stats007 0 Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 Reading the LEW scheudle for V8 Esprit services it lists the cambelt as due for replacement at 24k or 4 years and tensioning every 12 months. I spoke to Steve at SJ Sportscars who reckons it should be changed every two years. What is the general concesus for low mileage Esprits (2k a year)? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Backmarker 6 Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 The belts on the V8 will last longer than 2 years. Lotus have done over 100,000 miles on one belt without problems. The most important thing is getting those tensioners checked every 12 months Quote Wing Commander Dibble DFC<br /><br /> North Midlands Esprit Group<br /><br />NMEG "the formidable squadron"<br /><br /> "probably the most active Esprit group in the world" Andy Betts, Castle Combe May 2007 Link to post Share on other sites
ifly 1 Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 I have an '04 that has not had its 1st belt change yet but has had the yearly tensioner check. At the end of the driving season this year it will be going in for the Cambelt change as the car was manufactured on October '03, sold in July '05 and will be well below the 24K miles but will be over the 4 years for the belt. Luckily Lotus picks up the 1st one except for some extras. Better safe than sorry when it comes to the belts especially if the car has spent some of its life sitting which means the belts have not changed position. I stick my hand in there and check parts of the belt from time to time to see if it is still in one piece across all the runners, no vee's in the belt, grit or any other anomoly. Hope that helps. Quote Heaven is where the police are British, the chefs Italian, the mechanics German, the lovers French and it is all organized by the Swiss. Hell is where the police are German, the chefs British, the mechanics French, the lovers Swiss and it is all organized by the Italians. You make something idiotproof, they'll make a better idiot You think professional is expensive, just wait until you pay for amateur. Link to post Share on other sites
stats007 0 Posted May 6, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 I thought the 100k was on a 4 cylinder car? So all V8 owners have stuck to the 4 year/24k schedule and annual tensioner maintenance rigorously? Obviously failure of the item would be obvious, however is there any detriment to running without tension adjustments? Premature tensioner wear I imagine and risk of cambelt snapping? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
kyliesmith.com 3 Posted May 6, 2009 Report Share Posted May 6, 2009 Hi you can do periodic checks yourself by accessing the cam cover bolts at the front, undo and take a peek on the condition of belt and pulley wheels. Ive had mine checked twice in <2yrs, bit anal and prob not necessary. There are a few good threads here for DIY tension checking via a microphone and software for your laptop if you decide to get into your own DIY maintenance. Has to be in a certain frequency when you tap/knock the belt etc. Quote No.23 Link to post Share on other sites
freshcut 0 Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 It is true that Lotus will cover the replacement cost of a one time belt change under their emissions warranty (8yr/80K). However, the warranty only covers the cost of the belts and labor, any extras needed such as tensioners, pulleys, etc are at the owners expense. This may only apply to the US however, so I'd suggest contacting a dealership for those of you outside of the US to see if it's covered in your area. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
redshift 32 Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 So far I have insisted on the annual tension check and when the cambelts were replaced all the tensioners etc were changed as well. Doesnt cost much extra and gives a little more peace of mind. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
matk 17 Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 Brian Angus is very specific on this, running at incorrect belt tension is far and away the major cause of belt failure, hence the importance of checking belt tension regularly. Also to avoid confusion to non experts reading this, the free first change was USA market only, i.e not UK or Europe. Its not a different belt, simply a way for Lotus to comply with specific USA legislation which required a longer running period out of the belts. Offering a free change neatly managed to keep the car within this before an owner actually had to fork out for their next change. Quote Regards Mat Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 705 Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 Obviously failure of the item would be obvious, however is there any detriment to running without tension adjustments? Premature tensioner wear I imagine and risk of cambelt snapping? Being an Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Link to post Share on other sites
stats007 0 Posted May 7, 2009 Author Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 Those were my thoughts. So as a precaution first thing to do is new cambelts and tensioners - Quote Link to post Share on other sites
fmxa 77 Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 I check mine religiously every 12 months. JAE parts in Santa Barbara have new belts 300% stronger (or something like that) for the V8. Quote Paddle Faster, I hear Banjos! Link to post Share on other sites
ifly 1 Posted May 7, 2009 Report Share Posted May 7, 2009 I check mine religiously every 12 months. JAE parts in Santa Barbara have new belts 300% stronger (or something like that) for the V8. I do hope the folks at JAE are OK, seeing the SB fires this morning does make you wonder, especially after living in SoCal for over 12 years myself and seeing some horrendous fires in LA, OC and SB. Quote Heaven is where the police are British, the chefs Italian, the mechanics German, the lovers French and it is all organized by the Swiss. Hell is where the police are German, the chefs British, the mechanics French, the lovers Swiss and it is all organized by the Italians. You make something idiotproof, they'll make a better idiot You think professional is expensive, just wait until you pay for amateur. Link to post Share on other sites
