QUESTION.
I have a Lotus Elan +2 where the twin cam engine has not been started for several years.
Now I have got the engine started, the oil pressure varies between 15psi and 45psi when the engine is running and at normal operating temperature.
Is the oil pressure normal and how do I tell what type of oil pump is fitted to the engine?
L.H. - New Zealand
ANSWER.
The operating pressures you have provided would appear to be normal providing a new filter and 20W50 oil have been installed.
There are three different types of pump that are often fitted to an Elan +2 (excluding dry-sump pump)
The first early type pump has an annulus/rotor closing plate that is 3.5mm thick and fastened with three 1/4"UNC bolts.
This early type pump usually employs a paper cartridge oil filter that is housed in a steel bowl approximate 6" long.
The second pump which is the later type which has an annulus/rotor closing plate that is 3.5mm thick and fastened with four 1/4"UNC bolts.
The oil filter is a metal canister type that simply screws on and is completely disposable.
The third pump which is a high volume/high pressure, later type which has an annulus/rotor closing plate that is approximately 12mm thick and is fastened with four 1/4"UNC Allen screws.
The thicker closing plate has a internal recess to accommodate a longer rotor and annulus to increase the pump capacity.
The oil filter is a metal canister type that simply screws on and is completely disposable.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques
I have a Lotus Elan +2 where the twin cam engine has not been started for several years.
Now I have got the engine started, the oil pressure varies between 15psi and 45psi when the engine is running and at normal operating temperature.
Is the oil pressure normal and how do I tell what type of oil pump is fitted to the engine?
L.H. - New Zealand
ANSWER.
The operating pressures you have provided would appear to be normal providing a new filter and 20W50 oil have been installed.
There are three different types of pump that are often fitted to an Elan +2 (excluding dry-sump pump)
The first early type pump has an annulus/rotor closing plate that is 3.5mm thick and fastened with three 1/4"UNC bolts.
This early type pump usually employs a paper cartridge oil filter that is housed in a steel bowl approximate 6" long.
The second pump which is the later type which has an annulus/rotor closing plate that is 3.5mm thick and fastened with four 1/4"UNC bolts.
The oil filter is a metal canister type that simply screws on and is completely disposable.
The third pump which is a high volume/high pressure, later type which has an annulus/rotor closing plate that is approximately 12mm thick and is fastened with four 1/4"UNC Allen screws.
The thicker closing plate has a internal recess to accommodate a longer rotor and annulus to increase the pump capacity.
The oil filter is a metal canister type that simply screws on and is completely disposable.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques