Escape

A more light hearted one. There was a story on the local news about an iguano spotted in local park. Probably escaped or worse, dumped by its owner. A rather large specimen, according to witnesses. The advice form animal control was not to approach it as it will likely defend itself with sharp claws and a tail like a whip when it feels threatened. But because it wont be able to survive, especially after summer, they do want to try and catch it. So the advice to walkers wanting to help is to trap the animal by putting a big cardboard box over it. Or a laundry basket. Yes, 'cause I always take my laundry basket with me when I go for a walk! 🤣 Just in case I come across an iguano or such. 🙄

For my Esprit, I made a little bracket that I could wedge between the binnacle and center console. Basically just an flat piece of alloy, folded at the right angle to keep the holder right next to the inside corner of the binnacle. Easy to see, not blocking any of the view through the windscreen and you can even use the buttons without getting your hand too far from the steering wheel. I did similar in my Excel, using a longer bolt through the top corner of the wooden center panel. So nothing permanent.

Did this problem occur all of a sudden, or was work done on the car, stuff replaced etc? It's easy to miss a ground and cause a starting issue. How have you checked for spark? With a plug, grounded by a separate cable?

In bhellgium, the unions actually get paid a fee (by the government) for every one of their members that is paid unemployment benefits. No wonder they have no real interest in keeping businesses going! 😞

There ought to be a law, with no bail You ruin such a car then you go to jail

Just imagine, in a crisis, China decides to make all their EVs in Europe and/or US come to a sudden stop. Instant chaos, especially if their numbers keep increasing. A while back there was concern that Chinese made solar panels could be turned off remotely. Not only by the installer (to do service or whatever), but also from the factory. Given China de facto control over part of our power grid.

I tried saving the video from FB and posting it, but aal I get is the link. https://www.facebook.com/100014720204720/videos/3668896573428217/ And that might well be specific to my account. 😕 Hope you get it posted, it's well worth the watch!

I'm not that brave... But I hope somebody is. So sad to see such a lovely car in such a state. 😞

Far too many obviously, as he could escape instead of freeze to death...

Well spotted! I never understood why some had the louvres on the sides (like my early one), surely directly behind the radiator is more efficient for cooling? I know the position changed a couple of times during the production run of the Excel, but I don't know the details/ years by heart.

I seriously hope you don't use it for engine oil, but only for kitchen oils? 😲

There was a prison break earlier this week. Against all odds, the fugitive has been captured already. Seems he managed to escape by.. TYING HIS BED SHEETS TOGETHER and climbing out of the window. I wonder when they searched his cell, did they find the 'How to escape from prison' book by ACME.

I'd argue bore wash is only a problem if there is already enough fuel available for a (very) rich mixture. Which is rarely the case on a cold engine or after sitting for a while. Longer cranking would of course prevent this completely, but that doesn't seem to be very kind to the engine either. Your method of a short crank to get oil flowing and then a few pumps to actually start could be the perfect compromise.

Let me know when (and where) you're passing through Belgium. Always happy to welcome a TLF member 😉

I feel these days a lot of designers are more worried about making something look 'special', rather than good... BTW, I have no idea what a flymo is... On another note, on my way back from helping a mate with some construction work, I noticed a guy aiming his camera at a traffic light. I was waiting in line with the Jaaag, trying not to pose too much. Then it occurred he was waiting for me to move out of the way so he could photograph the graffiti on the wall behind me.

If it's just for posing, and not for driving, it doesn't matter how it's powered or how often it has to recharge (and how long), now does it. 😁

Could it be oil in the intercooler? Those are hard to clean and can hold a good amount of oil, especially if a turbo has failed. What is the mechanic's stand? Has he offered a way forward to get the car back on the road? Hope you get it sorted soon!

That is awful indeed! On the bright side, even if you just take it off with a saws-all, it will be a huge improvement. 😁

If @Chillidoggy can't sort you out, I have an incomplete front suspension and some rear arms as well.

If the dots on the cam sprockets are aligned, the engine should be at TDC, so no need to turn the crank. A small amount of adjustment is no problem, but you can't turn a full revolution without hitting valves on other cylinders. What are you trying to do? Replace the cambelt?

@SSA ELAN ESPRIT, it may not have been the answer you wanted to hear, but it was the answer you NEEDED to hear. On an interference engine with multiple cilinders, like the Lotus engines, there is no safe position to turn the crankshaft unless (part of) the valve train has been disassembled. This is elementary knowledge. If you're unsure about that, the risk of doing serious damage working on such engine is too high, despite all the good advice we can provide. So you're really better of letting someone else do it. But by all means, if you get the chance, stick around and watch the work done carefully, you will learn a lot! Filip

If your barn find is on the second floor, you need to think out of the box. Should work just fine, as long as everything is securely strapped down.

Seems a shame to use her just for the dishes. I'm sure she can wash the car too!😁