Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

After a number (too many) of years off the road I am finally putting my Elan back together.

I can't remember which engine mount goes on which side, one holds the block lower than the other and one side has spacers. I think the spacers go on the exhaust side, but which side uses the lower mount?

I also seem to remember that it's difficult to do up the exhaust manifold nuts when the engine is in the car, is there enough room to fix the manifold onto the engine before putting it in the car or do I just have to fight with grazed knuckles etc...

Thanks

The one that looks like an arrow pointing down goes on the intake side.

Perfect... thanks

one more thing... exhaust manifold can be fitted prior to dropping engine in the car. You'll still have to deal with the clamp for the downpipe.

That will save my knuckles!!

Thanks I will try that.

The spacers definately go on the exhaust side. This is from very recent experience in having problems getting the engine back in the car. We figured that was the problem and a call to dave bean confitmed it.

Steve B.

The mounts have an outer U-shaped portion - the part with four-hole flange. Does the "U" face upwards or downwards?

My guess is downwards, that way - if (when?) the rubber fails - you will get fail-safe metal-to-metal contact. If the U is open at the top and the rubber fails, the engine can just drop.

The above logic exercise notwithstanding, actual fit probably determines which way they go. Can anyone enlighten me?

You are correct, the U goes downward so that if the rubber fails (and it does especially on the exhaust side which gets fried) the engine does not try to fall out of the car..You just get a strange 'expensive' sounding noise coming from the engine bay and yes, it did happen to me!!