Where to get an engine checked ?

[simonbuk]

I'm about to acquire a short motor. I would like it inspected by somebody who knows what they are doing. I guess a reputable car machine shop/engine builder should be able to check all tolerances required ?

Want somebody situated in the south east.

Lakeside Engineering seem an obvious choice as they seem to have had experience with M100's. Also there is that place in Faversham where somebody got one built up.

Anywhere else that's got a good reputation ?

[Rambo]

What about Gerald ? Not exactly near you but a well respected M100 guru. Just ask Rip et al.....

[simonbuk]

Who's Gerald ?

[Rambo]

Gerald Turner at GST based in Newmarket. About 77 miles away from you Simon

If I lived anywhere near him, I would use him and his garage, from the good reports I've heard

[GeoffSmith]

Gerald Turner at GST based in Newmarket. About 77 miles away from you Simon

If I lived anywhere near him, I would use him and his garage, from the good reports I've heard

Me too. I dropped in and had a chat with him many years ago when I was driving back from a meeting in Great Yarmouth.

[simonbuk]

Ok thanks - I'll give him a ring tomorrow.

[John_W]

I had a meeting with a helicopter near Great Yarmouth many years ago at about 6am. It was like a scene from The Dambusters!
I later heard that the rig sank (after I had gone home - nobody died).

(Just to show that I can post irrelevant crap on people’s threads as well as anybody else.)

[Rusty Wishbone]

John, you succeeded admirably! You should move onto Haikus next.

Simon, I can't think of anyone closer who really knows the Elan. I've used a specialist in Kent before, but I can't really recommend them.

[simonbuk]

Well managed to speak to somebody at Lakeside Engineering today. Very friendly, happy chappy, wanted to hear my current engine as he had never heard of one going bad before (bottom end that is).

Even said he had been on a factory course about those engines so I assume they are ex-lotus employees ?

Anyhow, found my battery is f*cked as it hasn't got the cranking amps anymore so good old Halfords just exchanged it. Hopefully start it tomorrow and might get it over there.

[GeoffSmith]

…Very friendly, happy chappy, wanted to hear my current engine…

Not what you want to hear! Reminds me of when the radiographer called in his mates 'cause he'd never seen such bad spondylolisthesis.

[simonbuk]

Well there's good news and not so good news.

The good news is that after rolling around on a concrete floor fitting a new alternator (the one people said was 'probably dodgey', was worth it. After getting a replacement battery from Halfords (was nearly two years old and just gave me a new one no quibble) the car started no problem. Ran fine on a 100+ mile round trip - hoorah !!

The not so good news is that Tim hasn't yet identified the noise. But he seems convinced it's not lower down engine noise so we're back to thinking top end. Says he should be able to identify it with an hour's work so will go back later when officially booked in.

So, new battery covered by warranty, new alternator works, appears not to be bottom end, engine out jobbey, happy with that for the time being.

Tim clearly hasn't come across this noise before so it might be some weird surprise for us all !!

I can see why people recommend him, he's an ex Bell & Colvill guy, worked on these a lot, his wife has got one !!

[Giniw]

Do you happen to have a recording of that engine sound?

[simonbuk]

No sorry, never recorded it. Not sure it would come out well when played back.

It's weird because it's not allows there, it's not always there when under load, sometimes there when you lift off. Doesn't really make sense.

[Fredjohn]

Simon: Ailwyn is selling a brand new unused, display only engine: posted on f/book today. May well appear on here as he was an active member for a long time. Might be worth a look if your's is terminal.

[Giniw]

(Really?! This would make a great fully functional table-engine! — seriously, I would be curious to know its price!)

[simonbuk]

Yes, have sent him a message on FB - I'll wait to hear !!

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Simon: Ailwyn is selling a brand new unused, display only engine: posted on f/book today. May well appear on here as he was an active member for a long time. Might be worth a look if your's is terminal.

Any chance of a link?

[Saltire]

Simon: Ailwyn is selling a brand new unused, display only engine: posted on f/book today. May well appear on here as he was an active member for a long time. Might be worth a look if your's is terminal.

Any chance of a link?

John, it’s here.

[Brit-Car-Nut]

Thanks! I just asked to join the group.

Ailwyn, I believe I have the OTHER NEW engine from the early Lotus Car Show days.

Simon, once you figure out what has failed on your engine, I will gladly look through the engines I have (I think there are 4 assembled and a few that are disassembled) to see if something will help. It's too bad you can't carry an engine block or crankshaft home in your luggage...