QUESTION
I own a Lotus Elan +2 that has an invisible leak in the boot.
Despite the boot appearing to be completely sealed, water still finds its way in and collects under the spare wheel.
Have you any ideas where the water is finding its way in?
A.W. - Frankston, Australia
ANSWER
Check the rubber sealing grommet around the fuel filler neck.
Most likely, this has shrunk and gone hard with fuel spillage over the years.
The fuel filler neck and grommet are located in a shallow recess so this location will tend to collect water.
Once the rubber grommet has gone hard, it will lose its sealing ability and water will find its way into the boot.
Alternatively, there is water entering under the rear bumper where the rear number plate wiring penetrates the body.
Other items to check are the rubber sealing washers where the fixing bolts secure the rear bumper bar to the body.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
I own a Lotus Elan +2 that has an invisible leak in the boot.
Despite the boot appearing to be completely sealed, water still finds its way in and collects under the spare wheel.
Have you any ideas where the water is finding its way in?
A.W. - Frankston, Australia
ANSWER
Check the rubber sealing grommet around the fuel filler neck.
Most likely, this has shrunk and gone hard with fuel spillage over the years.
The fuel filler neck and grommet are located in a shallow recess so this location will tend to collect water.
Once the rubber grommet has gone hard, it will lose its sealing ability and water will find its way into the boot.
Alternatively, there is water entering under the rear bumper where the rear number plate wiring penetrates the body.
Other items to check are the rubber sealing washers where the fixing bolts secure the rear bumper bar to the body.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques