Post cries for help here if your topic fits no other thread in this category.
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by Neil.G » Thu 11.03.2021, 16:42
Hi all, hoping someone in the North Oxfordshire or South Warwickshire area has an elan scan I could access? My se turbo is running rich and I need to see what to start tackling first. Thermostat was replaced (82c/180f) a while back and it runs cooler, bottom of gauge! than previously which might be causing it, the co2 potentiometer was also tampered with by a friendly/eager MOT assessor. Basically I need a baseline and see this as the only way forward without swapping sensors randomly. Happy to drive and offer beer/food whatever in way of payment, all socially distanced naturally. Thanks.
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by Simon_P » Thu 11.03.2021, 17:09
Yes, elanscan is the way forward as you can see whats going on.
I've had rich running due to Coolant temp sensor CTS and faulty O2 sensor if fitted.
The thermostat is in itself unlikely to be the cause but the sender and CTS connections may have been disturbed.
You can check the CTS resistance against the numbers in the wiki.
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by Neil.G » Thu 11.03.2021, 20:46
Hello Simon,
Thanks for the prompt reply. My CTS is brand new and fitted along with new thermostat, it's an S1 so no oxygen sensor and prom is a 29 according to ECU label. I'm going to dig out the old thermostat and check the temp on it, it used to sit just below 1/4 mark which seems to be the correct level. My 82deg sits below the cold line, rising just above if sat in traffic, I suppose there is a possibility the stat was incorrectly packaged from Rock-auto and runs cooler. I had the cambelt, alternator, stat, CTS and 4 new tyres due to the amount of mileage I'm doing in it. It's now popping and back-firing which is not good news in the Cotswolds with infinite horse riders. Hence my need for Elan scan to start my investigation. I know the crime, I just need to seek out the criminal, or criminals. I'll check timing once this horrendous wind dies down and disconnect battery to reset ECU for good measure. Thinking about it new silencer could be playing a part too, shouldn't have done it all at once!!
I use the elan it to commute to South Wales most weeks, so any Elan Scanners in Cardiff and surrounding valleys???? Cotswold elaners nearer but need to get it sorted.
Thanks all.
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by Saltire » Thu 11.03.2021, 21:49
Neil, I’m about 50 miles from you south on the Fosseway. I have Elanscan loaded on a laptop, and the ALDL cable you need to connect it to the car. I also have a 6-car driveway, a selection of tools, and a plentiful supply of tea and swear words. PM me if I can help.
Jonathan
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Saltire
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by Neil.G » Fri 12.03.2021, 08:43
Saltire wrote:Neil, I’m about 50 miles from you south on the Fosseway. I have Elanscan loaded on a laptop, and the ALDL cable you need to connect it to the car. I also have a 6-car driveway, a selection of tools, and a plentiful supply of tea and swear words. PM me if I can help.
Thank-you. Much appreciated. Will PM you.
Cheers Neil.
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by Simon_P » Fri 12.03.2021, 21:18
Neil.G wrote:and disconnect battery to reset ECU for good measure.
If you changed th CTS you should do that anyway.
What indicates that it is too rich? if the old CTS was out and it was running rich, then the new one will mean it is too lean - Poping on the overun.
The thermostat won't matter as it is the CTS that controls the mixture. I also bought a thermostat from Rock - AC delco and it too makes the temp gauge read low but the elanscan is somewhere around right - Ive been taking things apart to find the loose wire! hence my comment - 82 is correct What brand is yours?
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by Neil.G » Mon 15.03.2021, 11:14
Simon_P wrote:Neil.G wrote:and disconnect battery to reset ECU for good measure.
If you changed th CTS you should do that anyway.
What indicates that it is too rich? if the old CTS was out and it was running rich, then the new one will mean it is too lean - Poping on the overun.
The thermostat won't matter as it is the CTS that controls the mixture. I also bought a thermostat from Rock - AC delco and it too makes the temp gauge read low but the elanscan is somewhere around right - Ive been taking things apart to find the loose wire! hence my comment - 82 is correct What brand is yours?
