Window motor

[Lotus Stu]

My passenger side window has slowed to a crawl. Despite trying the usual remedies, I have come to the conclusion that replacing the motor for the "72 elan sprint makes the most productive use of time and energy. Does anyone have a source in the U.S. for a replacement or can identify the motor that Lotus used for the power window?

[Elan45]

The window motors in the Elan were sourced from the English Ford wiper motors. (Anglia, Cortina mk1 & 2) The drive portion of the motors are different, so unless you are lucky enough to find a NOS unit, you'll still have to do some work with your motor.

When I got my 1st Elan, neither window would work. At least one of the 2 screws holding the motor itself together was broken, allowing the armature to touch the permanent magnet fields. Replacing the screw, allowed them to start working. The screws are 10-32 UNF, IIRC 4 inches long. When I couldn't get screws that long over the years and at least 4 other S3 Elans, I've used 10-32 all thread rod. No, 10-24 won't work!

The other issue has always been the commutator, which has an air gap between the segments. Use a business card to clean between the segments. Clean the commutator surface 1st w/ scotch bright, then clean between the segments w/ business card.

Then realize they're never going to operate that quickly. Cleaning the insides of the switches helps too.

Roger

[gjz30075]

Here's a thread with some detail about Cortina motors and using a Mustang motor
lotus-chassis-f36/power-window-lift-motors-cross-over-parts-t25540.html

[The Veg]

I don't know if they're different to the motors in a Plus 2, but if not then you can use the same motor as a '70 Chevelle. This motor was used in a long list of cars and is easy to get.