QUESTION
Whilst I am fitting a new timing chest and water pump, I have come to the conclusion that it makes sense to pull the motor out.
That being the case I was wondering whether that is an opportunity to modify the rear seal.
I have read that you can replace the rope seals with a lip seal.
What are your thoughts?
While I’m at it should I replace the breather tube with an alloy one?
M.H. - Cairns, Queensland
ANSWER
From many years of experience, it is possible to do this but it's expensive to do it properly.
I have encouraged every Lotus Elan owner who has brought their engine to my workshop with a rope seal to consider converting.
Parts required are as follows -
1) 6 bolt crankshaft (yours is early type 4 bolt)
2) 6 bolt steel flywheel
3) 6 x 3/8UNF ARP bolts for steel flywheel
4) New rear seal housing and high-temperature double lip-seal
5) New sump pan to suit 6 bolt crankshaft
6) Custom oil pick-up pipe
Replacing the original rubber component and installing an alloy breather tube is a good idea, its a "fit and forget" solution (guaranteed not to leak)
Copyright © 2019 Lotus Marques
Whilst I am fitting a new timing chest and water pump, I have come to the conclusion that it makes sense to pull the motor out.
That being the case I was wondering whether that is an opportunity to modify the rear seal.
I have read that you can replace the rope seals with a lip seal.
What are your thoughts?
While I’m at it should I replace the breather tube with an alloy one?
M.H. - Cairns, Queensland
ANSWER
From many years of experience, it is possible to do this but it's expensive to do it properly.
I have encouraged every Lotus Elan owner who has brought their engine to my workshop with a rope seal to consider converting.
Parts required are as follows -
1) 6 bolt crankshaft (yours is early type 4 bolt)
2) 6 bolt steel flywheel
3) 6 x 3/8UNF ARP bolts for steel flywheel
4) New rear seal housing and high-temperature double lip-seal
5) New sump pan to suit 6 bolt crankshaft
6) Custom oil pick-up pipe
Replacing the original rubber component and installing an alloy breather tube is a good idea, its a "fit and forget" solution (guaranteed not to leak)
Copyright © 2019 Lotus Marques