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Re: 79 s2 fuel pump

 

The pump is driven by electrical contacts, much like breaker points in a distributor. Over time, they wear down, get oxidized/ burned due to arcing, etc. You should periodically service the points. At the very least, file tem flat and to a nice full face contact. Again, just like in a distributor. Eventually the points get so worn/ burned that you just replace them. On the small, cylindrical end of the pump, there's an end-cap that's held on with a wrap of tape. Remove it. The points are on the end of the pump body/frame.

If you don't mind spending a buck, newer SU pumps are solid state... no points. Just make certain that you getone that has the same flow-rate and output pressure as the Esprit's OEM pump. Excess pressure can cause carb problems.

Regards,
Tim Engel


07/13/2022, 8:41PM, Rich Flowers, <richnpeg@...> wrote:

I often have to hit fuel pump body to get it clicking again so I get car to start when sitting for long time. Is there some kind of maintenance I can perform to fix this?
--
Rich F
'79 JPS #040
'95 S4s ...SHF63000


Re: 79 s2 fuel pump

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Some bombers in WW II had sticking fuel gauges, so they put a panel whacker to keep the needle free¡­.

?

I¡¯m not suggesting that, just thought I¡¯d share.

?

How about a new fuel pump? They are pretty cheap. Good excuse to change the fuel lines as well.

?

Bill

?

?

From: [email protected] <> On Behalf Of Rich Flowers
Sent: Wednesday, July 13, 2022 9:42 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] 79 s2 fuel pump

?



I often have to hit fuel pump body to get it clicking again so I get car to start when sitting for long time.? ?Is there some kind of maintenance I can perform to fix this?
--
Rich F
'79 JPS #040
'95 S4s ...SHF63000


Virus-free.


79 s2 fuel pump

 



I often have to hit fuel pump body to get it clicking again so I get car to start when sitting for long time.? ?Is there some kind of maintenance I can perform to fix this?
--
Rich F
'79 JPS #040
'95 S4s ...SHF63000


West Coast Lotus Meet, Thursday - Sunday 20 - 23 October 2022

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

This year¡¯s West Coast Lotus Meet is on! ?San Diego Lotus Club, a chapter of Golden Gate Lotus Club, is hard at work hosting this year¡¯s event, Thursday 20 October thru Sunday 23 October 2022. ?It¡¯s going to be four days of Lotus fun. ?Activities included in the one-price entry fee include a back country drive, winery reception, treasure hunt rally, banquet and a concours. ?

This year¡¯s WCLM cornerstone event will be a hillclimb up the south face of Palomar Mountain in San Diego¡¯s North County (also included in entry fee). ?You won¡¯t want to miss this once in a lifetime opportunity.

Full event details can be found at the WCLM website:

Registration is live via Motorsport Reg.

San Diego Lotus Club is looking forward to seeing you in October.

Regards,
Ron Schramm

¡°A man must keep a little back shop?where he can be himself without reserve.?In solitude alone can he know true?freedom.¡± - Michel De Montaigne 1588


Re: Can you run without the doghouse?

 

Toaph,

Some cars' under-car aerodynamics are such that they seem to vacuum the road clean, and deposit all the dirt in the engine bay, wheel wells, etc. The Esprit S1-S2-S2.2 is a bad example of that. A meticulous owner who is pedantic about 'clean' might keep an Esprit engine bay clean (spends more time cleaning than driving). But driven as a normal car, the Esprit engine bay is naturally one of the dirtiest on the road. Actually, I think the Lotus Europa's is dirtier, but the Esprit is pretty dirty.

Run with the 'dog house' off, and you are inviting all that dirt into the rear boot area, full width, from the firewall to the tail lights. If you're okay with that, then drive without the dog house... it won't make anything else 'not work' in a way that will screw something up.

Regards,
Tim Engel


07/02/2022, 7:3AM, Toaph, <toaph@...> wrote:

I need to keep a close eye on my engine for a while, both monitoring fluids and just paranoid that something else is going to blow. It's a pain to keep pulling that doghouse in and out. Can you drive around without it? Or will that create some other manner of problem?

-- Toaph


Re: Can you run without the doghouse?

 

By doghouse I presume you mean the engine cover? If so, yes you may run about without it. Bear in mind road grime and brake dust will freely circulate in the area around the engine, not to mention spray if running in wet conditions. Ideally, one would best operate the car with some regard for air management around the engine and brakes. If still using original style motor mounts you may notice the engine really pitches up and down in reaction to throttle and braking forces.
Cheers
Steve


Re: Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

 

My method , although can be messy, eliminates the need for cycling.
remove the heater hose that connects to the rear of the head .?

Use a spare length of hose around two feet in length and push it on the hose connector near the head, no need to clamp?
you will now have two open hoses , hold them up high and fill one of them with coolant until the coolant emerges from the other hose.
quickly, remove the spare hose and refit the heater hose back then re-clamp



Can you run without the doghouse?

