QUESTION
After 16 years of Elan ownership, I've discovered that my Lotus Elan Sprint should have a brake fluid level warning device.
The original (Sovy?) unit has obviously been removed in the past when the brake master cylinder (now PBR) has been replaced.
My workshop manual gives no detail about it and I have read that replacements are no longer available.
Have you had any recent experience with these or do you know/have any suitable replacement?
I have located the wiring for the switch but I know very little else about it.
B.N. - Canberra, ACT
ANSWER
Over the years Lotus Marques has received several inquiries regarding Sovy brake fluid level warning switches.
These components were also fitted to the Lotus Elan +2s as standard equipment and screwed on to the top of the master cylinder.
Unfortunately the Sovy switches were made obsolete many years ago and there does not appear to be any suitable replacements.
You mention that the current brake master cylinder is manufactured by PBR.
To the best of my knowledge PBR do not make the correct size cylinder.
Standard size bores from PBR are 0.625" or 0.750"
The standard bore size for the brake master cylinder on an Elan or Elan +2 is unique size at 0.700"
If you experience a poor brake pedal response (too hard or too soft) then it would be advisable to check the bore size of the brake master cylinder.
Update 18/6/2014
There appears to be only one reference to the Sovy low level warning light switch and this is shown on the Elan S4 circuit diagram.
One side of the Sovy switch is permanently connected to earth and the other is connected to a red and black (RB) wire that connects to the hand brake warning lamp.
Copyright © 2014 Lotus Marques
After 16 years of Elan ownership, I've discovered that my Lotus Elan Sprint should have a brake fluid level warning device.
The original (Sovy?) unit has obviously been removed in the past when the brake master cylinder (now PBR) has been replaced.
My workshop manual gives no detail about it and I have read that replacements are no longer available.
Have you had any recent experience with these or do you know/have any suitable replacement?
I have located the wiring for the switch but I know very little else about it.
B.N. - Canberra, ACT
ANSWER
Over the years Lotus Marques has received several inquiries regarding Sovy brake fluid level warning switches.
These components were also fitted to the Lotus Elan +2s as standard equipment and screwed on to the top of the master cylinder.
Unfortunately the Sovy switches were made obsolete many years ago and there does not appear to be any suitable replacements.
You mention that the current brake master cylinder is manufactured by PBR.
To the best of my knowledge PBR do not make the correct size cylinder.
Standard size bores from PBR are 0.625" or 0.750"
The standard bore size for the brake master cylinder on an Elan or Elan +2 is unique size at 0.700"
If you experience a poor brake pedal response (too hard or too soft) then it would be advisable to check the bore size of the brake master cylinder.
Update 18/6/2014
There appears to be only one reference to the Sovy low level warning light switch and this is shown on the Elan S4 circuit diagram.
One side of the Sovy switch is permanently connected to earth and the other is connected to a red and black (RB) wire that connects to the hand brake warning lamp.
Copyright © 2014 Lotus Marques