Finally I Find our What is Wrong With My Lotus Elise - Gearbox Removal and Clutch inspection

[@superbear617]

You said: "I'm absolutely delighted the clutch is broken!" ..... I guess context is everything!! :)))

[@cloudninephoto]

So glad you got to the bottom of it. I’ve sold clutches for almost 30 years. It’s very seldom they fail soon after fitting unless fitted incorrectly or another issue that wasn’t addressed at the time contributed to the failure.

[@bobmcl2406]

When you wound up pinned to the floor by the gearbox, I flashed back to my first gearbox removal, from a Mk 2 Cortina GT, in the mid 1970s. I got frustrated trying to jiggle the box backwards when it was on the jack, so I just rolled myself directly under the box, and grabbed it with both arms. When it came off the splined shaft I suddenly realized how heavy it was, and that the protruding drain plug was perfectly positioned to punch through my sternum if I relaxed my arms from the straight lock position. In a pure gesture of survival, I simultaneously lowered the box, deflected it to the left, and rolled to the right. Scared the cr*p out of me, but I never forgot the lesson learned! Glad your escape was more graceful.

[@paredding]

Totally. had similar on my quattro rear diff, looked manageable but I used a trolley jack and thank God I did as it weighed a ton. I also had it slide sideways off a couple of axle stands once and was VERY lucky I wasnt underneath. Thoughts of being alone trapped under it in the garage immediately came to mind and a scissor lift was ordered within a week as I figured my life was worth more than 1400 Euros 😉

[@melvinplant8637]

YOU SHOULD NEVER GET UNDER A CAR JUST SUPPORTED BY A JACK USE AXLE STANDS,THEY COULD SAVE YOU LIFE.

[@TheMrFishnDucks]

Fantastic vlog. Nice to see your hard-work and determination payoff in finding that issue and fixing it. Keep up the good work.

[@AllerdaleAsh]

I’ve been watching your vlogs for a while now, this one… Ive now subscribed :) It’s brilliant to see an enthusiast get stuck in, it makes a pleasant change to watching experienced ‘experts’ because many of us weekend mechanics can relate to everything you do. As has been said, air or battery ratchet and wrenches will save you a heap of time. Keep it up. FYI, I sweat and bleed over an Alfa Brera SV6

[@vice4134]

Out of curious, which tool would you rather have? Air or Battery ratchet & wrenches? I'm leading toward to air because it could last a long time. As for battery, it could die in few years & cost more money to get new ones.

[@Number27]

Thanks Nigel, that’s really good to hear!!

[@capri4me475]

While the transmission is out, get the flywheel machined, and replace the rear main seal - may avoid a load of grief later.

[@helgaschmiedtmarcelofalcao2246]

And change also the clutch bearing!

[@betacam235]

@@helgaschmiedtmarcelofalcao2246 Too right! Even if it seems fine....

[@stephenkayll5241]

Watching you support the gearbox on your chest brought back memories from another DIY "mechanic". Been there before , not professional, but typical DIY problems. Enjoyed watching this vlog ad looking forward to the next one.

[@petescarport]

I feel like I’m watching myself on my 944. I changed the slave twice. The master twice. And bled the system at least 15 times. Called every mechanic I know plus more. Finally had the clutch done and the pressure plate was broken in half. No one could figure it out. I had full pressure with car off but no pressure with it on. Great video once again.

[@chrischarman1043]

Result, well done on your perseverance, it is so nice to see a regular person getting stuck into doing this type of work and slogging their way through until they find a solution. Keep up the great work, Chris

[@censon]

Well done! I was fearing the worse.... taking it apart and not finding anything broken.

[@Lumber_Jack]

Glad to see I am not the only person who has had to squirm out from underneath a car hugging a major component to my chest. Hope it goes back in with as much or more grace!

[@marlonsorken1707]

Your will and patience is epic, I feel defeated just by watching your channel, a rollercoaster of highs and lows.

[@eze8970]

This week, Jack ends up looking like a miner! Great detective work Jack, your enthusiasm & skill paid off! Keep smiling!

[@glensmall9194]

Monumental pain in the Harris. Bloody well done sourcing the problem. Your pateince and determination are exemplary. Bravo young man.

[@drew699]

Pleased you found the issue. Look forward to it all going back together again & being on the road again in time for spring sunshine!

[@G58]

I totally concur with your emotions over knowing what’s wrong v not knowing what’s wrong. The latter is a real downer. But the former is confirmation of a theory, and a wonderful lesson coupled with a signpost to the road ahead. Thank you for sharing. Good luck with the rebuild.

[@samtaylor7351]

Well done jack. Your unbelievable determination paid off in the end ! Love your vids. Keep em coming mate. Great work 👍😊

[@philtowle4683]

Now down that cider.

[@robertlewis2]

It's always so much better when you tear something apart and find a broken part. Your hard work paid off.

[@grahamsalmons2027]

Your delight for finding the source of the problem is infectious! True grit Jack, you never ever give up! Respect!

[@155andRising]

I’ve seen one break like that when the friction plate was installed back to front . The little marker saying T for Transmission side was the wrong way

[@marcusnicola1221]

Never seen someone so happy to find a broken clutch plate, made me smile Jack. Excellent channel mate!!!!!

[@Number27]

Thanks Marcus!!

[@scottjohnson4319]

'Happy Jack' sounds like a cheap brand of whisky. Hard as they are to create these vids are my favourite, I get to come with you on your triumphs and failures and you remind me that others have them too. Glad things worked out for you, keep cracking on Jack.

[@jonathanknight8251]

The bad coil on the Influenzo was a more interesting problem, as was your creative method of diagnosing it. That said, the look of joy (and relief!) on your face at finding the bad clutch was priceless. It was a great way to finish my tea after breakfast and get off to a good start today. Good luck with the heli coil install and the replacement of the gearbox.

[@colindeller3709]

Great episode and so glad you found the issue! I feel for you at the end of episodes where solutions are not forthcoming after tonnes of effort! I owned two VX220s and can definitely say you need a whole new set of tools for these cars vs 'normal' ones to be able to reach bolts etc.

[@albertocalixto2437]

Nice work! I'd be happy too, finding it was not a gearbox problem! I strongly suggest you to replace not only the disk and plate, but the bearing too, otherwise you'll have to do it again soon, I mean, pull off the gearbox and all that work. (believe me, I've been there...) Good luck and keep posting your videos! 😊

[@T16MGJ]

The relief and delight on your face Jack when the problem is revealed was very good to see. One of those DEEP JOY moments for the DIYer working on car problems. Now that the PG1 is out, if the Elise is to be a long term keeper, I would be tempted to source a Rover PG1 TorSen Type B Differential and fit that. QUAIFE do one for the PG1 but if you can find a TorSen Type B that's the way I would go. Keep these good updates coming.

[@karl7910]

I am so happy for you. Thankfully its not the gearbox. I once changed a gearbox and literally drove 2km when nothing moved anymore. I Was as happy as you as i found out the cv Joint was gone,not the new installed exchange gearbox. So i feel you. Cheers,thx again for the continuing great content.kind regards from cologne

[@resytechengineering753]

Never seen so much joy over a broken clutch. Good luck mate,

[@joelvantwillert]

Great video, again! Looking forward to the next Elise adventure. I know the feeling of finding out what’s wrong with your car. Some time ago I heard a not-so-nice sound of some metal breaking while driving my 306 cabriolet. The next morning there it had leaked quite some gearbox oil. Got it up on the lift and nothing was obviously broken. So I just began looking to find something and taking off some parts around the gearbox. Finally I could see inside the clutch housing and I could see broken metal parts, among which part of a broken bevel gear. It turned out that the differential had broken. So now I’m in the process of removing and replacing the gearbox, great stuff!

[@mansfield1971]

Glad you found the issue.....done this job...was a melted clutch release bearing. I upgraded with the AP clutch kit. Have fun lifting it back into place.

