Got the engine back in today. Went much easier than I expected. I only spent about 3.5 hours on it, and got everything connected except the coolant lines and the exhaust. I need to bleed the clutch and it’s easier to do if I do it with the exhaust out. Should be able to finish up tomorrow.
Slower progress this morning! I attached the radiator hoses to the front of the engine. It’s a pain because there isn’t any room to work and they have to be attached in a specific order and orientation or they won’t go in. But everything that is left to finish up should be easier. (I probably just jinxed myself!)
In reply to Sofa King :
I’m so glad it wasn’t a major failure!
In reply to Pete Gossett :
Thanks! Me too! I’m not 100% sure I have it licked because I always had decent pressure when cold, but that had to be the problem. I will know for sure tomorrow when I can run it up to temperature.
It’s alive again!
Got it started today, no leaks and great oil pressure at start up. Didn’t let it run up to temperature because I still need to add coolant and burp the system, but I have 50% better cold oil pressure. If it doesn’t go away when warm, I’ll be happy!
Probably won’t make the Power Tour stop tomorrow, just too far to go on the first drive after it’s been apart, but there is a good local show that I’ll try to make.
I spoke too soon! My oil pressure went away as soon as the engine got warm. Engine has to come out again! Grrrr!
Made it to a car show anyway. It’s running well with no ugly noises, so I have some pressure, but not enough to be satisfied.
Photo from the show.
Next time you get out there say hi to frank and cookie for me. Sucks the engine isn’t right.
Well.... the bad news is that there was “debris” in the engine that damaged just about everything! I guess that’s what you get when you buy an engine block for $100! My fault for not getting it clean enough.
Needs a complete rebuild, or a different motor. I’m looking into my options, but I’m chomping at the bit to get it back on the road!
In reply to Sofa King :
That really sucks. :(
However, if you’re frustrated, at your wits-end and just ready to dump it, let me know when I can come by and pick it up! :-p
In reply to Pete Gossett :
I couldn’t do that to you! I’ll bite the bullet and soldier on!
Just got the engine back from the builder! He finished it exactly when promised! I touched up the paint today, will start putting it back in tomorrow.
Harmonic balancer, flywheel, clutch and transaxle reattached. Ready to go back in tomorrow!
This car really does it for me. So much cool
Engine and trans are back in !! Only thing left to do is everything else!
I may have missed it somewhere but what adapter setup are you using for the trans?
This is awesome, missed it before. Oh the irony of a Lotus Europa project where the final thing preventing you from driving it everywhere is an issue with the LS motor 
The adapter came from Kennedy Engineering. It includes the 1.75” piece of aluminum that you can see, and a pretty trick flywheel that has the Chevy flex plate for the starter gears and a setback surface that extends into the Porsche bellhousing to accept the Boxster clutch. Also includes the proper Porsche pilot bearing.
In reply to NorseDave :
The irony isn’t lost on me! I set out to build a more reliable Lotus by avoiding Lotus parts and I’ve struggled with what I thought was the most reliable bit! Hopefully that is all behind me and my plan will come together.
Almost there!
It’s ALIVE!! ......again.
In reply to Sofa King :
Awesome!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JcHcfFsdmN8
Does your Europa sound like this?
Like I mentioned before, intersection of Thrilling St and Terrifying Ave.
Pete
Does your Europa sound like this?
95% of Europas don't run so for it to sound this good is amazing. Wicked car for sure!
This Zetec-powered Europa by RoddyMac ran and moved in May 2018 so I believe he wins the coveted First-Person-To-Make-A-Europa-Project-Car-Start-&-Run Award. Having said that, I can't wait til you get this beast sorted. It will replace "repeating the same thing and expecting different results" as the definition of insanity. Good luck with your insurance company.
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