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Lotus Europa Forums => Garage => Topic started by: HoraceM22 on Wednesday,February 19, 2025, 11:06:20 PM

Title: Head to Block Breather Pipe
Post by: HoraceM22 on Wednesday,February 19, 2025, 11:06:20 PM

Should the Head to Block Breather Pipe be flexible rubber? I have just received one from a specialist that is hard plastic, which might work OK but would be impossible to replace without removing the head. (not something I'm actually contemplating anyway).
The one taken off for my rebuild is a flexible rubber item with remnants of sealant around it.
H.

Title: Re: Head to Block Breather Pipe
Post by: 4129R on Thursday,February 20, 2025, 01:12:38 AM

All 11 of the 1558 TC engines that I have worked on have had a rubber tube connecting the head and the block, and as you say it can be fitted without removing the head.

I cannot see any advantage in fitting a rigid plastic tube.

Title: Re: Head to Block Breather Pipe
Post by: HoraceM22 on Thursday,February 20, 2025, 02:35:27 AM

Hi, Thanks for that, just as I expected. Hope they take returns???

Title: Re: Head to Block Breather Pipe
Post by: Dilkris on Wednesday,February 26, 2025, 09:51:01 AM

I recall seeing somewhere, (sorry I am old and forget stuff  :confused:) of an machined aluminum fitting having been produced for this as an alternative to the original arrangement. It obviously made the fitting process "in situ" very simple and it was obviously very effective. It equally and obviously was not cheap
Anybody got a link? I may have seen it on the "elan" forum... sorry  :(   

Title: Re: Head to Block Breather Pipe
Post by: BDA on Wednesday,February 26, 2025, 10:01:39 AM

I found this (https://elantrikbits.com/lotus-elan-blog/twin-cam-head-to-block-adjustable-oil-drainer-tube/) but I think I have seen where they were for sale...

Title: Re: Head to Block Breather Pipe
Post by: Dilkris on Wednesday,February 26, 2025, 11:58:07 PM

That's the one BDA !!!

Title: Re: Head to Block Breather Pipe
Post by: Fotog on Thursday,February 27, 2025, 06:05:43 AM

I read about using a part from an air-cooled VW engine and adapting it for that purpose.  By the time I cut it down, it was a lot of bits (2 pcs telescoping sleeve, nut, O-rings) to try to fit in a space of maybe 2-1/2 inches.  Maybe less.  Not sure where my sketch is.  I couldn't make it work.

The end result:  I used the rubber tube.  A bit of effort to degrease everything, but straightforward.  A bit of RTV on each end and I wrestled it in.  No more leaking and pretty satisfying.