Monday, 4 August 2014

Oil and plugs

Another trip of around 110 miles, this time down to Portsmouth Historic Dockyard - well worth a visit. Exhibits include the Mary Rose, HMS Victory and the fascinating HMS Warrior, the first sail/steam hybrid battleship!



And a tour of the main dockyard.


Another hot day, but no traffic holdups and all was well apart from a mid-range misfire on light throttle. 

On checking the oil level when the car had cooled down, I decided that consumption was too high so drained the 5/40 synthetic and filled with 20/50 mineral. I also refitted the original longer-thread plugs. A brief test drive went well. 

The Halfords 20/50 mineral oil is supplied in a rather jolly retro-style metal can. The oil itself looks and smells like Duckhams Q 20W/50 of fond memory.



I've ordered the Kenlowe auxiliary fan together with a "dry" temperature probe and additional manual override switch. I decided against the "wet" temperature sensor which goes under the top hose as experience suggests this leads to small amounts of coolant loss.

A set of the recommended (by NGK) plugs, BP7ES, is also on order.



6 comments:

  1. Hi Alan,
    Interesting reading.
    Could you please tell me which Kenlowe fan you've ordered as I'm thinking about doing the same thing. Thanks.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Hi Lori, See below for the email quote from Kenlowe. Hope that helps. Do you have an Elan in Surrey too?
    Cheers, Alan
    SPECIAL OFFER PRICE
    Thank you for your enquiry.
    The equipment required is:-
    10.HP.B.12V.Lotus Elan 10” heavy duty, high performance blower fan (fits between radiator and front grille) 12V 9A
    KIT PRICE £116.50 + VAT = £139.80
    KLM0570 Manual override switch with light
    PRICE £5.85 + VAT = £7.02
    Delivery by TNT 3 working days = £9.80 + VAT = £11.76
    Kit price includes fittings, wiring and fully adjustable automatic electronic thermostatic controller with external sensor and comprehensive instructions for easy DIY installation. (Alternatively, we can supply KLM1416 in ‘water’ sensor type automatic temperature controller on request, at the above inclusive cost).
    Note – Fan, thermostatic controller, fittings etc. can be supplied individually if required.
    Price valid until Friday 1st August 2014, quote offer code 31
    Delivery from stock by fast, insured, recorded courier to most UK mainland addresses.
    Pre-payment can be made by Visa/MasterCard, debit card or cheque. Alternatively should you wish to discuss this please ring me. For more information, see our web site www.kenlowe.com or ask for literature (please state your mailing address if not already given).
    We look forward to hearing from you.
    Regards
    Jeff Handover

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Alan,
      Thanks for the information....that's very useful.
      Yes, we're on the Surrey/Hants border in Grayshott.
      I would send you a photo but I don't seem to be able to in this reply box.

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    2. We're in Camberley, so not far away. Come along to the Camberley car show on the 30th August: http://www.camberleycarshow.co.uk/
      Are you on the Elan register? http://www.elanregistry.org/index.php

      Delete
    3. No, you're too far away at all. We might come along to the Camberley show....depending on the weather. No, not on the Elan register so will investigate that too.
      Nice to talk to you....maybe see you on 30th.

      Delete
  3. I'll be judging here http://www.whitedoveevents.org.uk/ at the White Dove Collectors Transport Show this Sunday if you fancy a trip out this way.

    ReplyDelete