Pathetic Horn

Tanz · Post by **Tanz** » Sun Jun 24, 2007 21:07

The horn on my car makes a pathetic squeak - much to the amusement of my wife who reckons it doesn't fit the flash car image

At the moment the radiator is waiting to be re fitted after getting a leak fixed so this seems a good time to fix this in terms of access.
How can I tell if it is the compressor or the actual horns that are in need of replacement

Mutley · Post by **Mutley** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 16:16

Tanz,

My horn is pathetic too. Whilst I admit I'm not the worlds most accomplished mechanic, I'm no stranger to the engine bay either and I cant even see where the damned thim is!

All advice appreciated

Regards, Andrew

jonno · Post by **jonno** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 16:29

I seem to remember its located in front of the radiator in the nose section, but with the bolt heads ingeniously hidden in some totally inaccessible space. So remove with care so that the bolts stay protuding through.

I think the horns are painted aluminium and so nothing much to go wrong with them.

The blower part may just need a little lubrication due to lack of use, I squirted some WD40 in mine which improved it a little. Then I changed it anyway with a new identical one from Halfords.

Tanz · Post by **Tanz** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 16:34

Hi Andrew,

http://www.lotusexcel.net/phpbb/viewtop ... light=horn

Check out the link above. The compressor is located at the front of the engine bay on the passenger side - a round black plastic case with a clear pipe leading to the horns which are in a space at the front of the car between the light pods. My rad is out at the moment and I can see them clearly.
I think I will try Lotus bits for a new compressor and see if that does the trick

Cheers,

Phil

amarshall · Post by **amarshall** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 16:35

I swapped mine for an "all in one" "Nautilus" - a direct bolt-in replacement in the headlamp pod bay.

Skeggy · Post by **Skeggy** » Mon Jun 25, 2007 17:13

On mine, 1986, the air horn compressor underneath the drivers side headlamp pod:

http://www.benani.com/Images/headlight/PC300009.jpg

Top left of the picture with clear tube coming out.

Take of the tube and see if you are getting a good blast of air out of the compressor - if you are then check the pipe and the actual horn part.

Steve

Tanz · Post by **Tanz** » Tue Jul 10, 2007 22:11

Last week I purchased new air horns from Halfords for £19.99. The idea being to replace my compressor with this new one. Same spade connectors so a direct swap. So at the weekend I just conected the new compressor and great - it worked. Then I connected my old compressor just to compare and see how much better the new one was and to my supprise the old one was working perfectly again

So I left the old one and have wasted 19.99 buying new horns

My only guess is that the electrical connection must have been poor and pulling the connectors on and off cleaned the contact

chrisw2811 · Post by **chrisw2811** » Thu Jul 12, 2007 09:12

Why not put both sets on? They'll hear you for sure