[@philip2639]

Brilliant. Can so understand your delight when you find something broken. As ever enjoying your video's.

[@bleakrevel]

This is a good video. This is the kind of story I tune in for. A happy Jack also helps and makes me want to watch.

[@bobstevens9040]

Flippin' eck Jack that was a right faff getting the gearbox out but you stuck at it. Your face was a picture of unalloyed joy when you discovered the fault. Keep the videos coming owd son , I never miss one.

[@jteddy11]

Good job 27, I was wrong thinking you could jam it in gear and loosen the clutch up. Congrats!

[@dantheman7357]

Hello Jack, well done once again. I am amazed that you attack such difficult issues and then with a lot of work, defeat them. One comment though, having worked in the Medical Industry for 25 years I shudder when I see you working under a car or in tight spaces without Eye Protection. I hope you consider it. Looking forward to your next highly enjoyable video.

[@richardjones2468]

`m glad something has finally gone right for you in the end. It just reinforces for me though the traps that amateurs make in diagnosis (although some poor technicians also do so) and that is to understand clearly what you are working on and then methodically check through from the simplest through to the most complex and/or unlikely. Once you had verified the hydraulics were fine ( a visual would really have been enough once you had sorted in your mind the requisite movement) there was nothing but the clutch itself. The fork and thrust would have given themselves away by feel and usually noise. I can understand your reluctance though with your facilities. Well done in struggling through it and all those difficulties you encountered. (ex garage proprietor)

[@okgo8315]

Richard Jones.... nothing more annoying than 'professional' mechanics changing good parts unnecessarily, rather than doing a thorough diagnosis.👍🇬🇧

[@koenvandeperre608]

I’m so happy 😁 for you Jack that you found the Grimlin!! Great 👍 job!!!

[@ryanmccormick2150]

Well done Jack! I love you’re reaction to the broken clutch 😂

[@Rob.Coleman]

Your tenacity is finally rewarded 👍.

[@MasterMalrubius]

Well happy day! The only worse thing than having to take apart a complicated mechanical apparatus is to do so and find nothing wrong. You went about it the best way. Save time and money checking the cheaper things and those which are easier. I think you should start your next video with some footage of you tearing up the B roads.

[@Lot76CARS]

Jack, brilliant to find the root cause. I feel you will be cracking the beers open later! Well done, loving this. Don't forget the Merc. Thanks for the tip re Frau Benz as she's helped me out with a couple of items for my 190E already. Which you're always welcome to drive if you fancy a trip in the not so fast lane!

[@Steven-p4j]

Always cheerful episodes make it a joy to watch.

[@brianmontgomery6834]

Jack your repair videos are simply the best!!

[@jimamizzi1]

Well done jack, I’ve never seen a clutch plate break up like that. Keep up the great content, Aussie fan 🇦🇺

[@johnjones4825]

Jim Mizzi: You've obviously never had an illiterate and idiot labourer use a vehicle to take workers home, with the promise to not use the vehicle over the weekend. Brand new clutch (500km) turned to woolly dust and adjustment fully released. "I don't know what happened, it just stopped on me...") Yeah, right!

[@paultaylor9652]

Jack I've never seen anyone that excited before to know their clutch was broken, I guess the alternative was the gearbox synchro. Still great to watch your have a go hero video's matey after all these years.

[@darylwalford8697]

Good feeling when you finally find the problem🙂 Input shaft looks dry and rusty so don't forget to apply a small amount of anti seize grease during installation.

[@user-mg9he3qj3n]

I’m loving the Ratarossa Ferrari patented work bench👍👍👍

[@EuropaSman]

Good job Jack 👏. Pleased you found the fault. An easy fix relative to what it could have been, like a gearbox rebuild if it hadn't been the clutch. Think about the replacement of the clutch hydraulics as preventative maintenance 😉. Looking forward to future videos featuring Frankie. 👍

[@Wipsplash]

If the flywheel is out of true it may cause clutch chatter which could kill a new clutch disk prematurely. Might be a safe move to have the flywheel resurfaced then replace the throw out bearing,disk and pressure plate. I believe their is a bushing or bearing in the back of the engines crankshaft you might check also.

