Lotus Elan Central

by **garymb** » Sat 02.06.2007, 18:01

The exhaust seems to be very sooty on my Elan. I'm guessing that means the engine is running too rich. I do get a deal of popping from the sports exhaust and a good whiff of petrol fumes every now and then but that sounds relatively normal (according to others here.) Any ideas?

If it is running too rich presumably that means getting into the engine management software somehow to make adjustments? Or could it be a sensor issue?

(the oil is clean and she's not using excessive amounts)

by **Enright** » Sat 02.06.2007, 18:35

It does sound fairly normal.
They are all set to run a bit rich (for engine safety reasons), and there's very little that you can adjust because it's a pre-programmed fuel map.
But let's not rule anything out just yet, because like you say, it could be a dodgy sensor. Coolant temperature and cam angle sensor are the most common ones to fail.
What sort of average MPG are you getting, do you have an SE or S2, and what's your total mileage?

by **garymb** » Sat 02.06.2007, 20:39

She has done about 78000 miles. I drive fairly hard and I'm not sure what MPG I'm getting-- I'll check, but I'm guessing in the the mid twenties.

When I start her up and let her idle for a few minutes quite a lot of soot is blown out of the exhaust with the condensed water onto the ground. After a run there is usually a fair amount of soot specks around the bodywork surrounding the exhaust.

I'm new to the Elan so maybe it's normal but as a newbie it seems as though it might be a problem. I was wondering about the oxygen sensor. If it is on the way out could that cause it?

by **GeoffSmith** » Sat 02.06.2007, 20:47

garymb wrote:I was wondering about the oxygen sensor.

Have you got an S2 then?

by **garymb** » Sat 02.06.2007, 21:12

I've got a 1990 SE

by **GeoffSmith** » Sat 02.06.2007, 21:14

Are you sure you've got an O2 sensor then?

by **GeoffSmith** » Sat 02.06.2007, 21:26

Sorry, couldn't resist...

by **Dave Eds** » Sat 02.06.2007, 21:31

geoffsmith wrote:Sorry, couldn't resist...

Geoff - Sweep the soot from your drive and get back to the painting :lol:

by **GeoffSmith** » Sat 02.06.2007, 22:30

Dave Eds wrote:and get back to the painting

Has the missus been on to you?

by **garymb** » Sat 02.06.2007, 23:33

geoffsmith wrote:Are you sure you've got an O2 sensor then?

Nope, I asssumed it had one (not being that knowledgable about the car yet) I take it that it doesn't.

by **GeoffSmith** » Sat 02.06.2007, 23:54

Gary,

Chances are it hasn't then. If you look at the first two pictures on this thread you can see the O2 sensor to the left of the turbo heatshield of Michael's car whereas there is a blanking plug on Monty's.

Geoff

PS Also check out the similar thread about running rich.

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