Just bought a 9k S1. Oh oh!
Discussion
'ello everyone,
As per my last thread [url]www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=15&t=255309[/url], I've been and gone and bought a 9k 1998 S1, Titanium, with navy roof and leather, 49k miles, full Lotus history etc..
Picked it up today, blasting it 60 miles back along the M56. Anyhoo, generally seems OK apart from all the 'orrible noises that generally sound like something is about to fall off (TADTS!).
But... 3 things do concern me. Firstly the temperature reading never went above 77 C, and was usually around 73 / 74. Seems a bit low?
Secondly, sometimes (but not always) going left at junctions ie. low speed, theres a rhythmic rubbing noise, almost like something catching the wheel or something.
Thirdly, (possibly related to second point!), sometimes when driving at walking pace speed, or as you decelerate from high speed down to 30 or below, theres a ticking noise, related to wheel speed. CV joint??
Admittedly, not had a good look yet, but just lookiong for ideas. Could be something or nothing but...
Was MOT'd as part of the deal. All they came up with was slight play in front O/S balljoint, not enough for a fail though, but hey, that goes on the "to-do" list.
As per my last thread [url]www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&f=15&t=255309[/url], I've been and gone and bought a 9k 1998 S1, Titanium, with navy roof and leather, 49k miles, full Lotus history etc..
Picked it up today, blasting it 60 miles back along the M56. Anyhoo, generally seems OK apart from all the 'orrible noises that generally sound like something is about to fall off (TADTS!).
But... 3 things do concern me. Firstly the temperature reading never went above 77 C, and was usually around 73 / 74. Seems a bit low?
Secondly, sometimes (but not always) going left at junctions ie. low speed, theres a rhythmic rubbing noise, almost like something catching the wheel or something.
Thirdly, (possibly related to second point!), sometimes when driving at walking pace speed, or as you decelerate from high speed down to 30 or below, theres a ticking noise, related to wheel speed. CV joint??
Admittedly, not had a good look yet, but just lookiong for ideas. Could be something or nothing but...
Was MOT'd as part of the deal. All they came up with was slight play in front O/S balljoint, not enough for a fail though, but hey, that goes on the "to-do" list.
Yeap check that all the wheelnuts are tight.
For the temp, it COULD be a warning of HGF but more often than not it's a dud temperature sensor. There are two sensors, a brown and a blue one. The blue one gives the temperature you see on your dashboard and the brown sensor tells the ECU. It's good practice to change both of them if one of them goes down the toilet. They're about 10 quid each from eliseparts or similar. Might not fix the problem but it's something to try first.
As for the rhythmic ticking/grinding, it COULD be a CV joint. I had a similar noise after my C-service, drove it away from the service and slowing down or turning left, I got a slight ticking sound from the rear. I took it straight back and it turned out that the serviceman failed to clip the handbrake cable back to the retaining clip on the left rear wishbone. This holds the cable tight along the wishbone, if it's not clipped here it'll sit slightly out and possibly under some cornering/deceleration loadings, wheel flex causes the balancing counterweight on the inside of the rim to just touch the cable as it swings past.
Certainly worth checking.
Anyway, let us know how you get on.
Welcome in, we're a friendly bunch.... just be CAREFUL IN THE WET, be gentle on the K-series until it's PROPERLY warm (a good 5 minutes after the thermostat pops at 87-88 degrees before thrashing it) and do some trackdays and driver training to get thoe most out of your new car. Enjoy it, it's one of the best dirver's cars of all time.
For the temp, it COULD be a warning of HGF but more often than not it's a dud temperature sensor. There are two sensors, a brown and a blue one. The blue one gives the temperature you see on your dashboard and the brown sensor tells the ECU. It's good practice to change both of them if one of them goes down the toilet. They're about 10 quid each from eliseparts or similar. Might not fix the problem but it's something to try first.
As for the rhythmic ticking/grinding, it COULD be a CV joint. I had a similar noise after my C-service, drove it away from the service and slowing down or turning left, I got a slight ticking sound from the rear. I took it straight back and it turned out that the serviceman failed to clip the handbrake cable back to the retaining clip on the left rear wishbone. This holds the cable tight along the wishbone, if it's not clipped here it'll sit slightly out and possibly under some cornering/deceleration loadings, wheel flex causes the balancing counterweight on the inside of the rim to just touch the cable as it swings past.
Certainly worth checking.
Anyway, let us know how you get on.
Welcome in, we're a friendly bunch.... just be CAREFUL IN THE WET, be gentle on the K-series until it's PROPERLY warm (a good 5 minutes after the thermostat pops at 87-88 degrees before thrashing it) and do some trackdays and driver training to get thoe most out of your new car. Enjoy it, it's one of the best dirver's cars of all time.
I'm not sure if it's related but I get a knocking sound / feel when the wheels are on full lock. I spoke to Albert (NORLOG's resident specialist on all things Lotus) and he says it's normal. This was on the S2 mind you and it is more noticeable in reverse.
Welcome to Elise ownership, I've had mine about 4 months and had a spin in the wet after 4 days, so I'll just reiterate the warnings about wet weather.... Aside from that it's been fantastic, every drive, no matter where to (even work) is a treat.
Welcome to Elise ownership, I've had mine about 4 months and had a spin in the wet after 4 days, so I'll just reiterate the warnings about wet weather.... Aside from that it's been fantastic, every drive, no matter where to (even work) is a treat.
Welcome.
As said could be temp sensor.
Re noise not saying it is but some brake pads rattle (ever since Green unsmine have) and rubber pads are inserted to help. www.eliseparts.com is your friend.
Otherwise get your car to a specailist, Horizon is pushed on here and SELOC.
Use it keep it serviced, remeber Lotus now recomend cambelt at 4 years or 40,000 (not 54,000).
Gary
As said could be temp sensor.
Re noise not saying it is but some brake pads rattle (ever since Green unsmine have) and rubber pads are inserted to help. www.eliseparts.com is your friend.
Otherwise get your car to a specailist, Horizon is pushed on here and SELOC.
Use it keep it serviced, remeber Lotus now recomend cambelt at 4 years or 40,000 (not 54,000).
Gary
Thanks guys. Already found eliseparts.com, better hide my credit card!
I think before I start using it properly, I'll give it a good looking over. Looking through the history, a coolant change probably wouldn't go a miss. I'll pop a new thermostat in and new temp sensors while I'm at it and see how it goes.
I'll have a good look around underneath too, see if I can't find the source of the ticking noise.
I think before I start using it properly, I'll give it a good looking over. Looking through the history, a coolant change probably wouldn't go a miss. I'll pop a new thermostat in and new temp sensors while I'm at it and see how it goes.
I'll have a good look around underneath too, see if I can't find the source of the ticking noise.
porkswordsman said:
Thanks guys. Already found eliseparts.com, better hide my credit card!
I think before I start using it properly, I'll give it a good looking over. Looking through the history, a coolant change probably wouldn't go a miss. I'll pop a new thermostat in and new temp sensors while I'm at it and see how it goes.
I'll have a good look around underneath too, see if I can't find the source of the ticking noise.
Stat is a bitch to get to - try the sensor must likely suspect they always read at that sort of level when on the blink. When you come back after a drive leave the car running and see if the radiator warms up..... better to check before you get your spanners out !
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