My Uncles Lotus. Now mine

[Pete]

Just been looking at the lotus place in banks to get supplies. That’s about 10 mins drive if that from where the lotus is garaged... I think that’s where my auntie mentioned about taking it to get it resprayed. I need to get it road worthy and pop down and see them.

[BDA]

Please post a report when you do! JR73 has helped us understand more about the place but for some, including myself, it seems a somewhat mysterious place - at least partially because of the recent reorganization when Richard sold the parts business.

[Dilkris]

Please post a report when you do! JR73 has helped us understand more about the place but for some, including myself, it seems a somewhat mysterious place - at least partially because of the recent reorganization when Richard sold the parts business.

From my experience - all Lotus Europa parts suppliers are somewhat "mysterious"   

[Pete]

I took one of the door trims off today. To start my electric window inspection. I found an interesting speaker. Think what I liked most was the cut out grooves at the bottom that allow it to rotate on it back and slide out.

[Pete]

Just found this…

Not sure how I feel about making it electric. I like to keep it as original as possible.
But it’s interesting.
https://www.northshoresportscars.com/product-page/lotus-europa-ev

[BDA]

It is interesting but I wouldn’t bother. It’s currently powered by lead/acid batteries with all the performance implications they bring. Converting to lighter batteries will not be cheap.

[Pete]

I’d there meant to be relay boxes somewhere for horn and lights?
I’ve figured out how to get my dipped headlights on. But the rear ones don’t seem to light up. Or does the car have to be running for them to come on?

[Richard48Y]

Since the car has been sitting you should expect to have to clean most wire connections and terminals.
"Lucas" does not matter, a thin layer of corrosion leading to poor connection does.
Grounds in particular will cause all sort of problems.
Switches may sometimes be revived by simply exercising them, so long as the terminals are in good clean condition.
Fiberglass and rubber are non-conductive, so care must be taken to ensure good ground paths.
I have never had an issue due to adding ground points to any car.

[BDA]

 

Also, when the headlights turned on and the ignition is off, the tail lights, as well as the side marker lights, are on.

[GavinT]

There were no relays for the lights and I don't think there was one for the horn either.

The light switch has three positions - off, side and headlights.
The light switch is independent of the ignition key position.

The rear lights should come on with the side lights.

[SilverBeast]

You might have had a relay  for the horn if you had the optional air horn.

[Pete]

Cheers.
Yes it’s got an air horn. I’ve tried following the wires. But just not come across the relay yet.
Will get cleaning the ground wires soon. This weekend im cleaning out the carbs. Found that the right hand one doesn’t work when idling. So cos I’ve only been idling I think that’s causing the tapping. As Revving the car today and fiddling about has almost stopped the tapping noise. Still feel I want to strip the engine tho. But I need to take the car for a good drive.

[Pete]

Question.
I took apart one of the carbs cleaned all out. The gaskets didn’t seem bad. But should I of put fresh ones in?

[jbcollier]

Idle fueling issues usually a plugged idle jet or restricted idle/transfer passages.

Dellortos have a diaphragm accelerator pump.  They can age and split possibly leading to an engine fire.  You're in the UK so you can get parts fast (dellorto.com) so I would fit new as you don't know the last time the carbs were serviced.

[SilverBeast]

I'd second changing the seals. Mine just started leaking from one carb (or maybe I just noticed!). I have the kit waiting in the garage for when I get round to fixing some of my leak collection. I wont be driving it until the petrol leak is fixed.

I found that it was cheaper from Kelvedon Lotus, but it looks like they are out of stock now.