 

I need to keep a close eye on my engine for a while, both monitoring fluids and just paranoid that something else is going to blow.? It's a pain to keep pulling that doghouse in and out.? Can you drive around without it?? Or will that create some other manner of problem?

-- Toaph


Re: Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

 

Yeah the tower was empty this morning and I refilled it before driving it enough to get up to temp.

On Friday, July 1, 2022 at 10:46:54 AM EDT, dave78esprit via groups.io <armsdc@...> wrote:


It may take a couple of heat cycles to fully bleed so check it regularly for a while and top up as nescessary.?

Dave C


On Jul 1, 2022, at 9:17 AM, Toaph via groups.io <toaph@...> wrote:

?
Wow, the one thing they make simple.? I'll bookmark the link to the files, thanks.

-- Toaph

On Friday, July 1, 2022 at 10:00:29 AM EDT, Bill Galbraith <lotus@...> wrote:


Toaph,

?

Yes, it¡¯s a simple matter of replacing the hose and refilling the header tank to half to 2/3 full. There should be a small hose from the top of that downpipe to the header tank that effectively bleeds the system for you.

?

Files are at:? /g/S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners/files

?

Bill

?

From: [email protected] <> On Behalf Of Toaph via groups.io
Sent: Friday, July 1, 2022 9:38 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

?

So the hose up top from the thermostat to the downpipe blew out.? It was an easy fix, but I expect there's more to filling the system back up than just pouring coolant into the tank until it's full.? Is there a proper bleeding procedure?? I don't know where our files are ever since we left Yahoo...

?

-- Toaph


Virus-free.


Re: Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

 

Toaph,

Go to the groups home page:
/g/S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners
In the left margin you'll find a list of word-links. Scroll down to 'Files' and click on it. Basically the same as on YahooGroups.

*~*~*~*
The Esprit's cooling system will self-bleed, as noted. However, it doesn't happen immediately, and may take several heat cycles/ drives to fully bleed the system. As the air burps out, the coolant level will drop. So check the coolant level in the header tank before each cold-start/ drive over the next few days, until the coolant level stabilizes at 'full'.

Alternatively, you can bleed the system in one session.

Starting with a cool system, remove the pressure cap from the header tank. Add enough 50-50 anti-freeze mix to make sure there's a couple of inches in the bottom of the tank, but do not fill it. If you fill the tank full when cold, the coolant will expand as it heats up, overflow the tank, and make a mess.

Leave the cap off, and start the engine. Let it idle long enough to heat the system up to full operating temp... keeping an eye on the temp gauge as it does.

When the engine starts, the coolant level will drop a little. If you can then see the bottom of the tank, add a little A-F mix. As air burps out, the coolant level will drop further. Keep checking the level, and add a little A-F mix as necessary to keep a couple of inches showing in the bottom of the tank... but don't fill it.

As the engine/ coolant temperature rises, the coolant will expand, and the level in the header tank will rise. That's why you shouldn't start out with a full header tank. A few inches in the bottom will leave room for expansion without over-flowing and making a mess.

When the thermostat opens, the coolant level in the header tank will drop a little. If necessary, add a little A-F mix to keep showing a couple of inches in the bottom of the header tank.

When you hear the radiator fan cycle on & off, that's a sign that the system has reached full operating temperature. Allow the fan to cyle on-off a couple of times, then check the coolant level in the header tank. Add enough A-F mix to bring the level up to full. Install the pressure cap and tighten it securely. You're done.

Regards,
Tim Engel


Jul 1, 2022, 9:17AM, Toaph, <toaph@...> wrote:

Wow, the one thing they make simple. I'll bookmark the link to the files, thanks.

-- Toaph

July 1, 2022, 10:00AM EDT, Bill Galbraith <lotus@...> wrote:

Toaph,

Yes, it¡¯s a simple matter of replacing the hose and refilling the header tank to half to 2/3 full. There should be a small hose from the top of that downpipe to the header tank that effectively bleeds the system for you.

Files are at: /g/S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners/files

Bill


Re: Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

It may take a couple of heat cycles to fully bleed so check it regularly for a while and top up as nescessary.?

Dave C


On Jul 1, 2022, at 9:17 AM, Toaph via groups.io <toaph@...> wrote:

?
Wow, the one thing they make simple.? I'll bookmark the link to the files, thanks.

-- Toaph

On Friday, July 1, 2022 at 10:00:29 AM EDT, Bill Galbraith <lotus@...> wrote:


Toaph,

?

Yes, it¡¯s a simple matter of replacing the hose and refilling the header tank to half to 2/3 full. There should be a small hose from the top of that downpipe to the header tank that effectively bleeds the system for you.

?

Files are at:? /g/S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners/files

?

Bill

?

From: [email protected] <> On Behalf Of Toaph via groups.io
Sent: Friday, July 1, 2022 9:38 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

?

