It might be my next lover

[tigerdog]

Hi Manou!
You might want to read through the wiki buyer's guide and print a copy to take with you. It will tell you all you need to know about rough spots to check. It includes oil pressure info and lots of other stuff.

[Manou]

Hi,

Thanks again.

Can someone confirm that the compression test should around 170 lbs for all 4 cylinders?

The meeting is tonight at 6.30 Pm, I can't wait!
I hope that all will be in order and that the car will be mine.
Amusing or irritating I went to my current insurance company, they DO NOT want to insure Lotus car....

I keep you posted guys.

Manou

[Manou]

Hello,

Ok here the compression test result base on cranking the engine:
From the left cylinder: 135, 128, 122, 130
Your comments please.
The mechanic confirm a faulty oil sender. When the engine was cold it show 5 then hot engine after 20 km the gage was at zero.
The oil level was at the max, the owner did a servicing 2 months ago.
I have taken few engine picture so if you could have a look and give me your feed back again.

Cheers and thanks in advance

Manou

[Manou]

Hi,

I forgot there is some kind of fluid under the distributor (not sure if it s the correct name of thepart)
Right in the center of the picture.

Cheers

Manou

[rip]

I can't see a leak there, but you are describing the Cam Angle Sensor.
It is quite common for these to leak a little.

I agree with Specky about the oil pressure. Insist that the current owner resolves it. If it is expensive, it will not be your problem.

[Manou]

Hi,

Thanks.
What about the compression test result?
Does that sound right?

Manou

[rip]

Hi,

Thanks.
What about the compression test result?
Does that sound right?

Manou

The manual says 169 lbf/sq in, which gives a compression ratio of 11.5:1..which would blow a charged engine in no time!
But the compression ratio should be 8.5:1, which gives a pressure of 125 lbf/sq in.

Now I'm confused.

Maybe someone who has had their engine tested will can remember?

[Specky]

Clicky theWiki

TTFN

[Manou]

Hi Guys,

I would like to thank you for all your help and recommendation.

That was a heart breaking decision, I didn't buy the Elan after all.
I don't have enough confidence in the car, something in this car is doggy...

So I bought a BMW Z3 instead. I was really looking forward entering the Lotus family, I guess that will be another time.

Enjoy your ride, maybe I will talk you sometime again.

Thanks again for your time.

Cheers

Manou

[speed-demon]

May I be so bold?

Silly, silly boy!

[Manou]

Hello,

Silly maybe, stupid I don't think so!

I have weight very carefully all the info collected on internet, I have decided to walk away from this car for many reason.

The most important is that there is something fishy about the seller, he made too many mistakes when answering simple question. His attitude was pushy and impatient.
As for the car there were a lot to do to get it right, the compression test did not impress me nor re insure me. The car was obviously under used, he claim 4000 km in 3 years, the car was not cared for. And base on my understanding this is not a good thing for an Elan.

I am not desperate to buy a lotus, but I will eventually... The right one that's all!

I have bought a fair bit of classic cars before, it is always a gamble which I take happily. But only if I have a good feeling. This time I didn't!!!

On top of that there something called COE in SIngapore, it stand for Certificate Of Entitlement. It's a piece of paper that you buy from the government that cost currently euro 13000 on top of the price of the car. This COE is valid for 10 years, after which you have to renew with a similar cost or you must de register your car. (Scrap it or export it). The Elan COE expires in 01.2013, so financially I can't justify EUro 4/5000 of rebuild before scrapping the car or paying again for the COE.

So please don't be so judgmental and trust one's instinct.

Cheers

Andre

[speed-demon]

Oooh... Touchy.
I was more referring to the fact that you bought a Z3. And over a Lotus. Any Lotus. And was throwing a touch of comedic sarcasm for us Lotus boys to poke fun at Z3 owners as we often do MX5 owners.

But hey ho. You're a hair dresser, oops! I mean Z3 owner now!

[dapinky]

Manou,

Although It's sad that you will not be a Lotus owner at the moment, I understand your reasons for not getting this elan, and it seems like a sensible one regarding that particular car.
Unfortunately, Singapore is not full of second-hand Lotus for sale, and it may be a while before another (suitable) elan comes up for sale - as such, if you are happy with the BMW, then I wish you good luck with it, and hope you will be happy.

Maybe one day in the future, the 'right' Lotus will be under your ownership, but in the meantime, I hope this forum was of some help to you, and you are always welcome to browse, post or whatever - we aren't just for current owners, but for anyone with an interest in the car, marque, or just wanting a laugh

[Specky]

Manou,

Sad to see you go fella,

One day the right Lotus will turn up....

hell it might even be the same car, as long as the work has been carried out...

but untill then ....

TTFN

[Manou]

Hi Guys,

Yup touchy because I didn't get the Elan...

Anyway, thank you very much for your contribution.
Hope to be back one day with a good news.

Until then take care

Manou