hykam 1 Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 Paul, How much is the better timing belt from JAE ? I am in the process of changing it now, after 4 years. Raymond Quote Raymond Yellow V8 in HK Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 705 Posted May 27, 2009 Report Share Posted May 27, 2009 The Gates timing belts are 131USD each. Cheers, Mike S Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Link to post Share on other sites
freshcut 0 Posted May 28, 2009 Report Share Posted May 28, 2009 I'm curious about the JAE belts as well. Just dropped mine off for a replacement this afternoon. Should have it back in a couple weeks (or so they're saying). I'm thinking that by the next timing belt replacement, I should be comfortable enough working on it to tackle the job. Seeing as I've only done minor repairs so far, I'm not confident enough (or properly equipped with special tools) to tackle the timing belts just yet. Also, does anyone have any experience with the JAE tensioners and idlers? I'm curious if they might be a better alternative to OEM based on price and quality. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Günter 28 Posted May 29, 2009 Report Share Posted May 29, 2009 Being an Quote ********************************************************************* to name the things if I see them, that's what I call integrity.. ********************************************************************* Link to post Share on other sites
rusty55125 0 Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 I actually like to work on my 98 Esprit and my belts are due to be checked. They were replaced in 2007 at the 24K service mark. I am now at 35K and would like to check them myself. What types of things do I need to look for? Does anyone know where to get the program and mic for testing the tension? What is the typical cost for replacing the belt, including labor if I just have it done? Do you need to remove the motor to change the belts? Scott Quote Link to post Share on other sites
mike_sekinger 705 Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 Hi Scott, I can Quote 1996 Esprit V8, 1998 Esprit V8 GT, 1999 Esprit S350 #002 (Esprit GT1 replica project), 1996 Esprit V8 GT1 (chassis 114-001), 1992 Lotus Omega (927E), 1999 Esprit V8SE, 1999 Esprit S350 #032, 1995 Esprit S4s, 1999 Esprit V8 GT (ex-5th Gear project), 1999 Esprit V8SE ('02 rear) 1999 S350 #002 Esprit GT1 replica Link to post Share on other sites
freshcut 0 Posted July 1, 2009 Report Share Posted July 1, 2009 I just had mine replaced under warranty in the SoCal area and the original quoted price (before warranty coverage) with new idlers and tensioners was $2300. This was at a Dealership, but have been told that it's less expensive at an independant specialist shop if you have one in your area that is familiar with the timing belt replacement proceedure. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rogerch 63 Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 I've just been asked to help a V8 owner change his timing belts, mines a 4cyl so doing a V8 is a bit more daunting, are there any how to's experience based observations, things I need to know. Tension gauges, dial gauges, what am I getting myself in to here? Roger Quote Life is like a sewer, what you get out of it, depends on what you put into it. (Tom Leahrer) Link to post Share on other sites
fmxa 77 Posted July 7, 2009 Report Share Posted July 7, 2009 (edited) Hi Raymond, I'll find out today and get back to you. If you need a set I'll be in HK in a few weeks. Paul **update - price for the new and improved belts are $142USD Paul, How much is the better timing belt from JAE ? I am in the process of changing it now, after 4 years. Raymond Edited July 7, 2009 by fmxa Quote Paddle Faster, I hear Banjos! Link to post Share on other sites
fmxa 77 Posted July 11, 2009 Report Share Posted July 11, 2009 I just found out the belts are priced individually, (although who'd want only one belt is beyond me!) so a set is $284. Quote Paddle Faster, I hear Banjos! Link to post Share on other sites
freshcut 0 Posted July 12, 2009 Report Share Posted July 12, 2009 You will also need setting and tolerance pins for the camshafts if you don't have access to those, as well as cranskshaft indexing pin. Since there are no timing marks you will also need a timing wheel and clavis gauge or as some have used, a mic and instrument tuning program on a laptop to set the tension. There are several available on the internet with "Tune it" being one that I have downloaded specifically for this purpose. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rogerch 63 Posted July 12, 2009 Report Share Posted July 12, 2009 So you can't just line up the marks, slacken off the tension, slide the belts off slide the new ones on, retention and off you go? (oh turn it by hand 2 full revolutions) Roger Quote Life is like a sewer, what you get out of it, depends on what you put into it. (Tom Leahrer) Link to post Share on other sites
Günter 28 Posted July 12, 2009 Report Share Posted July 12, 2009 no 'marks' -as you have holes in the camshafts. with fully variable intermediate drive for the belt on outside.. . And mention that 'tension' means only on on right position -as you have two separate 4-pot banks it means there are different positions around the crank circle for each cylinder bank ! Quote ********************************************************************* to name the things if I see them, that's what I call integrity.. ********************************************************************* Link to post Share on other sites
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