Time for some new spark plugs. A set of NGK PFR6N-11 Engine cover off Blow out all the filth with the air line. Old plugs coming out. Old ones out with new ones ready to go in. But before that. A quick check of compression in all cylinders. Also a quick check of the plug […]
Servicing / Repairs
S1 Elise – Lambda Sensor Replacement
When I fitted the new exhaust manifold and downpipe setup I couldn’t refit the lambda sensor that was in the exhaust I removed as it had been butchered by a previous mechanic/owner (see here). So I had a look through the spares I have from various donor/previously owned Rovers and Minis and found one to […]
S1 Elise – Engine Oil and Filter Change
As spring was on it’s way and the Elise would soon be allowed out of the garage again it was time to get some fresh oil in the engine and a new oil filter on. Oil, filter and sump plug washers. I had already removed the filter for better access when replacing the exhaust manifold […]
S1 Elise – Head Outlet Coolant Leak Fix
While I was replacing the exhaust manifold and heat shielding I had a general look around where I was working, particularly those places that are otherwise impossible to see with everything in place. The only thing I found was a possible slight water leak from the gasket between the engine head and the coolant outlet […]
S1 Elise – Final Fit of the Exhaust, and Heat Shields
Having test fitted all the parts I fabricated to be sure I was happy with them (see here, here and here). The exhaust, exhaust heat shield and alternator heat shield could all be fitted for the last time with new gaskets and fixings. Everything ready to fit. New exhaust manifold gasket in place. Engine mount […]
S1 Elise – Making an Alternator Heat Shield
Following on from the previous two posts about making an exhaust heat shield and wrapping the exhaust I wanted to give the alternator some protection too. The exhaust manifold is quite close to the alternator on K-Series engines. This is not a major problem with adequate heat shielding and good airflow to the alternator. The […]
S1 Elise – Making an Exhaust Heat Shield
As I’ve said previously, it got a bit hot in the Elise drivers seat on the hottest summer days and I wanted to do what I could to keep heat from the exhaust at bay. One thing being heat wrapping the exhaust which you can see here and the other being fitting a more effective […]
S1 Elise – 160 VVC / S2 Exhaust Manifold and MG ZR160 Downpipe
When I first got the Elise I found a number of exhaust leaks so spent some time replacing gaskets to sort them out. More about that here and here. While doing this I noticed the outer braiding of the flex section had started to break and the lambda sensor didn’t look great. Clearly someone had […]
S1 Elise – Fitting Poly Lower Rear Engine Mount Bushes
Having found the exhaust to be leaking at the join between the manifold and downpipe, when I first got the Elise, and noticed the flexi section underneath the sump had occasionally been touching the undertray. I figured the engine mounts might have got a bit tired after 20 years causing a bit more engine movement […]
S1 Elise – Engine Cover / Boot Release Cable Repair
Clearly there had been some kind of failure of the cable or what holds the handle end in place at some point in the Elise’s life and there had been a bit of a bodge repair made to it. It looked awful! There’s no way a horrible mess like that was going to remain on […]