one or two fuel tanks?

[bert knip]

Hi, I am just getting into to Lotus europa world, as a bought a basket 1971 europa.
I learned that the early europa s were equipped with one fuel tank of  7 gallons. Later ones had two tanks.
In my "baskets" I found one fuel tank (with the hole for the fuel gage sender)
When I will be restoring the car should I go for the dual tank solution did they start with double tanks?
7 gallons  would get me like +200 miles I think (renault engine)
As Colin Chapman did everything to reduce weight, it makes sense to use one tank.
But why is that one tank at the same (left) side as the driver (weight distribution), as the fuel pump on the engine is on the right side?
I learned that the car was only available outside the UK in the begining.

So when using one tank, would it be wise to place it on the right side of the car?
Is it stupid to go for the one tank option?
Or am I just thinking to much?
regards Bert

[1970EuropaGuy]

I have thought about installing a second tank in my S2 but haven't really had the need for it. I suppose in England with the driver on the right the left tank would balance this somewhat? Perhaps they never thought about it.

[jbcollier]

No stupid option.  Check your current tank carefully for leaks, corrosion and blockages.  Most tank "sets" only come with one sending unit so be careful if ordering a replacement single tank that it is the one with the sending unit.

I drive long distances, have two tanks and am very happy I do.

[bert knip]

 My tank looks like someone coated the inside of the tank, and overall it looks usable.
When I go for the one tank option, I will also have a nice  (low gravity) spot for the battery.
The body I got with my project, is said not to be the original to the chassis.
It has two tank filler holes, and also to big tank remove holes in the bottom.
As the firewall behind the chairs is gone, I am thinking of making a removable construction to install the tank,( so I can repair the fibreglass bottom  Anyone done this? And would there be a reason why I should not?
regards Bert

[Grumblebuns]

Having a second tank is nice for driving long distances or as a daily driver. My S2 has two tanks but then it's a weekend car only so having the second tank to me is sort of irrelevant. Since yours is a basket case, why not install the second tank. Here in the US, second tanks have to be custom made, the only person currently making them is Steve Veris on intermittent production runs. His contact info can be found at

http://lotus-europa.com/forsale.html

I believe that the tank cut outs on the bottom is how they came from the factory. All of the S2 and TCS bodies that I have come with cut outs on the bottom for tank removal.

[JR73]

I believe that the tank cut outs on the bottom is how they came from the factory. All of the S2 and TCS bodies that I have come with cut outs on the bottom for tank removal.

My S2 has the cut out on the underside of the shell - and it is 100% definitely as it came from the factory.

You could make a removable closing panel to blank off the opening underneath once the tanks are installed? - Would save having to remove the seats and bulkhead trim to gain access via the front of the bulkhead in the future.....

[BobW]

I believe that the tank cut outs on the bottom is how they came from the factory. All of the S2 and TCS bodies that I have come with cut outs on the bottom for tank removal.

On the other hand, my S2 has only the one cutout on the left, and I'm sure that's original. Its serial number suggests it was made right at the end of 1969 and it's titled 1970.

[RoddyMac]

my S2 has only the one cutout on the left

Mine too (Oct '68 build), though it's now fiberglassed shut.  I fabricated two tanks that are slightly smaller than the stock tanks, which allows them to be removed from the top.  Though, I do need to remove the exhaust manifold and carbs to get them out (Zetec motor, hence having to remove the zorst).

[1970EuropaGuy]

my S2 has only the one cutout on the left

Mine too (Oct '68 build), though it's now fiberglassed shut.  I fabricated two tanks that are slightly smaller than the stock tanks, which allows them to be removed from the top.  Though, I do need to remove the exhaust manifold and carbs to get them out (Zetec motor, hence having to remove the zorst).

My S2 has only one cutout as well. Made in June 1970.

[bert knip]

I took a closer look at the cut outs, but they do not look factory made to me.
Or maybe someone at Lotus forgot his glasses that day.
Sorry I can t post pictures, because my tablet camera does not deliver low pixel pictures.
But I am going to fibreglass them closed anyway, as soon as I have decided about the tank (s)
I like the idea of smaller tank (s) that can be installed from above, but as the fire wall is in poor shape perhaps redesigning it makes more sense.
As I read some were, it creates also a storage behind the seat, and it gives oppertunity to soundproof the enginebay better by closing the openings on the sides.
I am refering to the openings where the tanks won t fit through anyhow.
Or is my imagination getting me on thin ice?
regards Bert

[JR73]

The standard S2 came fitted with a single fuel tank, fitted on the left hand side with the bodywork cut away underneath, which is how the tank was fitted/removed.
I mentioned this thread to my Dad and he instantly piped up (in unison with my Mum I might add!!) that there was an option of having a second tank fitted at the time that they placed the order for my car (end of 1970, delivered early 1971) so there is a chance that someone has a twin tank set up in an S2 that was supplied by the factory. - He also said that he remembers a couple of aftermarket companies offering a secondary fuel tank ‘kit’ but the tanks definitely didn’t match the original tank like the ‘factory’ optional one did.

Did a bit of digging through all the paperwork we have and found a reprint (from 1970 when they where considering their purchase!) of a Motorsport magazine review entitled ‘Europa to Sicily’ (have seen this reprinted in various Lotus books)  that not only shows a rear deck picture of an S2 with twin filler necks but in the text it mentions the twin tank option having been fitted in the test car along with  a switch in the cockpit that allows the driver to select which tank to use (can assume no link pipe and a fuel pump fitted to each tank...?)
Hopefully you can see the fillers and the text to read in the below pics.....

Also worth mentioning that although someone at the factory might have cut/trimmed the fibreglass you really shouldn’t assume that it would have been neat and tidy (!!) and factor in 40+ years of use etc and it won’t look anything like what you would expect to see in today’s products! - Think more men in sheds on a large scale back then rather than the McLaren Technology Centre now!!!

[bert knip]

 Thank you for your answers.
I can see the twin filler necks and the story makes sense.
Probably the europa owners found  that one tank was insufficient for daily usage.
I think I go for the one tank option,  it reduces weight and then only one tank has to resist those poor quality fuels.
Like I mentioned before I intend to put the tank on the right side, as I have a left hand drive car, for better weight distribution.
Ofcourse I will fibreglass the holes, for better air resistance and possible noise reduction.
regards Bert

[4129R]

The tank with the fuel gauge has brackets for left hand side fitting only.

You will need to adapt the LH tank brackets for RH fitting.

[bert knip]

That will be an easy fix, maybe there can be made some improvements on the way.
regards Bert

[RoddyMac]

Though I've never tried it, I don't think you can swap a LH tank for a RH tank on an S2.  The tanks are sort of wedge shaped when looking in plan, the rear part of the tank is wider than the front, and the filler neck is "handed".  The twincam tanks certainly look like they could be swapped side to side with bracket changes.