Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I searched the forum, but didn't see any references or sources for the Heater box gaskets.

My S3 heater screeches when first turned on and as I have the dash out I wanted to see if I could refurb. the heater.

Before I pull the heater box out though, I thought I had better find out where I could get replacement gaskets as they're sure to be old/in bad shape along with the spiral wound air hoses.

I noticed that at least 1 of the spiral air hoses has perished and has a hole, so that definitely needs replacing.

Any pointers are appreciated.
Thanks
Paul.

I notice you?re in the USA but I ordered some from SJ Sportscars in U.K. they were the right size but a different material so looked out of place.

I believe they are also in use in a mini, if that helps.

Regards,
Richard

Hello Richard, I'm a Brit and the car is a RHD, but yes I live over here now (I moved the car over in 1994)
I'll take a look at the mini specs, presumably the original minis
Paul.

Hi Paul, I?ve just looked at your photo in more detail & i think I?ve given you a bum steer.

it looks like the vent hosing you were referring to was the ones that go to the top of the crash pad. I was talking about the trunking going to each corner (mini vents).

Sorry for any confusion.

richardcox_lotus wrote:Hi Paul, I?ve just looked at your photo in more detail & i think I?ve given you a bum steer..

No worries. Yes its the air hose going up to the demist vents
Paul

I just replaced the air pipes as part of the rebuild on my S2, this is the piping I used.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-Ply-Black- ... 0227.m3827

types26/36 wrote:I just replaced the air pipes as part of the rebuild on my S2, this is the piping I used......

Thanks Brian, I'll take a look.

Did you pull your heater box out or just replace the hoses in situ ?

If you did pull the box, did you use anything special in the was of a gasket to refit it?

Cheers
Paul.

types26/36 wrote:I just replaced the air pipes as part of the rebuild on my S2, this is the piping I used.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/1-Ply-Black- ... 1116538699

Shipping to the US looked like it was expensive, so I found this: https://www.ebay.com/itm/301803446122 I just ordered it. Hopefully it's close enough.

I also found another version available here in America while I was looking: https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/b/gates-3728/unclassified-16437/154fbd6278d2/gates-hose/23824/4329784?q=gates+23824&pos=0. It doesn't have metal spiral, but a nylon spiral instead.

Price was reasonable.
Paul.

By gaskets do you mean between heater and plenum behind bulkhead?
If needed I would use some felt or foam on DIY basis.

Check RD Enterprises ((rdent.com) for the spiral defroster hoses. A few different diameters available. US based.

[quote Did you pull your heater box out or just replace the hoses
Paul.[/quote]
I took out everything, there is a seal between the plenum chamber and body around the air intake but I am sure you could find some rubber that would work,
While I had the plenum chamber out I fixed a clip in place (the one that secures the starter solinoid) as you can?t get to it with the plenum chamber in place.

I forgot about the other seal on the plenum chamber, the round one which you can see on the pic but you should also be able to find some rubber/sponge to make one if necessary.
The top plenum chamber seal can just be seen in one of the pics.
There is a grommet where the air box drain tube goes through the body, this has as a "rubber valve" on the end.

I gasket that I'm primarily referring to is called a 'Sealing Ring' in the workshop manual.

Looking at Brian's photos, it definitely looks like a rubber ring (is this the correct material Brian?) that goes between the Heater box and the Plenum.

The workshop manual does reference the fact that the ring might get damaged and I can only imagine after 51 years, the ring will have perished, hence the interest in locating a replacement before I pull the heater box

Paul

Compressible foam rubber c20mm sq will do the job nicely. Just lightly stick it in place and pressure from heater box will hold it in place.
Its function is to stop air leaking into footwell.
As said any moisture should drain through the hole from plenum to transmission tunnel.
If you've got matrix out then you can reach in with wire to ensure that it's clear.

pcarew wrote:I gasket that I'm primarily referring to is called a 'Sealing Ring' in the workshop manual.
, it definitely looks like a rubber ring (is this the correct material Brian?) that goes between the Heater box and the Plenum.l

Yes it is a rubber material and it is a ring so presumable is what the manual is referring to.
A couple more pics to make things clearer.
Wouldn't worry to much about how old it is, mine is 54 years old and still original seals