14 replies to this topic

[PilotSteve]

hi guys just peaking at my engine ,seems very little clearance between oil filter (lotus)and starter solenoid , before i cover the driveway (dads)in oil what would be the normal gap,as seems rather small half off/on might get messy also anyone tried/have any other filter #s thxs steve

[Sparky]

Hi Steve. I've only seen one that didn't clear, and that had an aftermarket starter motor fitted. You actually need very little clearance to change it. I'd recommend disconnecting the battery though!

[molemot]

You are bound to spill oil from the filter...I have never done it without a significant impression of the "Torrey Canyon"...so best get a suitable tray or something underneath before starting. It's a fiddle...there is, as you say, very little clearance (mine is a turbo with an oil cooler, don't know if the n/a has the oil cooler, but the cooler takeoff means minimal clearance!)...once you have managed to undo it (not easy, either) try to get the thign with the closed end down...it can then be fiddled out between the end of the starter and the filter mounting. I've found the Genuine Lotus Filter to be the worst for clearance, myself. Have fun!!

[PilotSteve]

thx guys yes it does have a cooler ,neverseen such a small clearance!anyway which filter does have a little more (for the next time)

[jonwat]

You are bound to spill oil from the filter..

If, after draining the oil from the sump, you leave it standing overnight before removing the filter you'll find that when you do remove the filter the oil inside it will have drained out through the bearings & you're able to remove it without spilling a drop,

[molemot]

I thought the proper filter had a valve in it to prevent it draining back....? If it does drain, it should do so down the oil feed pipe from the sump to the oil pump...

[jonwat]

I thought the proper filter had a valve in it to prevent it draining back....?

It does, that's why the oil drains out through the bearings as it can't drain out through the pick up pipe. Next time you drain your oil leave it standing overnight & be amazed how empty the filter is when it's removed.

[Sir Paolo]

Back in the mid 90's, Lotus introduced a small version of the filter (B907E6000W - I think). This was designed for ease of removal with oil cooler sandwhich plates fitted.

It didn't last, and Lotus reverted to the original size and renamed it C907E6000W (what an anorak!).

[P S Robinson]

Hi guys, just thought I would ask whilst on the topic of engine oil. Am about to change mine on the S2 Esprit. (first time) Manual states 20w 50. Just plan old castrol/ Valvoline? or should I go for something better or synthetic? Any advice on recommended oils would be appreciated. (could not find this info on site elsewhere) Cheers Paul.

[jonwat]

Loads of info on oil for all Esprits, including old ones on Lotus Esprit World.

[peteyg]

Paul,

I use Mobil 1 15/50 and happy with it. Anything lighter and it seems to drink at a rate of gallons.

Pete

[s2mikey]

K&N makes a great oil filter for the Esprit - The model is the HP #1002. Its got extra clearance and the anti-drain valve thingie. Been using them for a while now. Available lots of places for low prices.

As for oil - Ive been using Valvoline 20/50 VR1 racing oil in my turbs for years. Extra ZDDP, nice and thick, Yum. Im sure the Mobil stuff is also fine but I change and drain my oil so frequently that Id lose any longevity benefit from a full synthetic.

[Mesprit87]

Mike,

Is the k&n filter the type with a nut in the back?
I've installed an original filter last time and as you know already, with the injection system, it's more than a tight fit...

Luc

[s2mikey]

Mike,

Is the k&n filter the type with a nut in the back?
I've installed an original filter last time and as you know already, with the injection system, it's more than a tight fit...

Luc

Hi Luc - Yep - its got the nut in the back. 1 inch wrench needed. Makes it easier. Plenty of clearance, even though the job is still more of a pain than it should be. Ugh!

Edited by s2mikey, 10 March 2012 - 09:27 PM.

[GavinS1]

I've been using the Mann W920/21 oil filter. Has anti-drain, fits fine and is much cheaper than the Lotus one. Mann are OEM for Porsche and BMW so it's a quality filter.