

Even on a Normally Aspirated?

[Nige]

The sensor is in the same spot, whatever the year/type.

Even on a Normally Aspirated?

I might have to fit one as there's a big empty space needs filling.

Slightly more seriously, I accept that these come in red and grey but am not so certain the colour change relates to late SE or S2 on the basis that my (very) late S2 has a red one and has been like that from new.