Yes its still live. The clue is in the "it might be a few weeks" before getting round to any mechanical work comment in a previous post. As the Lotus is actually running 100% fine its not quite got to the top of the "to do" list to sort out. Still need a few more weeks/months/years (delete as appropriate)
mmmmmmmmm,
Well I'll stick my neck out on this one and go for a tight tappet on the inlet of number four cylinder. The valve clearances for this engine should be Exhaust 0.010"--- 0.012" (0.25mm --- 0.30mm) and Inlet 0.005" --- 0.007" (0.13mm --- 0.18mm). These are a shimmed head!....... I hope
The car is running 100% OK which is quite an achievement for a Lotus! (the low compression is just during cranking) and all that can be checked without taking the head off (valve clearances etc) have been done. Whilst I would like to fix this given the choice of spending time driving / enjoying the car or pulling it apart I so far have chosen to enjoy it.
I might have a look in the winter, just not saying which winter!