Important Warning To All V8 Owners Please Read

[Zhastaph]

As some of you have probably seen one of my fuel tanks has rusted to the point that it leaks. Everything I read indicates a design fault on the part of Lotus to do with foam padding under the tank, and peeps seem to be happy to accept that - even though Lotus say they changed the material to stop this.

I haven't had my tank out yet, infact i've come to an agreement with Cos @ Sportmotive that he'll do it plus a load of other stuff that I've been putting off on the engine in exchange for my house

But from what I can see the areas of the tank that are rusty are around the sides and not underneath. Also from the brown marks against the fibreglass it looks like water has been pooling up in there causing a water line, which can only have come from above. For this peeps blame the window seal.

===

Now the scary bit - I've had my Esprit for 3 years and in that time the gater on the fuel filler has always been shagged, I've never done anything about it because you cannot see it and I don't really spill petrol down there - however when it rains water pours in there and goes straight down the side of the fuel tank!!!!!!

A leaking petrol tank is probably one of the most expensive and pain in the arse jobs that can go on our cars, if your fuel filler gater looks even a little suspect do not chance it, get it replaced today!!!!!

[andyblackman777]

Thanks colin mine is just like that i'll get o it right away!

Hope you get it sorted

cheers Andy

[jeff_hooper]

Thanks colin mine is just like that i'll get o it right away!

Hope you get it sorted

cheers Andy

These grommets are like

Edited May 28, 2007 by jeff_hooper

[superdavelotus]

Yes mine is split and I've ordered one at the weekend! Thanks for the advise, never thought of that!

[Pred247]

I've been meaning to replace mine for a little while now. I will do it ASAP!

Thanks fir the kick up the ass!

John

[Fred Basset]

Just out of interest I believe this rubber parts are the same as a part fitted to the M100 Elan inlet trunking. Mine has been replaced but split again in less than 2000 miles, I have an addition problem with mine as it starts throwing on the Check Engine Light with a daft code when this happens.

Regards

Fred

[superdavelotus]

Yes it is an Elan part no.A100L0077F

[arbell9]

My single one is split on my GT3 and I assume it is the same as the two on the V8. Dave as you have just ordered one what part number did you use and is it straight forward to do a DIY swap?

Cheers

Alex

[superdavelotus]

Hi Alex,

On the later V8's they only fill up on the passenger side so only have one filler.

I order one from PNM on Tuesday with the above part number. I spoke to Pete today and he actually ordered two which should be with him next week. I pm John AKA Predator about this but haven't heard back from him.

Problem with this part is it's probably old stock being an Elan M100 part. They could be anything upto 17 years old! Iam not saying that the part I receive will be this old but it may have the potential of being pretty old.

[arbell9]

Hi Dave,

I found this at SJsportscars

Fuel system | Petrol tanks

FUEL FILLER NECK GROMMET X046L6001Z EACH 7.45

Is this the same part? I am awaiting Chris Neil to get back in touch with a part quote.

thanks

Alex

Just to show what mine is like. It was something on my list to do but really I kind of ignored it. (Bad Boy Alex)

Edited May 31, 2007 by Alex --GT3--

[Fred Basset]

Yep same as on mine. I think I'd change that one if I was you.

Regards

Fred

[Bibs]

I've heard on the grapevine that...

Lotus are concerned about the premature failure of the Fuel Neck Grommet. They have checked both of their V8's. The 1995 Car (twin fillers) - Both Grommets are cracked and are showing signs of the rubber going brittle. These parts have been on the car since late 1997 so are now 10 years old. In their 2003 car the grommet is going hard and there are minute cracks visible.

The original use of the grommet (introduced in 1988) was on the Elan (M100).

The specification was updated at the end of 1997 to a more durable rubber.

They have requested that all stock in their stores is returned to Engineering for inspection.

They will be able to see if there is any degradation due to age.

They would expect these components to have a life of at least 8 years before replacement is necessary.

If they are being replaced after 3 or 4 years there may be something wrong.

As has been said the failure of this grommet can result in water ingress above the fuel tank. Constant water on top of the fuel tank is a recipe for disaster.

As soon as they find out what is happening I will update you.

[Simon350S]

Nice one Bibs....

Not about what you know...... its who you know....!!!!!

Simon

p.s. quick fix, why not goup it up with a tube of clear silicone sealant, a FULL tube EACH side should do the trick, and it'd probably last forever........ being clear you'll never know its there......

Just dont put the cap back on till it dries.....!!!!!

[actwon]

These grommets are like

[Simon350S]

Try armour-all in the uk, think its kinda the same stuss as just mentioned......

Keeps it moist.......

mmmmmmmmmmm................... moist...............

[actwon]

Try armour-all in the uk, think its kinda the same stuss as just mentioned......

Keeps it moist.......

mmmmmmmmmmm................... moist...............

Simon,

They may want ot use something else. Armour All here in the states causes havok on rubber and plastic parts. I remember another product called Finish2001. I used to use this on my old car. It was great! Is that available over there?

[Simon350S]

Really??

Thats not good to hear.....

It says its a plastic and rubber conditioner though????

Used it on my sidewalls and on my old 205GTI on the plastic trims, thought It'd be better than that 'Back to Cack' stuff which is just like a black varnish and leaves much everywhere...... Like on my laptop bag...!!!!

This is the stuff I use... is it the same as what your talking about??

Better keep an eye on it and make sure it isnt causing an issue.. what kinda things were happening????

Not sure about finish 2001, will take a look.....

Simon

Edited June 1, 2007 by Simon350S

[actwon]

Really??

Thats not good to hear.....

It says its a plastic and rubber conditioner though????

Used it on my sidewalls and on my old 205GTI on the plastic trims, thought It'd be better than that 'Back to Cack' stuff which is just like a black varnish and leaves much everywhere...... Like on my laptop bag...!!!!

This is the stuff I use... is it the same as what your talking about??

Better keep an eye on it and make sure it isnt causing an issue.. what kinda things were happening????

Not sure about finish 2001, will take a look.....

Simon

Just stuff like people's dash's were starting to crack becuase of it. However, in retrospect, it was during the late 80's early 90's. So I'm sure they have changed their formula several times since.

[superdavelotus]

Alex, It's same part but I have already ordered from Lotus. Not really bothered for a few quid difference. I won't have to pay any carriage from PNM!

It's

[glynherron]

Alex, It's same part but I have already ordered from Lotus. Not really bothered for a few quid difference. I won't have to pay any carriage from PNM!

It's

[Günter]

p.s. quick fix, why not goup it up with a tube of clear silicone sealant, a FULL tube EACH side should do the trick, and it'd probably last forever....

no laughter please, ok it's not professional or OEM, but my favourite way

i'f done it with black "sicaflex" Poleuretan sealant/glue (known as windscreen sealant/ also used in boat building) . It gives a good conection to the old rubber and matches the colour. -sure "sicaflex" isn't cheap but i had opened a tube for other utilization and think it is a good plase to "store" the waste