Engine out

Pulled engine with help from Martyn. Started disassembling head.

Lots of discussion about who will do the engine rebuild. Drove around to meet a few shops. What a gong-show.

TIP: If you own a small "engine builder" shop, and you want business - don't get drunk or high at 11am on a Saturday morning and meet with potential customers.

Steering column bushings are shot. With the engine out, should be easy to access.

Getting ready to pull the engine

Cut the exhaust manifold, remove transmission bolts, get pulley into place. Lots of stubborn bolts and hoses. Worked late into the night.

Found transmission is leaking a lot of oil.

Stripping engine & installing new fuse box

Barry begins stripping the engine. Carbs off. Getting ready to pull.

Bob continues with wiring. Installs a new (modern) fuse box. Looking good.

Ordered a new alternator

Sourced new alternator with internal voltage regulator (A14684 Nippondenso 12 Volt 55 Amp) for Bob. In North America, these are used in the 1.3L Suzuki Swift. Clean power from the source, replaces old/heavier GM alternator and external voltage regulator.

NOTE: This is the same manufacturer Jay Leno used for his Elan 26R build. For some reason he went with the 80 Amp model, which is overkill.

Barry pulled the brake servo. Contained about 1/4 pint of brake fluid. Will need a rebuild.

Peddle box out & rear brakes cleaned

Barry was busy:

• Disassembled front brakes. Cleaned. Need new pads.
• Took off brake booster.
• Started removing pedal box.

Making plans for:

• Pulling engine

Looking for a machine shop with Twink experience

Calling around to machine shops & engine builders for quotes on the twink.

First package from R.D. Enterprises in PA arrives. Lots of electrical and brake / clutch parts to replace.

It's time for an engine rebuild

Short break.

Bob will be back next week.

Bad news on the engine. It is free, but it looks worn out. There is oil around the blow by and down the side of the block, indicating worn out rings. The anti-freeze looked cheesy, and the water pump gasket is probably bad. It's time for a rebuild.

Barry disassembled, cleaned and inspected the rear brakes. Looks good.

Radiator drained & pulled out

Barry pulled the radiator. Taking to the shop for pressure testing / recore.

Ordered many parts from Ray @ R.D. Engineering in PA.

First goal is to get the car wired & running.

Reverse light saga

Bob installs new reverse light switch in the dash, reverse lights working.

Barry assesses more of the mechanicals. Puts the car on stands so it can be worked on. Is turning the motor over each day.

There is an ongoing discussion about the radiator. The cooling system in the Elans was problematic, and I would like to go with an aluminum radiator & swirl pot. I've called local radiator shops, and there's not much interest or help. Ordering from UK is going to be expensive. Current plan is to recore the rad.

Going through the electrical system

Wiring in very good condition.

Bob & Barry disassemble the wiper motors and electric windows. Clean & lube is all they need. Back in the car. Working.

Turn signals working.

No reverse lights. Looking for connections, which should be on the right-side transmission bellhousing, but none found. There is a switch on the dash - not working.

Barry siphoned off remaining gas, removed float and examined. Cleaned. Reassembled. Line looks good.