So the hose up top from the thermostat to the downpipe blew out.? It was an easy fix, but I expect there's more to filling the system back up than just pouring coolant into the tank until it's full.? Is there a proper bleeding procedure?? I don't know where our files are ever since we left Yahoo...

?

-- Toaph


Virus-free.


Re: Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

 

Wow, the one thing they make simple.? I'll bookmark the link to the files, thanks.

-- Toaph

On Friday, July 1, 2022 at 10:00:29 AM EDT, Bill Galbraith <lotus@...> wrote:


Toaph,

?

Yes, it¡¯s a simple matter of replacing the hose and refilling the header tank to half to 2/3 full. There should be a small hose from the top of that downpipe to the header tank that effectively bleeds the system for you.

?

Files are at:? /g/S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners/files

?

Bill

?

From: [email protected] <> On Behalf Of Toaph via groups.io
Sent: Friday, July 1, 2022 9:38 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

?

So the hose up top from the thermostat to the downpipe blew out.? It was an easy fix, but I expect there's more to filling the system back up than just pouring coolant into the tank until it's full.? Is there a proper bleeding procedure?? I don't know where our files are ever since we left Yahoo...

?

-- Toaph


Virus-free.


Re: Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Toaph,

?

Yes, it¡¯s a simple matter of replacing the hose and refilling the header tank to half to 2/3 full. There should be a small hose from the top of that downpipe to the header tank that effectively bleeds the system for you.

?

Files are at:? /g/S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners/files

?

Bill

?

From: [email protected] <> On Behalf Of Toaph via groups.io
Sent: Friday, July 1, 2022 9:38 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

?

So the hose up top from the thermostat to the downpipe blew out.? It was an easy fix, but I expect there's more to filling the system back up than just pouring coolant into the tank until it's full.? Is there a proper bleeding procedure?? I don't know where our files are ever since we left Yahoo...

?

-- Toaph


Virus-free.


Coolant Bleeding Procedure?

 

So the hose up top from the thermostat to the downpipe blew out.? It was an easy fix, but I expect there's more to filling the system back up than just pouring coolant into the tank until it's full.? Is there a proper bleeding procedure?? I don't know where our files are ever since we left Yahoo...

-- Toaph


Re: Brake vacuum routing and other hoses

 

There are more experienced voices in the group but here's my 2 cents. Brake vacuum is sourced at the intake manifold where you find the brass fitting for a hose going up over the right side fuel tank through a 1-way check-valve to a Tee fitting at the vacuum reservoir. There, the vacuum is divided between brake and cabin vent controls, a hose taking brake vac down to connect at the engine end of the metal line through the chassis.
The large hose near the heater supply hose on the engine is for crankcase breathing, originally connecting to the carbs airbox for emissions control purposes.

Hope this helps
Steve


Brake vacuum routing and other hoses

 

When i dis-assembled my car i took photos but since then have a new phone and lost them. Here is the info I am looking for. When you follow the brake vacuum line from the front of the car it goes to a pipe by the 2 heater pipes, after that idk where it needs to go. Also there is a fitting which i believe is crankcase that idk what goes there. This fitting is just to the right of the coolant line on the rear of the engine by the clutch fork. I have the coolant one figured out but to the right of it theres a hole for a larger hose, what goes here. Also on the intake manifold at the end there is a 90 brass elbow, what goes here, the brake vacuum? Thanks guys


Re: 3 Questions

 

¿ªÔÆÌåÓý

Zen,

When I look at the photo of your slave cylinder setup I am not seeing the push rod that exists on my car's setup.? My push rod is about 50mm long and it would dramatically alter the geometry of the entire system including the position of the release fork if I did not have it installed.?

Ian.



This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.



Re: 3 Questions

 

Check in front of the clutch for the washer, it can pull off the shaft when you draw the shaft out of the clutch.

Dave C

On May 29, 2022, at 7:29 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io <zenhorizon@...> wrote:

?Thank you ill go install. I swear i installed that nylatron washer as i had like 3. But low and behold it isnt on there. Just trying to figure out why the fork is riding so close, so ill give her ago again. I think i need anotyher clutch aligning tool, so ill put that on my list before she goes back in




Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
------- Original Message -------
On Sunday, May 29th, 2022 at 8:02 PM, dave78esprit via groups.io <armsdc@...> wrote:


Yes, you do need the nylatron washer, and I would recommend a new one anytime you¡¯re in there as they are definitely a wear item so long as your using the original style pilot bearing. if you upgrade the pilot bearing to a full double race ball bearing which requires machining the crank shaft, then you still need the washer but it will probably never wear. I dont ¡°see¡± anything that jumps out at me but make sure the cotter pin on the clutch fork is installed correctly and the fork is fully seated on the pivot ball rather than riding high on the cotter pin.

