Elan won't start after winter storage

[elanboy]

Hi all,

Although i have used information from this fantastic site to keep my Elan going over the years, this is my first actual post on Lotus Elan Central.

I only use my Elan during the summer months and usually get it ready and taxed for the spring.

As usual last November i put the car away in the garage and disconnected the battery for over winter storage. After fully charging the battery i pushed her out of the garage and tried to start the car as usual, this time when i turned the key the engine light came on and stayed on, she just wont fire at all.

I have started and warmed her up 3 times over the winter and all has been ok.

I have checked the ALDL and "code 12" is flashing all the time, no other codes are present.

There is a spark and i can smell a very faint petrol aroma (not wet) on the plugs when removed.

Has anyone any ideas on my problem please.

Also when disconnecting the battery over winter can anything happen to the ECU.....loss of memory perhaps? does it need power to retain its settings?

Hope you can help

Steve

[rip]

Hi Steve,

The fact you are getting code 12 is a good sign. When my old ECU got damaged it gave no code at all.
Remember that an ECU can sit disconnected on the shelf at the factory for years without an issue.

Does it sound like it is trying to fire or not bothering?
If the ECU is not aware of an issue, you'll have to solve it the old-fashioned way.
If you have fuel, then I am wondering if your spark is strong enough? I suppose it is possible to measure ignition voltage but I have never seen a tool for doing this.
Replacing the coil packs & their baseplate is not something I would use as a first resort though.

Since you've posted this in the Elanscan section, it may be a good idea to log some data anyway. The engine may not run but the ECU will be receiving data from its sensors.
I don't suppose you've got Elanscan? If you could state your location (it is useful to add this to your profile details ) , you may be close to somebody who has?

[elanboy]

Hi, thanks for coming back.

I am from Snettisham in Norfolk (Lotus County)

From experience i would say the spark looks strong enough, the engine is turning freely but dont appear to be trying to fire at all. When i very first turned the key the engine sounded like it tried to fire, and then absolutely nothing after that.

No i dont have elanscan do you think that this could help?

Steve

[HJ2]

Did you trip the fuel cut switch by accident?
Do you hear the pump priming when you turn the key before you start?

[elanboy]

Hi,

Thanks for this info, I haven't noticed whether the pump is running, but i will make a point of listening for it tommorow.

I will check to see if it has been tripped.

Steve

[addict]

remove the plugs clean em dry em . it could be flooded

[elanboy]

Thanks HJ2,

I checked the fuel cut out today, and it had tripped, reset switch and car started 1st turn of the key. Just got to fit my new rear discs and bearings now for the MOT should be mobile again soon.

Thanks again.

Steve

P.S. I visited the pottery at Delft 45 years ago is......is it still the same?

[HJ2]

Good you're on the road again!
The pottery was still the same this morning! I work across it