Need Help With Diagnosis

[jadamcyk]

I just brought this baby home - '91 Elan M100 with just above 144k miles.

The previous owner said it's been sitting a while but decided to take her for a quick test spin. It drove fine until I got up to speed then came a loud metallic grinding sound with a pop. I pulled the car over and shut the engine off. Next, I started her up again and tried to shift to first gear to drive then the engine shuts off abruptly and I hear what sounds like a valve releasing air. I had to tow it to a nearby shop.

Any idea what this could be? I read that the gearbox's rarely go out but have issues with 5th gear and cables. Any other guess?

I'm brand new to the community and am completely bummed this happened day 1 on my M100 ownership. I should have taken it easy on her SMH!

Opinions much appreciated.

Justin

[esprit888]

Pop the hood and take a picture of the engine intake pipe to plenum as it comes out of the drivers side fender. Could be clutch or gearbox but the air noise throws me off, just wondering if it has a blow off valve fitted? has it literally blown off and fallen down restricting clutch or gear cable movement?

[steve matthews]

drove fine until I got up to speed then came a loud metallic grinding sound with a pop. I pulled the car over and shut the engine off. Next, I started her up again and tried to shift to first gear to drive then the engine shuts off abruptly and I hear what sounds like a valve releasing air. I had to tow it to a nearby shop.

Valve releasing air? Intercooler blow off valve or intake phlegm?