Hello Simon,
Sorry for late reply, busy busy weekend. I've reset the ECU, no change unfortunately. The reason I think too rich is smell from exhaust and amount of black build-up on back box tip, also popping on over-run I assume to be unburnt fuel combusting.
My thermostat was Gates 33478S (I'm finding the heater is nowhere near as warm as it used to be) and the CTS was ACdelco 1551107.
I just need to start with getting base parameters correct (by way of elan scan) and take it from there. I think the last MOT place fiddled with the Co2 potentiometer too, possibly without bridging ALDL so need to check everything!
Thanks,
Neil.
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by Blaster » Mon 15.03.2021, 13:21
Hi Neil
What map do you have as mine smelt of petrol and it had the early map and I could not get the CO below 4% the later map allows the CO to be reduced to 2%.
Tony
1990 Lotus Elan SE 2009 Triumph Daytona 675SE
2012 KTM Freeride 350 2008 VW T5 4-Motion camper.
1995 Defender 300TDi 2012 Ducati Hypermotard
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by Neil.G » Mon 15.03.2021, 13:51
Blaster wrote:Hi Neil
What map do you have as mine smelt of petrol and it had the early map and I could not get the CO below 4% the later map allows the CO to be reduced to 2%.
Hi, Unsure of map, my ECU label looks untouched so don't think the chip has been changed, another reason to get it elan-scanned. My CO was at 4% which is why MOT guy tampered with potentiometer. I know a new chip would help but looking at forum posts they are difficult to come by now. I drove 125 miles in it this morning, starting from hot seems a little more hesitant.
Always happy to take suggestions.
Thanks.
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by Blaster » Mon 15.03.2021, 14:30
You can get the updated map from Lotus on exchange that brings the CO down. I have the latest one in a spare ECU as I updated mine then did the option below.
Or you can get latest ECU from Lotus where you need to add the O2 sensor. Which is what I have done but keep getting errors from the O2 sensor which is on my list of things to sort out.
Once this is sorted I will be selling the none O2 ECU and latest non O2 map.
Tony
1990 Lotus Elan SE 2009 Triumph Daytona 675SE
2012 KTM Freeride 350 2008 VW T5 4-Motion camper.
1995 Defender 300TDi 2012 Ducati Hypermotard
2018 AC Nitro 200 and Dudek Solo wing
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Blaster
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by Neil.G » Mon 15.03.2021, 17:02
Blaster wrote:You can get the updated map from Lotus on exchange that brings the CO down. I have the latest one in a spare ECU as I updated mine then did the option below.
Or you can get latest ECU from Lotus where you need to add the O2 sensor. Which is what I have done but keep getting errors from the O2 sensor which is on my list of things to sort out.
Once this is sorted I will be selling the none O2 ECU and latest non O2 map.
Thanks Tony,
Sounds like something I need to do, currently using the elan as a daily though so exchange is not an option at present. Or is it a dealership thing where I can have a cup of tea and wait??
On a separate note, just had a look at my old thermostat housing casting with feed to throttle body and it appears to be completely blocked. It's the smaller hose that goes off the top and into throttle body, then returns from back of throttle body to stat housing again. Any thoughts on what this might cause??
Definitely need to get emissions down though ready for next MOT (November)
Cheers,
Neil.
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by Blaster » Mon 15.03.2021, 17:47
Changing the MAP is a simple job.
1. Lower the glove box
2. loosen the two nuts on the ECU
3. Pull forward and remove two connectors
4. two screws to remove metal cover
5. The MAP then unplugs.
6. Reverse above to put it back together.
Then adjust pot for the correct CO
If you want to go the O2 route then you need to see if you have the harness in place as it makes things easier. You are looking for a 4 pin socket with 3 wires near the headlamp lift motor.
Tony
1990 Lotus Elan SE 2009 Triumph Daytona 675SE
2012 KTM Freeride 350 2008 VW T5 4-Motion camper.
1995 Defender 300TDi 2012 Ducati Hypermotard
2018 AC Nitro 200 and Dudek Solo wing
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Blaster
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by GeoffSmith » Mon 15.03.2021, 21:46
To avoid any confusion:
MAP = Mass Air Pressure (sensor)
MEMCAL = GM term for the module containing the PROM (Programmable Read Only Memory) containing the fueling map
Calypso Red S2 #417
USB ElanScan interfaces - £60 incl. UK P&P & £65 incl. ROW P&P
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by Blaster » Mon 15.03.2021, 23:47
Thanks for that, I had not thought of the confusion that can cause.
