TBD

Glad to say I finally got this great piece of software working on my Windows 11 PC. I bought an original OBDlink SX adapter as I have found them to be very reliable. I first connected it through their OBDWiz software to make sue the adapter was working properly, then checked the port configutation and copied it to the Esprit software. PXL_20240719_072827080.mp4

I'm in! If they can deliver before winter. This would save me the headache of building my own (though I've already put a lot of effort in).

Yes, it's a V8. The engine harness is from 2019 (wehen the engine was exchanged) and the O2 sensors are new (and working). Also, the Throttle position sensor is reading correctly (0%). Intake temperature was 49°C, so also reasonable and seemingly correct. I am going to log these values (plus O2 and Manifold pressure) to try to see if anything unexpected is happening. From the web the symptoms seem to lean towards the Idle Air Control Valve.

So I. Was finally able to resolve my high idle when cold issue (the car was idling at 2.000 revs). Turned out two vacuum lines had been interchanged above the left fuel tank, The air injection solenoid was pulling air from the charcoal canister when cold. But I still have an issue when hot. The engine idles rough, swinging between 1200 and 600 rpm. I've tried to search the web, but with diverse results: - IAC (Idle Air Control) - Injectors (these are new upgraded) - Throttle position sensor - Another vacuum leak What do the experts here suggest? How can I narrow it down without throwing parts at the car? It should be noted that I also still have the issue of long cranking to start the engine.

Meanwhile, back to the bigger things. I still haven't gotton to the subject of the charge cooler. This was originally to be done by Komotec as part of their work, but obviously fell apart when we had to move to Ramspott/Brandt. I don't want to sacrifice the luggage space and was really hoping the Pro-Alloy group buy would go through. So, I've been looking through the web for inspiration and aside from the custom intercoolers that Tom Hartje built this solution on LT is so far the best I could find : https://www.lotustalk.com/threads/v8-air-water-intercooler.129177/#post-1900409 . It needs some work to improve the looks and I would use thinner, more appropriate hoses. I was able to source the intercoolers themselves. I don't like the myriad of ducts and adapters he used, so I've been playing around with 3D modelling, finally coming up with this conceptional design. The actual ducts can be 3d printed in aluminium and then welded to the intercoolers. Note that I've already included the fittings for the idle air tube and intake temperature sensor, as well as the blow-off valves. Painting the intercoolers in red is just an idea right now. Now to wait for the next winter to get to the project (enjoying the car right now).

Misha has put the Komotec Emira through the wet on the Nürburgring Starting to like the car now that it has proper power.

Another small project. Completing my collection of folding Lotus keys. PXL_20240513_134738714.TS.mp4

BTW, Hugues, who is organizing this would really like to get 50 Esprit together for the 50th anniversary of the Esprit next year. So we will need a much larger participation from accross the channel and this year may be a great chance to test the waters. We also won't be far from the Bordeaux region and trunk space in the Esprit is big enough for a couple of bottles.

Some inspiration from my playlist:

I did some deep diving under the dashboard yesterday, but could not trace the wires (all I got was a back ache). I did see the ground strap, but couldn't figure out how to gain access without dismantling everything. Obviously our older cars have had a life and every owner has probably made some modifications or repairs, so I did see a couple of strange wired and a "flying" fuse holder that shouldn't be down there. I finally decided to chicken out and install a new ground wire to the scuttle beam. I'm assuming the original ground wire was inadvertently cut sometime, and went for the easier repair since everything else seems to be OK.

So I found this Yes bad earth can give you issues such as that. because you are not getting a full circuit and can lead to reduced spark in the cylinder. Very similar to running a car on when the alternator has died. I have the manual for the 93 and up and I doubt that they changed them much. I can later in the evening here place that page up for you if no one else has if that helps you any. But how to access those earthing points?

So I have a apparent ground issue (why wouldn't a Lotus have ground issues?). It seems the ground signal wire for the instruments is open, which leads to wrong readings for water temperature and boost (the low impedance sensors). I'm reading ~50 ohms between the ground wire and chassis (which would be expected if the wire is grounding through all the instruments). I have the service notes, but I can't find the front ground point. All the service notes say is "on the left front scuttle beam". But I can't find it and don't know how to access that area. Any tips? Anyone have some photos?

Checked that already. The pump primes for 3-4 seconds, so fuel pressure is there. That has been my thought also, implying that its a feature, not a bug.

One of the remaining niggles on my Esprit V8 is that the engine is slow to start. It takes a considerable number of crank cycles before the engine comes on, particularly when she has been sitting for a while. After she starts everything is running as it should. Ramspott & Brandt noted it when I picked up the car, but blamed it as potentially being related to the injectors from RC Injection. Others have said its a feature, not a bug saying Lotus does this intentionally to ensure proper oil flow before start, I have met other V8 owners with the same issue. The fuel pump does prime properly as it should. But, it seems to me that no fuel is being injected until several crank cycles are completed. So, is it a (annoying) Lotus feature or where should I start to look?

Can't imagine why I forgot @Steve V8, thanks to whom I was able to replace the floor mats and trunk carpets. Again many thanks!