[@caseytailfly]

Good going! It’s always so satisfying when all that troubleshooting and process of elimination pays off!

[@PaulLeitnerWise]

Loved the episode, particularly your unscripted joy at the end. One slight correction though - there were three Jacks involved in the transmission removal, not two as stated.......

[@malfunction8165]

I had a Triumph Spitfire. One day there was a bang and no clutch, got it home, took the whole thing apart, nothing broken and it looked ok, put it back together and all was fine, it never happened again and gave no more trouble, I wish I still had it.

[@JayW-44]

Glad you found something wrong with the clutch! Just on the gearbox mount, the 2 bolts that are on the wrong side to get off, what most people do, is remove the captive nuts and weld them to the other side of the mount so it's easier to get back on and get off in future.

[@Number27]

Yep, will do thanks!!

[@majorscope]

Hi Jack, My only suggestion would be buy the best quality clutch you can and closely observe assembly. I would not have the patience to do what you do. I would get rid of everything and buy a decent car. No more hassle!!.

[@T16MGJ]

That's boring. Very boring. This Lotus and the Ferrari are now "The cars that Jack Built". Not some tireless big yellow robot. Been there done that "Car that John built" many times now. Jack's "DEEP JOY" expression on that oil stained face confirms his satisfaction of solving a difficult to diagnose problem. Unless the car user has done that, they will never understand any of that. Many car users do not even know where the bonnet release is on their cars. That says a lot ... My Neighbour who drives one of those bright yellow Roadside Rescue vans will confirm that. There's a vast difference between a car consumer and a car enthusiast. I could go out and buy a new car tomorrow. Done that more than a few tines and more if you count company cars when given a choice. Solving a difficult problem or rebuilding an engine the previous owner has given up on and got rid of and when you turn that key, it immediately bursts into healthy life, I will never tire of enjoying that experience. Jack has saved himself a nice few quid with all the DIYer work he's done on his various cars. In my case, maintaining, servicing and repairing the several cars in the family fleet has saved me many thousands over all the years. Plus the benefit of knowing that not only is the job done, but competently done as well. OK, you may take a lot more time than in a pro-workshop environment, but that is no guarantee that the pro-workshop guys have done the job well. Here I speak from many years experience dealing with cars. Lost count of seeing evidence of this when folks approach me on a "You know about cars Joh" basis.

[@mm4lli]

I had exactly the same issue on an old Mk2 Cavalier SRi, except that the damper spring shot out of the friction plate and wedged itself in the pressure plate. Just a shame for you that the Lotus isn't as easy to change the clutch on as the old Vauxhalls were. Great find though Jack, I bet you were dancing when you found that out 😁

[@frfalbo]

Keep up the great work Jack! Might I suggest you invest in battery operated ratchets. It will speed up your work.

[@jasongammon2767]

Great work jack. Delighted you’ve found the cause. Just shows that perseverance pays off 👍🏼👏🏻

[@roadie3124]

I've found that fixing problems is much easier than finding them. My Dolomite Sprint lost power and made strange noises 40 years ago. 'Experts' diagnosed it as a broken gudgeon pin. So I bought the Haynes manual and worked out what to do. From underneath, I removed the oil pump pickup and the sump, then the crankshaft and the pistons. I removed and inspected the gudgeon pins. Nothing wrong with them. So I re-assembled everything and phoned a friend. "No Triumph has ever broken a gudgeon pin. Have a look at the timing chain." More bits removed and sure enough, one of the timing chain guides was snapped. Two guides share three bolts and they overlap at the third bolt. They had been assembled with the wrong one on top. Aaaagh. I know how you feel. I've felt the same way too.

[@robertbcope]

Had a clutch in my S2K break very similarly. Happy you found a problem. That's always a good feeling!

[@jl991825]

Hey Jack, make sure you check the pilot/spigot bearing before reinstalling. Please replace it with a new one while you're in there!

[@nathanbower9893]

Well done for finding the fault. I've just bought an Ultima GTR to go alongside my lotus as I must be a masochist

[@terryjames5109]

Great video. You are right. It is good when you finally find out the issue

[@hemicuda3326]

Cars like that and Subarus you can take the pressure plate bolts out through the starter hole slide the pressure plate back and you can see the clutch if it's any good before dropping the whole transmission. Just a shortcut for next time you need to check the clutch

[@GetOffMyyLawn]

"I'm absolutely delighted that the clutch is broken"... only words a Lotus owner would be happy to say :)

[@rsw9480]

Congrats, glad you found a problem that can be easily solved now ....

[@lesklower7281]

Changed clutches on many of my cars its not an easy job and they were rear wheel drive cars so l can sympathise with you at least you found the problem and were very pleased to find it also that clutch plate looked pretty good pitty its broken

[@Number27]

Yep, plate was basically still new.. only 2k miles on it! Thanks for watching Les!

[@steveluck9541]

PG1 Gearbox might be common but with the close ratios from Lotus it’s much rarer so worth looking after. If you’ve got the money it’s a good time to get the box rebuilt with better bearings synchro and one of my favourite upgrades quaife torque biasing diff.

[@peterushbrook5270]

I had this happen on a new clutch in a Toyota Pickup years ago. The clutch disc was installed backwards and it came apart just like yours did.

[@mrman17]

It is oddly satisfying when you do find something obviously wrong like this. I couldn't see what make it is, but chances are it was a cheapy remanufactured clutch that just could not handle some "spirited" driving (or launches). I may be too late, but make sure you get a good quality clutch and maybe even take the opportunity to go for an uprated unit to help future proof it for any forthcoming mods.

[@autoazure]

I really enjoyed this video, I am a subscriber. Great to eventually find the source of the problem! Just a little thing, can you please keep that upspeak/high Rising Terminal speak in check?

[@davec5966]

Putting the gearbox back - I bought the cheapest (less than £40) transmission jack supportwhich fastens to your trolley jack from ebay and made some simple brackets to bolt it to my VW van gearbox, got the box out and back in much easier than balancing on trolley jack and a bit of wood.

[@Number27]

Thank you? Great tip there!!!

[@scottmeeker9971]

Good news ! Glad you were able to sort it yourself....

[@idesignyou...9257]

Great new bud! Obviously not great you need a new clutch but least you know what the problem is!

[@bobmcl2406]

Bravo, you are one tenacious man! So glad all that effort bore fruit. By the way, at 8:01 you say that you are using two jacks. Technically you are always using one Jack, so this makes three in total! 😁

[@Number27]

🤣🤣🤣

[@j14phe]

Good for you Jack allways nice to find the fault at least you know it's going to be sorted John

[@paulp96275]

Well done Jack I’ve been shouting at your last run of vids to change the clutch seen it before done it myself talked myself out of the main problems and spent money on the easy fixes fit a good quality clutch kit great to see you black faced like the rest of use and with a smile on that mucky face I hope your forehead gets better that’s a big spot it looks like a torch it must be painful 😂 keep it up Jack great as usual Ps the boys will be round using the horse for a work bench 👍👨🏻‍🏭

[@3ducs]

Here is some punctuation, you'll find these little things help make your comments more easily comprehensible. See also "run-on sentences". ,,,,,,,,,,,, .........

[@stuartd9741]

@@3ducs Bet your fun at parties..

[@samcourt6228]

First time anyone had looked pleased to discover their clutch is shagged! 😂 Good work in the end though; looks a pain to do rolling around on the garage.

