I don't know where to begin

[Popee's esprit]

Hello, I am new to this. My father "Popee" bought a 1987 lotus esprit in 1990 and I have loved the car since the first day I sat in it when I was 13. My father passed 7 years ago and the car has been sitting for 15 years. He had some issues with the car and was trying to fix them himself on the weekends and I have no idea how far he made it or what was wrong. I am now trying to fix it myself and I don't know where to begin. I have oiled down the cylinders and I have it turning over but the gas pedal isn't working and I have no idea how it works or how to get gas to the cylinders. The clutch doesn't work and there is a laundry list of others. I'm wondering if it is easier to find a low mileage wreck w/ a good motor and swap it out or if I should continue trying to trouble shoot all the issues. Does anyone know how to find a complete replacement motor or how to find a full schematic on how to fix the throttle, fuel pump, clutch, etc? I am pretty handy w/ most American cars but this one is a little overwhelming. This was my pops car and he was my boy and I won't stop until it is restored so anyone that can help w/ info I would really appreciate it.

[ramjet]

Welcome to TLF Jason.

 

Lots of guys on here have restored their cars. I'm not going to offer advice, but to say if you can handle American cars, an English car really isn't all that different. Engines just in the middle on this particular one. Don't be daunted by that. If you don't have yourself a workshop manual, you need to get hold of one of them. Invaluable.

 

Lots of guys will come along and say hi so you'll get answers shortly. I notice you've also started a topic in esprit chat, so you'll get seen.

 

Any other questions or issues with using the forums, feel free to ask one of us mods. We're here to help.

[rizla603104]

There is a huge Lotus manual that accompanies each model of car - a large folder which has exploded diagrams and part numbers of everything. I believe they can be downloaded and/or bought secondhand. I'm sure someone will be along shortly to tell you how/where.

 

Good luck with the project. FWIW - I think it is too early to tell if you need to buy a donor engine. It would be worth making sure that the engine has good compression and that the ancillaries are working first.

[The Pits]

Sounds like a big job for a patient man but if it was your Dad's pride and joy it would be worth it. Using someone else's Dad's engine would be a last resort for me but getting the car running again is what matters most. Sounds like that would be quite an emotional day!

Welcome to TLF and let us know how you get on.

Edited December 7, 2013 by The Pits

[Choppa]

Welcome!

 

We are always keen to see photos of these cars especially when they are at the start of renovation project. As you have a basic account at the moment, the best way to get photos onto the site is to upload then onto something like Photobucket and paste the link into your post.

 

Good luck

[LotusX180R]

Hi Jason,

 

The prospect of restoring a car is daunting to say the least, and an Esprit more so.  I know, I am in the process of doing a Steelbro Lotus Seven (which is a much simpler car than an Esprit).  But don't let the challenge keep you from your goal.

 

A bit of proselytizing for a second.  I am also on the originality boat.  ANd since this is your fathers car and his ownership is the reason for taking on the project I suggest keeping it original (or originally modified if he made some of his own mods).  

 

THere are numerous resources available to you.  In addition to The Lotus FOrums which you have already found and is a fantastic resource as it is chock full of Esprit owners, there are also some US based forums, several Esprit web sites, a national Lotus club (US) and a local Lotus group.  The latter for the NJ area is run by me (LotusPALS.ning.com).

 

I submit that no one resource is the answer.  But by immersing yourself in the Lotus community you will Meet a lot of great people, see and learn a lot about Lotus cars - and the Esprit in particular - and be able to find Lotus suppliers and professional who can do work for you that you can not do yourself.

 

Best of luck to you.

[fmxa]

Sounds like a great project Jason and I'm certain you'll get a lot of help form everyone here.

[Popee's esprit]

First, thank you to all of the replies above. I really appreciate the responses and all of the support. I will try to figure out how to upload some pics so you can see my dilemma/progress.

I will first get one of those manuals and the first thing I need to figure out is how to get gas to the cylinders. Does anyone know how the fuel pump works, where it is, etc?

[Kimbers]

Welcome Jason

 

Have you checked the Timing Belt etc before you start turning her over? Even myself, who knows very little hands on mechanics, knows that Lotus + Timing Belt breakage = New Engine.

 

Anything else I'm a dunce with so I'm sure there are loads of guys helping you out on your other thread.