Gas tank Leak

[racerstev]

I went hunting for my fuel leak today, it would leak badly at anything over 3/4 tank. Seems I have a worst case here, a large crack in the
tank itself.

After looking around it seems there might be a way to repair it, either with a soldering iron/heat gun to weld the crack. Or a plastic epoxy but
this seems to need a torch to prep the plastic, rather not blow the tank up.

Or replace with a new one, is there a cross referance on this? The dealer hasn't gotten back to me yet.

Steve

[tweetdriver63]

Not sure about a cross-reference, but there was a recall to replace the fuel tanks for this very reason. You said the dealer hasn't gotten back to you. Were you just looking for the replacement part, or asking about the recall? If it's about the part, they're going to refer you to Dave Bean Engineering.

[Enright]

Can you update your profile with your location? I can't remember where you are from previous posts, and can't easily search at the moment. However I know where one may be available soon, if it's convenient.

[racerstev]

I had no idea there was a recall, glad the dealer hasn't called back yet! The reason I called the dealer was to try to find a new tank, I just
don't like the idea of repairing this one. If I need to I will..


I'll call Dave Bean today, thanks!

Profile updated, In in eastern US.

Steve Lockett

[steve matthews]

Steve, I still have my old one with 31,000 on the clock.
Internals are gone but the tank is the replaced fed. version.
It is at KnoxMotorsports virginia.
Good luck
Steve -w- new lady

[esprit888]

Is this recall still being honored ????

Steve, I still have my old one with 31,000 on the clock.
Internals are gone but the tank is the replaced fed. version.
It is at KnoxMotorsports virginia.
Good luck
Steve -w- new lady

[lotusgirlmarie]

Recals such as this do not have time restrictions.

[tigerdog]

Marie is right! Get your car to an official Lotus dealer and have them check the VIN against the recall database. I got a new tank placed in Smaug, no questions asked and at Lotus' expense. You might consider having them replace the fuel filter while they're mucking about in there. After 19 years, there's bound to be some gunk in the existing one. If the dealer doesn't get back to you, contact Lotus Cars USA directly. They have a vested interest in making good on this, since the recall was mandated at the Federal level. Recall details are in the NHTSA database.

[racerstev]

Apparently my car isn't one of the recalled cars. According to the recall notice 546 of 559 cars brough into the US were effected. I have a
call into Lotus USA to see if the dealer is telling me the whole story, seems a bit strange to me for sure.

The dealer can get me a new tank for $540 plus shipping.

A side note here, if I can get the car covered under warrenty I would need to have Lotus do the repair. After seeing the "workmanship" on
the other repairs I really would rather do the job myself.

[esprit888]

I was aware that recalls have no time restriction (whenever i import a car a manufacturers recall clearence letter is required if it is less than 15 years old, but this never applied to the Elan so no letter was required) I was referring to the continued availability of the fuel tanks, which after 19 years is past the 15 year mandatory parts supply rqeuirement. I dont have a problem with mine AFAIK, but it never hurts to get one if they are free

Recals such as this do not have time restrictions.

[racerstev]

All's well that ends well! I talked to the warrenty manager at Lotus USA today, a fellow named Ron Mann. Seems my car was looked at
in 2003 for a leak and all was good so it was taken off the recall list. After just a little begging I was given the OK to have this replaced
under warrenty.

A very happy Lotus owner!! Steve Lockett

[tweetdriver63]

All's well that ends well! I talked to the warrenty manager at Lotus USA today, a fellow named Ron Mann. Seems my car was looked at
in 2003 for a leak and all was good so it was taken off the recall list. After just a little begging I was given the OK to have this replaced
under warrenty.

A very happy Lotus owner!! Steve Lockett

You go girl!

[tigerdog]

Yay! It speaks volumes of Lotus to support us like this. Not many companies would go this far out of the way for a car that's nearly 20 years old. That's why we love 'em!

[racerstev]

I dropped the car off today to Rothrock Lotus in Springfeild Penna. Met the mechanic "Shawn" who
will be doing the work. Nice guy and seems to be sharp, little concerned though this is only the 4th Elan
he has ever worked on..

These cars are so rare over here..

[Specky]

And the other three were from the 60's...

[racerstev]

Almost forgot the best part, saw the 2011 models in the showroom, all I can say is wow!!

[tigerdog]

And the really fun thing is, when you show up with an M100, the guys with the new ones will be checking out your car. And if they're not, you can always trump them next time they go driving on a damp road or track.

[racerstev]

Funny, there was a crowd around the car when I was pulling out of the lot in the tow van!

The plan for this car is around 350-400hp and a Quaife, hoping to show the tailights to
a few of these high dollar machines at the track..

But oh man, never saw a showroom with so many cool cars in it!

[tigerdog]

That's a whole lot of power for one of these. You best consider brake upgrades at the top of your "to do" list. You won't have any money left if you do the engine work first.

[racerstev]

After replacing the prop valves I'm really pretty happy with the brakes. Have a feeling I'll be changeing my mind once the power comes up...

Stage one will be this winter, looking for 225-250hp with a larger compressor, Megasquirt, 750cc injectors and a larger pump. The engine will come
out for a freshening as well.