Track Elan

[rip]

Dave,
IIRC the valves do sit slightly proud of the head, so I guess there is a risk of them hitting the cyclinders.
However, this was only a couple of mm, (about the thickness of the head gasket ).
The cylinders themselves have notches machined into the top of the crown, which I am guessing, line up with the valve positions to prevent interference. But maybe this only prevents damage occuring during failure at lower engine speeds.

I'm no expert

Me thinks you are talking 'bout pistons, not cylinders.

[paulwatkins]

Dave,
IIRC the valves do sit slightly proud of the head, so I guess there is a risk of them hitting the cyclinders.
However, this was only a couple of mm, (about the thickness of the head gasket ).
The cylinders themselves have notches machined into the top of the crown, which I am guessing, line up with the valve positions to prevent interference. But maybe this only prevents damage occuring during failure at lower engine speeds.

I'm no expert

Me thinks you are talking 'bout pistons, not cylinders.

You're right ripper! I did mean pistons.

[Ashaman]

Dave, how loud is the noise? Could it be spun rod bearings?

If so, that would explain the piston to valve contact; the extra slop on the rod journals might allow the piston to travel further up into the bore, resulting in that kind of damage. Kind of a strange thing it sounds like.

A bad oil pump, low oil level combined with hard cornering, running overly rich/dilluting the oil (as suggested), etc could have been the initial cause, maybe?

I have read it definitely IS an interference design. I have read it definitely IS NOT an interference design - so I don't know what is up with that, maybe it is a turbo/NA issue that results in the conflicting info? I just always assume it is, I would rather be wrong that way than the other!

Are you still running 20psi? I think that a lot of people have done that without valve issues, but maybe with different turbos & flow rates it isn't an apples to apples comparison.

[Dave M]

Had a go at the car over the weekend and was amazed how much I could have apart in a few hours. A bit easier pulling the engine once you've done it before! Another good day of work like that and I probably could have the engine out...though it'll be two weeks before I have that kind of time again. You're right, Matt: unfortunately this isn't a blank check project, so most of the work needs to take place in my garage - though maybe I can get a "sympathy sale" once Peely is fixed. I'll put in the description: "need to sell asap to finance broken engine in other Elan".

FWIW when I drained the oil I took a sample that will be analyzed. We'll see about gas and what types of metal may be in there to give us a possible idea of any other damage, but the oil pump *is* suspect at this point. I'm looking into a serious upgrade to the oil system and if it was the cause, won't have this problem again.

When we first listened to the car, the rod bearings were a thought, but the noise really does seem to be in the top of the engine. Who knows, htough. That's why I'm pulling the whole thing and making sure all bits are OK. I'm not hoping for early snow this year, but it wouldn't make me feel real bad seeing how both cars are under construction for a bit...

[Dave M]

Holy crap...5 years since posting here?!? That is sick.

Hi all and miss you folks. I'm still kickin'. Life, work, and kids' activities have taken over and wiped out my Lotus time and budget. My oldest downhill ski races, which may be a more expensive past time than track days!

The Elans are still around, and I still haven't fixed the white one. It was a rod bearing that melted and notched the crank and marked the rod. I have had the crank repaired but stalled getting a replacement rod. If anyone has one, please let me know, but otherwise I will get around to having a new set made this spring. The red car is currently in for paint and will be back in my garage shortly to be reassembled.

Just a quick hi and diving back into work. I still live in the tax world here in the US - nothing if not interesting, especially in the last few months - so will be buried until April. I'll try to catch up on things here and there in the meantime. Anxious to hear how the old (and new) gang is doing.

[Monty]

Good to hear your still with us Dave, been a long time. Look forward to your updtaes when you get free time

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Holy crap...5 years since posting here?!? That is sick.

Hi all and miss you folks. I'm still kickin'.

The Elans are still around, I have had the crank repaired but stalled getting a replacement rod. If anyone has one, please let me know.

Dave: Rods are on the current aftersales list for GBP22.81: A100E6253S Connecting Rod-Tur(F/W)(SP) 120 £22.81

For the list, see: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21104#p273357

[Dave M]

Dave: Rods are on the current aftersales list for GBP22.81: A100E6253S Connecting Rod-Tur(F/W)(SP) 120 £22.81

For the list, see: viewtopic.php?f=3&t=21104#p273357

Thanks so much! You can pass on your PM...I found your other thread and have put out a few inquiries to some dealers (US & UK). My engine builder will be shocked if I actually show up someday with a connecting rod...

[Brit-Car-Nut]

If you need it, I am going over next week and will be visiting my friendly dealer and can get one or two for you? My PM has the info for a dealer I know you can trust.