Lotus Elan and Lotus Elan Plus 2 Forums

I recently purchased a +2 S130/5 with Dellortos which I later noticed did not have a choke cable fitted. While it starts perfectly now, I'd like to get one fitted for winter.

It appears that two there are two options - linkage between the carbs of either a rod or cable. Any ideas which is original and what I should go for?

Gary.

Hi Gary,
Many people never use the choke on the dellortos...
Most cars will start with just a couple of pumps on the pedal..
As to connecting it up, mine has a peice of rigid wire between the two chokes..
Cheers
Tim

Gary,
I think the "rigid wire" as Tim described is original, both my Sprint and Europa (Dellorto's) have this, the Europa starts without chokes but I have to use the choke on the Sprint.
Brian

When I put Dell'ortos on mine, I purchased the "rigid" wire for between the carbs, and simply altered my existing Weber choke cable to suit. It looks and works fine, although rarely used.

Thanks for all your help. I also found the information on this web site at <a href='http://www.lotuselan.net/publish/lpb_dellorto_carbs.shtml' target='_blank'>http://www.lotuselan.net/publish/lpb_dello...rto_carbs.shtml</a> which specifies a rod (A036 E 6144Z) that appears to be the original part.

On trying to find locate this, my mechanic spoke to our friendly TwinCam expert who said 'Why would you want to do that?'. On the basis that I haven't needed the choke yet, I'll leave this job for now. If it aint broke...

Cheers,

Gary.

Wow...
You mean I still have the original "rigid wire" after over 30 years!!
Amazing
Cheers
Tim

Tim,
Well it's the original spec at least. The parts are still available (?0.49 + VAT). It's just that I was recommended not to bother connecting the choke because it's not normally needed. I'll see how things go this winter before bothering.
Gary.

I have not found the need for a choke on Dellortos over the last five Winters, if it is very cold- four pumps on the pedal, turn key hold throttle slightly depressed, run engine at about 1500 for 20-30 seconds and then drive gently for first couple of minutes to avoid spit-backs.
Incidentally, it is worthwhile every so often checking that the choke levers are against the return stops; one of mine had moved slightly and I tried everything before I found the cause of the uneven running!

Cheers,

Pete