Hello from Dorset & info on a potential car

[jamherber]

Hello,

Just registered on here. I'm a long term Lotus fan and still have a S1 Lotus Elise that I've had 22 years and still love.

My son wants in on some Lotus action and M100 Elan ticks every box so we have been looking for a few weeks, as well reading all the useful info on here and the numerous great video guides.

We have found a 1990 SE that has just had HGF that we are considering as bit of a project. It's reg is H11 UVC in pacific blue. We haven't viewed the car yet but it had an MOT in May this year with no advisories, has 98k on the clock but no service history past 70k.

Does anyone know of this car and what is the best part of the forum to ask this question?

Look forward to hopefully being an active member of this fantastic forum.

Thanks

[MPx]

Hi and welcome. I'm just over the border in South Somerset - will be good to have another M100 buzzing about - very rarely seen in these parts.

Dont know the car you mention. Any info on what happened to it post 70k? If its been looked after at home by a fastidious owner it could be great. If its been largely abandoned and little used it could be more than a decade since it last received attention. Apart from fluids, Cam belt would be the (initial) big worry in that situation - would it snap as you started it up. Recommended 5 year life - risks increase in the years following.

[MPx]

Ah ... this one. Well you either own it or have missed it. Best of luck either way.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286014512941

[jamherber]

Ah ... this one. Well you either own it or have missed it. Best of luck either way.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/286014512941

Should be collecting tomorrow. In at the deep end, starting with a full head rebuild so lots to learn very quickly!

[exeterjeep]

Saw that advert on ebay, it being at SJ sportscars at Crediton a Lotus specialist, that is only a few miles from me in Exeter. It will be interesting to see how you get on with it and if it really is the head gasket.
On this forum there is a load of info plus the workshop manuals/parts list etc. There are also loads of videos on YT, that I have downloaded a lot of them.

[jamherber]

Saw that advert on ebay, it being at SJ sportscars at Crediton a Lotus specialist, that is only a few miles from me in Exeter. It will be interesting to see how you get on with it and if it really is the head gasket.
On this forum there is a load of info plus the workshop manuals/parts list etc. There are also loads of videos on YT, that I have downloaded a lot of them.

Collected (via flatbed) today. Confirmed HGF - No1 cylinder leaking into waterway but luckily no oil/water mixing (it starts and runs fine so hopefully caught it early). It'll be a project car but lots of good points (reasonable respray in 2011, new hood, s/s exhaust, new alarm, speakers & head unit), just needs HGF sorting and some tidying in a few areas. Looking forward to getting started - working on it with my son Rob who is an apprentice vehicle technician so will get there I'm sure.

[Tuga2112]

setup a project thread and take loads of pictures.

ive done the head gasket on my yellow car. althoug i have been told it can be done without removing the intake plenum. i couldnt figure out how to do it without, and in my experience, the only job that is harder than the plenum removal in these is to change the gear cables.

it will be nice to see how you get along and hopefully some pointers for others who may need to tackle the task in future.

[jamherber]

Yeah we will do a project thread.

Spent ages speaking to a mechanic at SJ Sports cars and he said he always removes the head with inlet & exhaust manifolds still attached, do well play it by ear.

[RonR]

That's the way I did it but be careful, the head + manifolds is a heavy lump and some of the valves stick out below the head if the cams are still in. I used an engine crane to be sure I didn't bend a valve or two.
While the inlet manifold's out it's a good time to check the secondary throttle operation which is nigh on impossible to get to with it in situ. Mine was sticking.

[dapinky]

Like everyone, I also have an opinion as to the "best" way to do this job.... and, like everyone, my "best" way is different to all the others!

There is no mystery to doing the job on this particular engine - it is awkward due to access and the low height of the car causing issues with my back.

As such, I find that by raising the car by a foot makes it better - but maybe not for everything.

With the plennum and exhaust manifold still attached it is doable, but very tight to the fibreglass at the front edge (clamshell), so best to take the weight with an engine crane as you break the seal of the head.

Personally, I leave the inlet system attached, but remove the exhaust manifold (you need to remove the studs from the head, but they are not tight) and turbo from the head.... it can be left in the engine bay, or removed if you want a bit of extra wiggle room...... I tend to take it out, working on the 'job creep' principle of "whilst I'm here I'll just clean the block. paint the engine, oh look, I can almost get to ......" etc etc

Once the head is out, if the valves don't need to be touched and the head doesn't need skimming, you can leave the plennum attached - but again, I usually strip it all down for a good clean and inspection.

That is the nice thing about doing it yourself - you can do the 'extra' bits if you decide to, without someone else dictating the final labour bill.