Fuel tank leaking

[jdey]

Dear all,
If I fill up the fuel tank right to the top, then my H Reg Lotus Elan leaks fuel. Reading other posts on this site, I've had the following dialog with Bell and Colvill about the issue. I'm wondering how many other UK drivers have a similar problem?

From : Chris Monk <CMonk@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk>
Sent : Friday, July 15, 2005 7:33 AM
CC : Bob Panton <BPanton@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk>
Subject : RE: Lotus Elan Fuel leak problem


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Dear Mr Dey

I refer to your mail to Bob and our earlier response.

I have been Service Manager at Bell & Colvill since before the M100 Elan was
launched. I think I would be correct in saying that we have sold, serviced
and repaired more Elans than any other dealer in the world. From memory, the
only time I can recall our seeing leaking Elan fuel tanks, was when an
over-zealous electrician or two (and not related to us, I hasten to add!),
was installing speakers in the rear bulkhead, and got just a little too
close to the tank that lies not far behind.

As I see it, the way forward with your problem is first to ascertain exactly
what has happened, and why it has happened. Bearing in mind the age and
mileage of your car, this work would be at your cost. The results of that
investigation would then determine whether or not the vehicle's Manufacturer
would need to be involved thereafter.
If you wish to confirm the content of my advice with the factory, please
feel free to contact them on the number that we provided for you previously.


Kind regards,




Chris Monk
01483 286422

-----Original Message-----
Sent: 14 July 2005 16:54
To: BPanton@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk
Cc: CMonk@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk; RMcCrorie@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk
Subject: RE: Lotus Elan Fuel leak problem

Hi Bob,
I hear what you're saying, but the body of evidence that I've presented
indicates that:-

1. There's a known problem with a crack appearing in the downpipe section of
the fuel tank, which has been mentioned by both UK and US Lotus drivers.

2. Lotus have already recalled certain US Elan models

3. Leaking fuel is a potentially fatal problem which Lotus therefore have a
duty to perform a vehicle safety recall if:-
a) this is brought to their attention
and
b) it's a common fault. See 1 & 2 above.

They could, of course, ignore this but it seems a bit risky to me as if
anybody died due to their car exploding, they could be in serious trouble.

I would, of course, take up your kind offer to have my car inspected, but
would prefer to find out from Lotus as to whose picking up the bill, first.
In the meantime, my car's off the road.

Could you furnish me with information as to whom to present this case to
within Lotus themselves. I can't access www.grouplotus.com.




>From: Bob Panton <BPanton@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk>
>CC: Chris Monk <CMonk@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk>, Robert McCrorie
><RMcCrorie@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk>
>Subject: RE: Lotus Elan Fuel leak problem
>Date: Thu, 14 Jul 2005 16:24:25 +0100
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>
>Thank you for your phone calls and email.
>
>I have made contact with Lotus Cars Technical Department who advise us that
>there have been two bulletins issued relating to fuel tank system for UK
>Elan and Elan SE. You have copied 1990/16 Class 2 which you will note does
>not apply to your vehicle's VIN.
>
>There was a later Class 3 bulletin (specification improvement) which
>related
>to a revised tank breather system. This would only apply to your car if the
>fuel tank had been changed to a later version during its life. I would add
>that neither bulletin lead to a vehicle "recall".
>
>If you would like us to investigate the source of the fuel smell you
>describe, we would be pleased to do so.
>
>If you have remaining concern over the Service Bulletin aspect of your
>enquiry, I would suggest that you talk initially to the Customer Service
>Department at Lotus Cars. Their switchboard telephone number is 01953
>608000.
>
>Please don't hesitate to contact us if we can be of further assistance.
>
>Kind regards,
>
>
>Bob Panton
>Lotus Service
>Tel; 01483 286420
>
>
>-----Original Message-----
>Sent: 14 July 2005 14:59
>To: bpanton@bellandcolvillplc.co.uk
>Subject: FW: Lotus Elan Fuel leak problem
>
>
>Dear Sir,
> This is the info that I've found on the web:-
>
>A Lotus Elan Service bulletin detailing the problem and the fix
> >http://ret0027h.eresmas.net/sb011.htm
>
>A Lotus Cars of America recall of Lotus Elan M100s built between 1989-93
> >http://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/cars/problems/recalls/results.cfm
>
>Various threads showing that the problem is common and occurs on both US
>and
>
>UK Elans
> >http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1008
> >http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=1002
> >http://lotuselancentral.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=962
>
>I'm concerned that I'm in effect driving a potentially lethal vehicle until
>the repair is taken out. I'd be surprised if having been made aware of the
>problem in the US, that Lotus would allow it's customers in other countries
>to run the risk of a fatality.
>
>Could you provide me with the telephone number and/or email address of
>Lotus
>
>customer services in the UK?
>
>Best regards,
>J
> >
> >
>

[Doug]

didn't even want to read all your post above, cause I realized you are correct and they are liars and/or scoundrals.

This is a clear sign that you should find ANOTHER place to take your car to!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You can get plenty of recommendationd here on the site.

The tank leak is so common that here in the US there is a Formal Recall for it!! There are leakers in the UK too.

Rest of rant saved for later if needed.

[Dave M]

Maybe the shop would like a copy of the recall letter to jog some memories. Seems this person has serviced so many cars in his time (oh, the poor bloke) he can't keep things straight! I can scan it and e-mail to them.

[Doug]

but, Dave, the "recall" is for USA cars only -- certainly the same car in the UK made the same time with the same parts couldn't have the same defect, could it??

[Doc Fizzix]

Do you think Lotus will still take care of those Elans here in the states that still have not had their tank replaced yet?

The fellow I bought my Elan from said that he had the tank replaced right before the recall and the tank that was used was not the tank used for the recall. I am starting to get a strong gas smell and have tried to pin-point the source but I would rather just have the recall work done IF Lotus is still taking care of these.

Thanks for your input

[Doug]

well if the VIN has not had the recall service then it would qualify, technically. the procedure is to pressure test the tank for leaks and replace it only if it fails that test (or obvious leaking). the tank is the same faulty one from the factory thoug, AFAIK.

[Fubar1764]

Do you think Lotus will still take care of those Elans here in the states that still have not had their tank replaced yet?

The fellow I bought my Elan from said that he had the tank replaced right before the recall and the tank that was used was not the tank used for the recall. I am starting to get a strong gas smell and have tried to pin-point the source but I would rather just have the recall work done IF Lotus is still taking care of these.

Thanks for your input

Call Wally at Star Motors; they did the tank replacement on your car. NHTSA recalls require safety recalls be handled in a specifically laid out manner, including materials and procedures.
Wally's a good guy. If something needs to be done, he'll get it done. (713) 868-6800

[Doc Fizzix]

That’s the spirit Jack. One man helping another. I welcome your help and thank you

[timmo]

Dear all,
If I fill up the fuel tank right to the top, then my H Reg Lotus Elan leaks fuel. Reading other posts on this site, I've had the following dialog with Bell and Colvill about the issue. > >
>

This sounds like a minefield!! Owner v's "the System."

One thing you can be sure of is that if a dealer could do this at Lotus's cost they would, however IMHO B & C do have a "special" relationship with Lotus though so for impartial advice why not try Steve Williams, he has a totally independant status, has worked on heaps of M100's at official dealers and on his own and gives advice freely. PM me for his contact info if you dont already have it. Oh he also isnt scared of being forceful with a point if he believes the owner is in the right.

[timmo]

BTW he will be able to do any recalls as well!!