[@MrGaryjames1]

be interesting to see what clutch was fitted to it and if your going to upgrade to a competition replacement

[@hillstephen6]

Years ago I had a car that kept eating clutch friction plates, it turned out through previous damage to the car the splines from the gearbox were not true and putting pressure on the plate causing it to fragment over time, might not be you’re problem but just a thought. Cheers

[@gazzafloss]

YAY!!!!, so pleased for you Jack, you've found the problem! Full marks for tenacity. If you think that Lotus gearbox is heavy, try "bench pressing" a LandRover Disco gearbox, now that'll put hairs on yer chest.

[@betacam235]

Jack, if you fancy a short break in a lovely quiet spot in France, I could use an experienced hand with my poor S1 Elise 111S! ;~)) It's been 'resting' since 2014, I'm embarrassed to admit, since a silly local mechanic tried to show off by doing a belt change without the locking tool. He'd done a change earlier, in 2008, with the tool so knew it's essential....made more so by the fact the car has a highly tuned DVA engine with vernier pullies. Anyway, I've been unable to do it due to being smashed off a motorcycle in 2019, tearing shoulder tendons etc etc. Before that I'd had to remove the rear clam so have set the verniers on a new belt, though it needs doing again now due to being time expired. It'd be great to meet you!

[@Number27]

Ha!! Thanks for the offer but have too much on with my own stuff as it is!!

[@betacam235]

@@Number27 Ha hah! I bet you have. Always worth a try....I really just need some extra hands but it's good to have someone with model appropriate experience around! Best of luck with the channel, it's great to see a cheery, grubby face diving into an Elise! You've also made me wish I'd kept my Frogeye.

[@grahamnutt8958]

The smile of satisfaction said it all. Gratz on diagnosing this. Perhaps it is time for you to take on/oversee the work required on my Rover P5B...... I will want the car back - running of course - but the costs to you would be zero and it could make for some great content..... I don't do "Insta"; just yt, email & phone. If interested please get in touch; or say "no" at this point by all means. Loving the content Jack 👍.

[@Captain_Scarlet_SIG]

Your hard work payed off it’s good the gearbox is ok.

[@mikepaul396]

Good informative video. Excitement over damage - yet success over your research

[@LOTPOR0402]

Wonder if the clutch not being blead properly has done the centre plate.Check the gearbox goes in and out of gear before putting it back together

[@busterboy7505]

It’s great to see a trolley Jack on the gearbox, a trolley Jack on the engine, and a HAPPY JACK at the end of the video 😀😀😀👍.

[@johnnyhickman6798]

They joy of older cars! brings back a lot of memories

[@robsawalker]

Hurrah! Progress. The weather has turned, and perhaps your luck will too now Jack!

[@michaelpegasiou4531]

Well done,typical a string of events lead back to the original cause but we’re a pain in the arse until you get there.

[@hondamonkeyboy]

Another success to chalk up and add to your CV.

[@mikepaul396]

congrats that all your effort found some destruction. happiness over something broken. got to love it. your time wasnt wasted

[@grayfool]

Phew! Lets hope thats going to be the end of this problem. All you have to do now isthrow it all back together. No problem. . ..

[@leebuckles2364]

Good diagnosis Jack

[@adrianflower3230]

Congratulations 🎉 good job, methodical and persistent 👍

[@tonymiller3182]

Ah! Well done Jack - I knew it was the clutchplate all along!

[@fptuning]

For the gearbox mount it's well worth cutting the captive nuts off the back and re-welding them the other way round as it makes the job much easier next time. Thanks Rover 😁

[@Number27]

WoW.. of course.. why didn’t they do that in the first place???!??

[@tonycamplin8607]

So pleased that you've found something wrong let's hope that this is the end of your clutch troubles. By the way that shaded number plate is now illegal, the characters should be in solid black.

[@BritishBoy1971]

Well done for finding out what was wrong! 😀👍

[@organiccold]

Never seen someone so happy to have something broken in the car hehe. But better the clutch than the gearbox :)

[@asdreww]

:) the giveaway diagnosis pointing toward this was when you said the clutch almost/sort of worked once, then didn't. That was those bits moving around. Exact issue I had. Avoid Exedy clutches - there is clearly a quality issue with them.