Dave C

On May 29, 2022, at 2:03 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io zenhorizon@... wrote:
Ok here are some photos. Anyone see anything wrong? If you see the first photo, the fork was stuck all the way forward and would give me no movement. Now I can see possibly it appears that either the flywheel or clutch aren't lined up. Also I have the upgraded jae input shaft. I need to ask if that shaft requires the plastic bushing on the end

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
------- Original Message -------

On Sunday, May 29th, 2022 at 1:18 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io zenhorizon@... wrote:

Ok so I may need to pull my trans again. I had jae's input shaft installed. But when the trans is in the car, the clutch fork sits so far forward. I can't remember but this looks wrong. Am I correct?

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
------- Original Message -------
On Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 2:14 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io zenhorizon@... wrote:

I appreciate your input and everyone elses. It looks like i have alot of reading to do and I will reach out to Steve as i actually have a order in im about to place. I will add an airbox and all the bits to it as well. Ill post some photos when im almost done with the car, thank you all as usual!

Sent with ProtonMail secure email.
------- Original Message -------

On Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 1:47 PM, Tim Engel TSEngel@... wrote:
As Bill pointed out, using a stock-ish airbox is better than an open air filter like a K&N. K&N claims their fileters are freer flowing, so more air will get into the engine, and it will make more power. That would be true if all else were equal, but it's not. The airbox breathes cool, dense outside air, while the bare air filter breathes HOT, less dense engine bay air. The result is that less air on a 'mass' basis enters the engine via an open filter, so the engine makes less power.

There's an ideal trumpet length, depending upon your goal... longer for more low end torque, shorter for high rpm horsepower. On the stock 907 with Dellortos, Lotus used 45mm long trumpets in their airbox.

But in the real world, the trumpet length is limited by the air filter that is applied over it. Using K&N as an example again, their basic oval, open filter is available in different widths... narrow, medium, wide. Within the available filter space, the open end of the trumpet must not get too close to the filter's far wall, or airflow will be restricted/ pinched-off by a narrow gap between the trumpet and filter housing. Rule of Thumb: the gap between trumpet & housing should equal the Inside Diameter of the trumpet.

In early Weber DCOEs, the trumpet didn't just bolt to the carb's inlet flange. It also had a 'neck' that slipped into the carb's throat, and buttet up against the choke/ auxiliary venturi. When the trumpet's mounting bolts were tightened, it also pinched the choke/venturi tightly into place. Runing without the trumpets on those early carbs means the carb assembly is incomplete, and there is some elevated risk of fuel leaking out of the carb inlets.

Later, modern Weber DCOEs are more like Dellortos in that regard. They use a trumpet that just bolts on, without the neck that slides into the throat.

In either case, the real fuel leak risk will be a function of adjusting the fuel level too high, having an old leaky float that is taking on fuel and becoming too heavy, or an inlet valve that is not shutting off cleanly, and allowing excess fuel to enter the carb. "IF" the fuel level in the float bowl is correct, no fuel should spill over into the throats. Fuel leaks out of the carb inlets are not due to trumpet lengths... something else is at work. Trumpets are a secondary influence. Get the carbs 'right'.

~~*
The little hose spigot high-up on the filler neck is for collecting fuel vapors. A hose from each filler neck goes to a vapor cannistor first. There, any liquid fuel that gets into the vapor hoses is trapped, and remains until it evaporates. Only 'vapor' exits the cannister and continues to a charcoal cannister. All this is in response to government emissions mandates, and the need varied by market/ country.

If your car has none of that, then it shouldn't even have the hose spigots on the filler necks. The fact that the spigots are there indicates that the rest of the vapor control system should be there, but isn't.

Either way, if you're going to run without it, then use a length of fuel hose to connect the two small hose spigots. It won't 'collect' vapors any more, but it will equalize pressures within the two tanks. The original cross-over hose was routed above the window in the firewall. It was immediately above the window, under the edge of the carpet trim.

~~*

do they make a cover for the distributor...
Lotus didn't, and I'm not aware of an aftermarket cover. As Bill mentioned, it would be possible to fabricate a cover by cutting-up a plastic bottle (HDPE or PP plastic, but not PET or PETG). But a shield that effectively hides the distributor from any fuel leaks will also keep you from reaching it. Even with a shield, any fuel leaks will still collect in the many pockets between ribs on the side of the block. And liquid fuel will evaporate, creating a flammble cloud around the distributor or starter. Sparks and a flammable vapor are still a problem, and the real solution is to prevent/ not tolerate leaks... not to make an umbrella for the 'inevitable' leaks. :-/

Steven DuChene is a Lotus/ Jensen-Healey owner how had put together a distributorless ignition system for the 907, based on Ford EDIS parts. He sells a few special parts (not a complete kit) plus a set of instructions on how to make your own. But it's not a plug-n-play kit, you have to be the crafty type who can make and assemble the rest per instructions.

~~*
I'm firmly of the opinion that in all the photos you see of Esprits and other 9XX powered cars burning to the ground, it's the negligent owner's poor maintenance that is to blame. Not the crappy Lotus design, or the dangerous carbs as the storyline accompanying the flaming picture usually states.

