This is a summary of a Lotus Elan +2 clutch problem diagnosed by a trade customer located in Sydney, Australia
QUESTION.
We have a Lotus Elan +2 in our workshop that has a very heavy clutch pedal.
The engine and gearbox have been removed to access the clutch assembly.
The clutch pressure plate and flywheel have been removed and sent to a clutch specialist to check the clamping pressure.
This check has shown the clutch pressure plate is a standard component and the clamp pressure is within the OEM manufacturers design specifications.
The clamp pressure also confirms the pressure plate is not a heavy duty unit that would result in heavy clutch pedal action.
With the above checks carried out, could you suggest what else might cause the clutch pedal to be unusually heavy.
ANSWER.
Having determined the correct clutch assembly has been fitted to the vehicle, the hydraulic system and components should be examined.
The clutch master and slave cylinder bore sizes should be checked.
The standard master cylinder bore size is 5/8" (0.625")
The standard slave cylinder bore size is 7/8" (0.875") which is unique to the Lotus twin cam clutch assembly.
A common problem that is often observed is, a Cortina clutch slave cylinder with a 3/4" (0.750") bore size is fitted in conjunction with a Lotus twin cam clutch and standard size master cylinder.
The combination of a 5/8" master cylinder and a 3/4" slave cylinder will result in a very heavy clutch pedal.
This can easily be resolved by installing the correct slave cylinder
Lotus Marques manufactures and usually stocks new Lotus twin cam clutch slave cylinders.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques
QUESTION.
We have a Lotus Elan +2 in our workshop that has a very heavy clutch pedal.
The engine and gearbox have been removed to access the clutch assembly.
The clutch pressure plate and flywheel have been removed and sent to a clutch specialist to check the clamping pressure.
This check has shown the clutch pressure plate is a standard component and the clamp pressure is within the OEM manufacturers design specifications.
The clamp pressure also confirms the pressure plate is not a heavy duty unit that would result in heavy clutch pedal action.
With the above checks carried out, could you suggest what else might cause the clutch pedal to be unusually heavy.
ANSWER.
Having determined the correct clutch assembly has been fitted to the vehicle, the hydraulic system and components should be examined.
The clutch master and slave cylinder bore sizes should be checked.
The standard master cylinder bore size is 5/8" (0.625")
The standard slave cylinder bore size is 7/8" (0.875") which is unique to the Lotus twin cam clutch assembly.
A common problem that is often observed is, a Cortina clutch slave cylinder with a 3/4" (0.750") bore size is fitted in conjunction with a Lotus twin cam clutch and standard size master cylinder.
The combination of a 5/8" master cylinder and a 3/4" slave cylinder will result in a very heavy clutch pedal.
This can easily be resolved by installing the correct slave cylinder
Lotus Marques manufactures and usually stocks new Lotus twin cam clutch slave cylinders.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques
