Lotus Elite Vacuum Solenoids for headlights

Removal and cleaning of the factory vacuum solenoids that operate the pop up headlights on my 1976 Lotus Elite. I had an obvious leak in the system causing a engine issue when the headlight were raised. The vacuum tanks and tubing is also inspected.
Off screen the one-way valves were changed and the section of tubing to the left vacuum tank was also changed.

[@davidwitham5588]

Lots of people switch to electric motors to raise and lower the lights. Great to see you fix the vacuum system instead!

[@Hulken_no]

Thank you for making this video. Now I know what to do when I begin restoring my 1977 Eclat. Looks like you have the same engine as me.

[@colinpears6714]

Many thanks for doing these videos. I've got a 1974 Elite and have a new problem after refitting the engine and gearbox after a gear lever failure. One of the new issues I have is the left hand headlamp is VERY slow to lift, but goes down OK. So I suspect that the solenoid has an issue. So it's great to see your video on how it works as I've not really touched that system before apart from a vacuum leak on one of the solenoids once. My car has modern Burkert solenoids fitted, but the original solenoids are still installed, just not connected. Would like to know more about your smoke generator, I've thought about making one rather than buying one and i like the look of yours. Cheers!

[@glynotglen1098]

Thanks great video. I replaced one of my vacuum pods a while ago but still have a slow leak. I’ll try the smoke idea to see if I can find the leak. Cheers

[@TheJensenInterceptor]

Thank you so really helpful as I have both mine to do on my Elite 1974

[@lotusrepair1439]

You're welcome!

[@martinparker9249]

just bin the system its crap and put mr2 headlamp motors in or do what ive done and put cupboard door gas struts in and some little electronic door latches in to hold them closed .....it does mean i have to manually close the pods though ! i press a momentary switch inside the car when it gets dark and up they pop !

[@jonl-s6796]

V. interesting. I have the Eclat ('77) which had rusted out pods. After repairing them, the headlights actually stay down for several hours. I like your idea of introducing smoke to check for leaks in the rest of the system and wonder if you could tell me more. "smoke generator" on Amazon?? Also, bought 2nd hand untested 1 way valve from the UK and wonder where you sourced yours - I assume you bought new? In N. America? Thanks, and good work!

[@lotusrepair1439]

I got my smoke gen from ebay. Look for evap smoke. Many versions under $100. Mine was the basic paint can that was about $60. They use mineral oil to make smoke. I use it to also check for exhaust leaks. Put a filler around the tube and push smoke in from the exhaust pipe. It finds gasket leaks. I got the valve from RD Ent. It is a Lotus part 36B0136R $19.00.

[@jonl-s6796]

@@lotusrepair1439 Brilliant! Thanks very much

[@danesharp6282]

Hello from the UK I have a 504 and there is that unit you are Describing also a smaller one at the side. ? . and the Passenger side just 1 smaller one . the pip's are not connected and one pipe is Blanked of . in the manual only one solenoid per side so I don't Know where the pipes go . cheers .....

[@lotusrepair1439]

Sorry for the late reply. I was not alerted to a comment. The tank you see is in the foot well behind the trim panel. The plastic vac pipe runs inside the fiberglass over the wheel well and into the foot well. There should be a crossover pipe between the light pods. I have seen the pipe run at the top of the radiator.

[@tony2ta]

Thanks for sharing. I have question. I replaced all vacuum hoses, new switch and new vacuum solenoid but headlights still up..? Any suggestion. Thanks

[@lotusrepair1439]

If they are not moving at all then check to see if you are getting power to the solenoid. It should click. If you have a vac tester see if you are getting vacuum at the solenoid. Sorry for the late response.