Rubber gets old... that's a known fact. Whether it's hoses, or internal O-rings and diaphragms. It gets old, dries out, cracks and leaks. NORMAL maintenance is to regularly replace all of those on a TIME schedule BEFORE they get that old.

Similarly, carburettors are supposed to be pro-actively rebuilt on a TIME schedule. No, you do not way until you see/ feel tangible evidence that fuel is leaking from somewhere. A responsible owner doesn't wait for evidence of a leak. A responsible owner stays ahead of the maintenance schedule, and rebuilds the fuel system & carbs BEFORE anything goes wrong.

In those pictures of flaming cars, it's the cars that are victims of their irresponsible owners, not the owners that are victims of those crappy, dangerous cars. Unfortunately, in this modern phone app culture, far too many owners think washing & waxing the car, and filling the tank is maintenance... it's not.

Build your Weber DCOEs and supporting fuel system correctly, then maintain it on or ahead of schedule. Focusing on building a shield/ umbrella for the distributor (how about the starter?) is planning for the leak you feel is inevitable. The better solution is to build and maintain the system such that it doesn't leak in the first place (it does not leak by design), then commit to maintaining it properly over time.

Regards,
Tim Engel

05/22/2022 9:08PM ZenHorizon zenhorizon@... wrote:

I have a 79 series 2 esprit. I am close to done with the car, but have 2 bigh items coming up. I have weber 45 dcoe's that the previous owner installed years ago. I rebuilt them with a kit, but there are no velocity stacks. I know the engine was known as the torque less wonder, But i dont know what Stacks i Shoudl run. My car has no airbox, and i have a dreaded fear of the car catching fire due to leaky carbs. So my question is what stacks should I run for the best sound and least chance of leaks, or what air filters on the carbs for the 907.

My 2nd question is I just installed 2 new fuel tanks for sps sportscars. I have run the main line from both tanks from the fill port to the tank and the bigger vent to the tanks as well as a new style cross over pipe. I noticed on the drawings and on the filler neck there is a very small port and it shows a hose going to an evap tank. My car doesnt have this and I cannot find one on any vendor. DO I need this or is there any other way to set something up with those holes. As it is I am afraid gas will pour out that little port when I do fill ups or put fumes into the engine bay.

My 3rd question is do they make a cover for the distributor so if gas does leak it doesn't start a fire? I have seen rubber distributor covers on other cars but cant find an option for our model of distributor. If i went electronic distributor would it eliminate this threat? I researched distributorless ignition and lotus pbc sells a kit but its rather pricey but looks nice.

Regards, Blake in norfolk, VA
<PXL_20220529_185552807.jpg>
<PXL_20220529_185529225.jpg>
<PXL_20220529_185547162.jpg>







Re: 3 Questions

 

Thank you ill go install. I swear i installed that nylatron washer as i had like 3. But low and behold it isnt on there. Just trying to figure out why the fork is riding so close, so ill give her ago again. I think i need anotyher clutch aligning tool, so ill put that on my list before she goes back in




Sent with Proton Mail secure email.

------- Original Message -------
On Sunday, May 29th, 2022 at 8:02 PM, dave78esprit via groups.io <armsdc@...> wrote:


Yes, you do need the nylatron washer, and I would recommend a new one anytime you¡¯re in there as they are definitely a wear item so long as your using the original style pilot bearing. if you upgrade the pilot bearing to a full double race ball bearing which requires machining the crank shaft, then you still need the washer but it will probably never wear. I dont ¡°see¡± anything that jumps out at me but make sure the cotter pin on the clutch fork is installed correctly and the fork is fully seated on the pivot ball rather than riding high on the cotter pin.

Dave C

On May 29, 2022, at 2:03 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io zenhorizon@... wrote:

Ok here are some photos. Anyone see anything wrong? If you see the first photo, the fork was stuck all the way forward and would give me no movement. Now I can see possibly it appears that either the flywheel or clutch aren't lined up. Also I have the upgraded jae input shaft. I need to ask if that shaft requires the plastic bushing on the end

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
------- Original Message -------

On Sunday, May 29th, 2022 at 1:18 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io zenhorizon@... wrote:

Ok so I may need to pull my trans again. I had jae's input shaft installed. But when the trans is in the car, the clutch fork sits so far forward. I can't remember but this looks wrong. Am I correct?

Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
------- Original Message -------
On Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 2:14 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io zenhorizon@... wrote:

I appreciate your input and everyone elses. It looks like i have alot of reading to do and I will reach out to Steve as i actually have a order in im about to place. I will add an airbox and all the bits to it as well. Ill post some photos when im almost done with the car, thank you all as usual!

Sent with ProtonMail secure email.
------- Original Message -------

On Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 1:47 PM, Tim Engel TSEngel@... wrote:
As Bill pointed out, using a stock-ish airbox is better than an open air filter like a K&N. K&N claims their fileters are freer flowing, so more air will get into the engine, and it will make more power. That would be true if all else were equal, but it's not. The airbox breathes cool, dense outside air, while the bare air filter breathes HOT, less dense engine bay air. The result is that less air on a 'mass' basis enters the engine via an open filter, so the engine makes less power.

