V8 Belt Replacement Procedure

[OnAir]

Does anyone know where I can find a procedure for replacing the cam belts on a V8? I've searched this forum and found a link to the 4-cylinder document, but no luck finding the V8 version.

 

I see that a lot of guys do their own belt changes on the 4-cylinder engines. What about the V8's? Is this still something that the average guy can still do at home, or is it more involved? Any tips? Special tools?

[Trevsked]

It's a job that can be done by anyone with mechanical ability but does require a set of locking pins and also checking the exac cam timing as the sprockets don't have specific locking points. It's a job I left to GST Performance as getting it wrong will cost considerably more. I can't remember the cambelt change times but think it is 6 years so not expensive over all.

Trevor.

[t70]

Its not terribly difficult to do. Use the pins as mentioned, but I use my iphone for tuning the belt. The app I use is called ProTuner. The full instructions are in the service manual which can be had for fairly cheap on ebay.

[OnAir]

Thanks Trevor. I'm still undecided whether I should tackle this myself or leave it for the pros. It shouldn't be too difficult if I have some clear instructions (or even video) to follow.

Hi Mark! Is the iPhone tuning done the same on the V8 as the 4-cylinders? What frequency should I be aiming for? Would you have a source for the pins? I expect that the tensioners should be replaced at the same time?

Edited February 14, 2014 by OnAir

[t70]

You're welcome to give me a call (I'll pm you with my contact info) and I can walk you through the process. I also have 2 sets of timing tools, so you could borrow a set if you like.

[Günter]

As mentioned several times, the 'pins' can be replaced with 4x 4.2mm & 4x 4.7mm drills   ..works the same.

 

The crank positioning tool is simply a piece of round alloy shaft, or made from very hard plastics or wood of the right diameter. A straight cut (groove) fabricated into it in the middle, as needed for the crank pully nose ..and this it.

 

The diming disk is simply a printout on a piece of cardboard, the new timing indications are noted in the service-notes (revised version) and in a note on LotusEspritWorld, there in the V8 Tech section.

 

To measure the frequency for the timing belt simply is a way copied from us V8 guys, as on prior times the 4 cylinder engines used the 'tension'-meter instead of a more handy frequency tool.  There are several free *apps on the market, for heandheld devices like PDA's or phones. TuneIt is just one of those. New frequency ratings are mentioned too in the LEW document, or as said you find it all (and the general procedure) in the workshopbook, this is available as a free download  -but I'm not allowed to say exactly 'where'  ..I guess

 

..simply put terms like 'Manual'  'free'  'Lotus'  and 'Esprit' into a line in google  -and you will find a link from channell.co.uk (Rick)

[CaptainBigleux]

[Link Removed]

Please don't post links to illegal material. There are no official PDF versions of the workshop manual.

 

 

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