Elise S2 K Series rattle from fuel tank bay

[hethel8]

Hi Guys,

I wonder if you could help me out with trying to identify a noise which is destroying my driving enjoyment on my Elise S2 2001 K Series.

There is a rattle from the fuel tank area on the drivers side (rhd), which starts when the car gets warm, but is not as evident when cold. It is metallic and very loose and flappy sounding.

You hit a bump and it takes a while to calm down after the initial sound.

I have had the under tray off to ensure that all cables are padded and not loose. Where the cables pass through the bulkhead from the cabin, I have ensured nothing is hitting or loose.

Any ideas at all? Your input would be very much appreciated.

Cheers

Simon

[Applenerd81]

Hi Simon,

I owned the 2002 Race Tech model, the buzzing and rattles used to drive me nuts!

Over time getting in and out of the car myself and passengers would lose change down the sides of the chairs which would inevitably end up sliding around and rattling on the floor, change under the drivers seat was relatively easy to remove, but the passenger seat was much more difficult.

The easiest way to eliminate this being the cause is to remove the 4 bolts holding the seats and life them out, you'll be surprised what's accumulated under there!

Another common noise is one of the cables buzzing against the under tray, there is a small bit of foam tape to insulate which can wear away over time, you could add some yourself in areas of possible contact which are apparent when the tray is off.

I miss my Elise, 3 years ago today she left :-(

[hethel8]

Hi, many thanks for the advice.

i've done all that and padded everything.

What is really funny is that it starts happening once the car has warmed up.....

This car is a met silver Racetech, with 20k on the clock (I live in Jersey)


Kind Regards

Simon

[742MOL]

Check the fuel pipes connected to the fuel filter - just in case. I had the same noise/symptoms recently after a C service from a Lotus Specialist. The fuel pipe wasn't correctly fitted resulting in it coming away from a newly fitted fuel filter on the M60 - the car cut out in the outside lane and petrol poured out the underside of the car. Not a nice experience!!

[hethel8]

Hi All,

Well, after about 8 months of trying to resolve my metallic rattle problem, I give up. Everything has been investigated, padded, wrapped, sorted and tightened to no avail.

Garages and specialists do not want to know.

Anyone got any petrol and a flame thrower?

My previous car had issues, but nothing like this.

Had enough, glad to see the back of it.