There's an ideal trumpet length, depending upon your goal... longer for more low end torque, shorter for high rpm horsepower. On the stock 907 with Dellortos, Lotus used 45mm long trumpets in their airbox.

But in the real world, the trumpet length is limited by the air filter that is applied over it. Using K&N as an example again, their basic oval, open filter is available in different widths... narrow, medium, wide. Within the available filter space, the open end of the trumpet must not get too close to the filter's far wall, or airflow will be restricted/ pinched-off by a narrow gap between the trumpet and filter housing. Rule of Thumb: the gap between trumpet & housing should equal the Inside Diameter of the trumpet.

In early Weber DCOEs, the trumpet didn't just bolt to the carb's inlet flange. It also had a 'neck' that slipped into the carb's throat, and buttet up against the choke/ auxiliary venturi. When the trumpet's mounting bolts were tightened, it also pinched the choke/venturi tightly into place. Runing without the trumpets on those early carbs means the carb assembly is incomplete, and there is some elevated risk of fuel leaking out of the carb inlets.

Later, modern Weber DCOEs are more like Dellortos in that regard. They use a trumpet that just bolts on, without the neck that slides into the throat.

In either case, the real fuel leak risk will be a function of adjusting the fuel level too high, having an old leaky float that is taking on fuel and becoming too heavy, or an inlet valve that is not shutting off cleanly, and allowing excess fuel to enter the carb. "IF" the fuel level in the float bowl is correct, no fuel should spill over into the throats. Fuel leaks out of the carb inlets are not due to trumpet lengths... something else is at work. Trumpets are a secondary influence. Get the carbs 'right'.

~~*
The little hose spigot high-up on the filler neck is for collecting fuel vapors. A hose from each filler neck goes to a vapor cannistor first. There, any liquid fuel that gets into the vapor hoses is trapped, and remains until it evaporates. Only 'vapor' exits the cannister and continues to a charcoal cannister. All this is in response to government emissions mandates, and the need varied by market/ country.

If your car has none of that, then it shouldn't even have the hose spigots on the filler necks. The fact that the spigots are there indicates that the rest of the vapor control system should be there, but isn't.

Either way, if you're going to run without it, then use a length of fuel hose to connect the two small hose spigots. It won't 'collect' vapors any more, but it will equalize pressures within the two tanks. The original cross-over hose was routed above the window in the firewall. It was immediately above the window, under the edge of the carpet trim.

~~*

do they make a cover for the distributor...
Lotus didn't, and I'm not aware of an aftermarket cover. As Bill mentioned, it would be possible to fabricate a cover by cutting-up a plastic bottle (HDPE or PP plastic, but not PET or PETG). But a shield that effectively hides the distributor from any fuel leaks will also keep you from reaching it. Even with a shield, any fuel leaks will still collect in the many pockets between ribs on the side of the block. And liquid fuel will evaporate, creating a flammble cloud around the distributor or starter. Sparks and a flammable vapor are still a problem, and the real solution is to prevent/ not tolerate leaks... not to make an umbrella for the 'inevitable' leaks. :-/

Steven DuChene is a Lotus/ Jensen-Healey owner how had put together a distributorless ignition system for the 907, based on Ford EDIS parts. He sells a few special parts (not a complete kit) plus a set of instructions on how to make your own. But it's not a plug-n-play kit, you have to be the crafty type who can make and assemble the rest per instructions.

~~*
I'm firmly of the opinion that in all the photos you see of Esprits and other 9XX powered cars burning to the ground, it's the negligent owner's poor maintenance that is to blame. Not the crappy Lotus design, or the dangerous carbs as the storyline accompanying the flaming picture usually states.

Rubber gets old... that's a known fact. Whether it's hoses, or internal O-rings and diaphragms. It gets old, dries out, cracks and leaks. NORMAL maintenance is to regularly replace all of those on a TIME schedule BEFORE they get that old.

Similarly, carburettors are supposed to be pro-actively rebuilt on a TIME schedule. No, you do not way until you see/ feel tangible evidence that fuel is leaking from somewhere. A responsible owner doesn't wait for evidence of a leak. A responsible owner stays ahead of the maintenance schedule, and rebuilds the fuel system & carbs BEFORE anything goes wrong.

In those pictures of flaming cars, it's the cars that are victims of their irresponsible owners, not the owners that are victims of those crappy, dangerous cars. Unfortunately, in this modern phone app culture, far too many owners think washing & waxing the car, and filling the tank is maintenance... it's not.

Build your Weber DCOEs and supporting fuel system correctly, then maintain it on or ahead of schedule. Focusing on building a shield/ umbrella for the distributor (how about the starter?) is planning for the leak you feel is inevitable. The better solution is to build and maintain the system such that it doesn't leak in the first place (it does not leak by design), then commit to maintaining it properly over time.