The term MEMCAL is a new one to me having never owned a GM car before.
Even the term MAP can have multiple versions.
Manifold Absolute Pressure
Mass Air Pressure
Manifold Air Pressure
Don't love the good old TLA's
Tony
1990 Lotus Elan SE 2009 Triumph Daytona 675SE
2012 KTM Freeride 350 2008 VW T5 4-Motion camper.
1995 Defender 300TDi 2012 Ducati Hypermotard
2018 AC Nitro 200 and Dudek Solo wing
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by Neil.G » Tue 16.03.2021, 08:53
Blaster wrote:Changing the MAP is a simple job.
1. Lower the glove box
2. loosen the two nuts on the ECU
3. Pull forward and remove two connectors
4. two screws to remove metal cover
5. The MAP then unplugs.
6. Reverse above to put it back together.
Then adjust pot for the correct CO
If you want to go the O2 route then you need to see if you have the harness in place as it makes things easier. You are looking for a 4 pin socket with 3 wires near the headlamp lift motor.
Thanks for the replies Tony,
I'm assuming said memcal needs to be sent off to lotus for a period though?? I can't do without the car at the moment. Do you know where I can dig deeper into this and find out if Lotus would be willing to do a deposit/exchange method so I don't lose the use of the car?!
Cheers,
Neil.
Oh, I do have the harness for the o2 sensor, looks like memcal keeps it closer to se spec though.
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by Blaster » Tue 16.03.2021, 10:58
The MAMCAL is done an an exchange basis but I think most dealers will send the new one out and refund you once they receive your old one back.
https://www.deroure.com/partinfo.asp?MA ... ID=1450173
Tony
1990 Lotus Elan SE 2009 Triumph Daytona 675SE
2012 KTM Freeride 350 2008 VW T5 4-Motion camper.
1995 Defender 300TDi 2012 Ducati Hypermotard
2018 AC Nitro 200 and Dudek Solo wing
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Blaster
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by Neil.G » Tue 16.03.2021, 11:24
Thanks...….Looking into it

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by Simon_P » Tue 16.03.2021, 11:32
GeoffSmith wrote:To avoid any confusion:
MAP = Mass Air Pressure (sensor)
Now I'm confused! I thought it was Manifold Absolute Pressure, and I also thought it was in the engine bay.
Neil.G wrote: I think too rich is smell from exhaust and amount of black build-up on back box tip, also popping on over-run I assume to be unburnt fuel combusting.
The tip will always be black as the mixture is rich for power and cooling when you are driving - if you get soot on the bumper its rich. Popping on the overrun is usually lean mixture causing incomplete combustion.
You can set base timing, tickover and the CO pot with just a paperclip. Elanscan wont help with these but relies on them being correctly set.
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by Neil.G » Tue 16.03.2021, 14:39
Simon_P wrote:GeoffSmith wrote:To avoid any confusion:
MAP = Mass Air Pressure (sensor)
Now I'm confused! I thought it was Manifold Absolute Pressure, and I also thought it was in the engine bay.
Neil.G wrote: I think too rich is smell from exhaust and amount of black build-up on back box tip, also popping on over-run I assume to be unburnt fuel combusting.
The tip will always be black as the mixture is rich for power and cooling when you are driving - if you get soot on the bumper its rich. Popping on the overrun is usually lean mixture causing incomplete combustion.
You can set base timing, tickover and the CO pot with just a paperclip. Elanscan wont help with these but relies on them being correctly set.
Hello Simon,
Understand just a paperclip for base timing and tick-over by going into service mode but how do you do CO pot? Or are you talking about multimeter and/or exhaust 02 analyser?
Thanks,
Neil
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by Fredjohn » Tue 16.03.2021, 14:52
You need to be in service mode to adjust CO POT. Once adjusted revert to normal and use exhaust gas analyser but make sure engine fully warmed up to get best reading.
Check either wikilec above or WSM for details.
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