Regards,
Tim Engel

05/22/2022 9:08PM ZenHorizon zenhorizon@... wrote:

I have a 79 series 2 esprit. I am close to done with the car, but have 2 bigh items coming up. I have weber 45 dcoe's that the previous owner installed years ago. I rebuilt them with a kit, but there are no velocity stacks. I know the engine was known as the torque less wonder, But i dont know what Stacks i Shoudl run. My car has no airbox, and i have a dreaded fear of the car catching fire due to leaky carbs. So my question is what stacks should I run for the best sound and least chance of leaks, or what air filters on the carbs for the 907.

My 2nd question is I just installed 2 new fuel tanks for sps sportscars. I have run the main line from both tanks from the fill port to the tank and the bigger vent to the tanks as well as a new style cross over pipe. I noticed on the drawings and on the filler neck there is a very small port and it shows a hose going to an evap tank. My car doesnt have this and I cannot find one on any vendor. DO I need this or is there any other way to set something up with those holes. As it is I am afraid gas will pour out that little port when I do fill ups or put fumes into the engine bay.

My 3rd question is do they make a cover for the distributor so if gas does leak it doesn't start a fire? I have seen rubber distributor covers on other cars but cant find an option for our model of distributor. If i went electronic distributor would it eliminate this threat? I researched distributorless ignition and lotus pbc sells a kit but its rather pricey but looks nice.

Regards, Blake in norfolk, VA
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Re: 3 Questions

 

Yes, you do need the nylatron washer, and I would recommend a new one anytime you¡¯re in there as they are definitely a wear item so long as your using the original style pilot bearing. if you upgrade the pilot bearing to a full double race ball bearing which requires machining the crank shaft, then you still need the washer but it will probably never wear. I dont ¡°see¡± anything that jumps out at me but make sure the cotter pin on the clutch fork is installed correctly and the fork is fully seated on the pivot ball rather than riding high on the cotter pin.

Dave C

On May 29, 2022, at 2:03 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io <zenhorizon@...> wrote:

?Ok here are some photos. Anyone see anything wrong? If you see the first photo, the fork was stuck all the way forward and would give me no movement. Now I can see possibly it appears that either the flywheel or clutch aren't lined up. Also I have the upgraded jae input shaft. I need to ask if that shaft requires the plastic bushing on the end




Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
------- Original Message -------
On Sunday, May 29th, 2022 at 1:18 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io <zenhorizon@...> wrote:


Ok so I may need to pull my trans again. I had jae's input shaft installed. But when the trans is in the car, the clutch fork sits so far forward. I can't remember but this looks wrong. Am I correct?




Sent with Proton Mail secure email.
------- Original Message -------
On Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 2:14 PM, ZenHorizon via groups.io zenhorizon@... wrote:



I appreciate your input and everyone elses. It looks like i have alot of reading to do and I will reach out to Steve as i actually have a order in im about to place. I will add an airbox and all the bits to it as well. Ill post some photos when im almost done with the car, thank you all as usual!

Sent with ProtonMail secure email.
------- Original Message -------
On Monday, May 23rd, 2022 at 1:47 PM, Tim Engel TSEngel@... wrote:
As Bill pointed out, using a stock-ish airbox is better than an open air filter like a K&N. K&N claims their fileters are freer flowing, so more air will get into the engine, and it will make more power. That would be true if all else were equal, but it's not. The airbox breathes cool, dense outside air, while the bare air filter breathes HOT, less dense engine bay air. The result is that less air on a 'mass' basis enters the engine via an open filter, so the engine makes less power.

There's an ideal trumpet length, depending upon your goal... longer for more low end torque, shorter for high rpm horsepower. On the stock 907 with Dellortos, Lotus used 45mm long trumpets in their airbox.

But in the real world, the trumpet length is limited by the air filter that is applied over it. Using K&N as an example again, their basic oval, open filter is available in different widths... narrow, medium, wide. Within the available filter space, the open end of the trumpet must not get too close to the filter's far wall, or airflow will be restricted/ pinched-off by a narrow gap between the trumpet and filter housing. Rule of Thumb: the gap between trumpet & housing should equal the Inside Diameter of the trumpet.

In early Weber DCOEs, the trumpet didn't just bolt to the carb's inlet flange. It also had a 'neck' that slipped into the carb's throat, and buttet up against the choke/ auxiliary venturi. When the trumpet's mounting bolts were tightened, it also pinched the choke/venturi tightly into place. Runing without the trumpets on those early carbs means the carb assembly is incomplete, and there is some elevated risk of fuel leaking out of the carb inlets.

Later, modern Weber DCOEs are more like Dellortos in that regard. They use a trumpet that just bolts on, without the neck that slides into the throat.

In either case, the real fuel leak risk will be a function of adjusting the fuel level too high, having an old leaky float that is taking on fuel and becoming too heavy, or an inlet valve that is not shutting off cleanly, and allowing excess fuel to enter the carb. "IF" the fuel level in the float bowl is correct, no fuel should spill over into the throats. Fuel leaks out of the carb inlets are not due to trumpet lengths... something else is at work. Trumpets are a secondary influence. Get the carbs 'right'.

~~*
The little hose spigot high-up on the filler neck is for collecting fuel vapors. A hose from each filler neck goes to a vapor cannistor first. There, any liquid fuel that gets into the vapor hoses is trapped, and remains until it evaporates. Only 'vapor' exits the cannister and continues to a charcoal cannister. All this is in response to government emissions mandates, and the need varied by market/ country.

If your car has none of that, then it shouldn't even have the hose spigots on the filler necks. The fact that the spigots are there indicates that the rest of the vapor control system should be there, but isn't.

Either way, if you're going to run without it, then use a length of fuel hose to connect the two small hose spigots. It won't 'collect' vapors any more, but it will equalize pressures within the two tanks. The original cross-over hose was routed above the window in the firewall. It was immediately above the window, under the edge of the carpet trim.

~~*

do they make a cover for the distributor...
Lotus didn't, and I'm not aware of an aftermarket cover. As Bill mentioned, it would be possible to fabricate a cover by cutting-up a plastic bottle (HDPE or PP plastic, but not PET or PETG). But a shield that effectively hides the distributor from any fuel leaks will also keep you from reaching it. Even with a shield, any fuel leaks will still collect in the many pockets between ribs on the side of the block. And liquid fuel will evaporate, creating a flammble cloud around the distributor or starter. Sparks and a flammable vapor are still a problem, and the real solution is to prevent/ not tolerate leaks... not to make an umbrella for the 'inevitable' leaks. :-/

Steven DuChene is a Lotus/ Jensen-Healey owner how had put together a distributorless ignition system for the 907, based on Ford EDIS parts. He sells a few special parts (not a complete kit) plus a set of instructions on how to make your own. But it's not a plug-n-play kit, you have to be the crafty type who can make and assemble the rest per instructions.

~~*
I'm firmly of the opinion that in all the photos you see of Esprits and other 9XX powered cars burning to the ground, it's the negligent owner's poor maintenance that is to blame. Not the crappy Lotus design, or the dangerous carbs as the storyline accompanying the flaming picture usually states.

Rubber gets old... that's a known fact. Whether it's hoses, or internal O-rings and diaphragms. It gets old, dries out, cracks and leaks. NORMAL maintenance is to regularly replace all of those on a TIME schedule BEFORE they get that old.

Similarly, carburettors are supposed to be pro-actively rebuilt on a TIME schedule. No, you do not way until you see/ feel tangible evidence that fuel is leaking from somewhere. A responsible owner doesn't wait for evidence of a leak. A responsible owner stays ahead of the maintenance schedule, and rebuilds the fuel system & carbs BEFORE anything goes wrong.

In those pictures of flaming cars, it's the cars that are victims of their irresponsible owners, not the owners that are victims of those crappy, dangerous cars. Unfortunately, in this modern phone app culture, far too many owners think washing & waxing the car, and filling the tank is maintenance... it's not.

Build your Weber DCOEs and supporting fuel system correctly, then maintain it on or ahead of schedule. Focusing on building a shield/ umbrella for the distributor (how about the starter?) is planning for the leak you feel is inevitable. The better solution is to build and maintain the system such that it doesn't leak in the first place (it does not leak by design), then commit to maintaining it properly over time.

Regards,
Tim Engel

05/22/2022 9:08PM ZenHorizon zenhorizon@... wrote:

I have a 79 series 2 esprit. I am close to done with the car, but have 2 bigh items coming up. I have weber 45 dcoe's that the previous owner installed years ago. I rebuilt them with a kit, but there are no velocity stacks. I know the engine was known as the torque less wonder, But i dont know what Stacks i Shoudl run. My car has no airbox, and i have a dreaded fear of the car catching fire due to leaky carbs. So my question is what stacks should I run for the best sound and least chance of leaks, or what air filters on the carbs for the 907.

My 2nd question is I just installed 2 new fuel tanks for sps sportscars. I have run the main line from both tanks from the fill port to the tank and the bigger vent to the tanks as well as a new style cross over pipe. I noticed on the drawings and on the filler neck there is a very small port and it shows a hose going to an evap tank. My car doesnt have this and I cannot find one on any vendor. DO I need this or is there any other way to set something up with those holes. As it is I am afraid gas will pour out that little port when I do fill ups or put fumes into the engine bay.

My 3rd question is do they make a cover for the distributor so if gas does leak it doesn't start a fire? I have seen rubber distributor covers on other cars but cant find an option for our model of distributor. If i went electronic distributor would it eliminate this threat? I researched distributorless ignition and lotus pbc sells a kit but its rather pricey but looks nice.

Regards, Blake in norfolk, VA






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