who services their own Esprit?

[red vtec]

Does anyone on here do there own services? I'm in need of an A Service, but from what I have read it is a glorified Oil change. And the charges for it seem stupendous. I was going to do it myself, Plugs, Oil, Airfilter check the rest of the car over. Any reason why I shouldnt?

I'm pretty good with this stuff, I have refitted the rear calipers, bleed the brakes, changed the front hubs etc..

[CBrownstead]

Years ago, I ordered some small rubber stamps, with my name, address and Lotus at the top, I use these in the service book for anytime, I do the work. At least you have a service record for the next owner or yourself, I do the same for my Porsche's . . the ferrari's go to the shop . . .unfortunately . . . but the rubber stamps are cheap and add a good documentation trail . . . I hate to pay a dealer $300 to change the oil . . .

[davegtst]

I haven't done it yet (haven't had the car long enough) but i definatly will be doing it myself. If you know what you are doing then why not.

[rogerch]

I have only done mine once, I only got it last November. Plugs are easy, oil filter, well put something under the car, but not hard, oil, messy, mine came out and sprayed over the lower chassis rail, didn't get it all in the tray.

Only problem was I'm not convinced I got all the old oil out, probably didn't get it all out of the cooler, so I'll be checking on "how to's" before I do it again. But it's easy, worst part is getting it high enough to get underneath. (Don't stay there when you release the sump plug)

Roger B)

[CharlieC]

As long as you're sure its only the basics that need doing then fine. My mechanic tends to go all over the car and tighten and replace all the bits that have worked loose or fallen off so I reckon having the specialist spend a day going over it is worth the cost. My recent A service was nearly as much as my previous years C service. The car is super tight now tho*

*And I'm skint but what the hey!

[Glyn Harper]

I do everything myself. you'll need either an 18mm socket or the correct alan key for the sump plug. And you'll need a new oil filter.

The old ones are a s0d to get off. I always get mine off by hammering a long screwdriver through it and loosening it that way. It's the only way you'll get enough purchase to get the thing turning!

Tried all sorts of devices to get it off cleanly, but you can't really get the access in there to use them.

you won't get all the oil out in one go, as you have the oil lines to the oil coolers, and the oil cooler itself that contains a lot of oil.

Just change your oil regularly and it'll be fine. I do mine about every 3000 miles, or once a year, whichever is soonest. (Usually the latter!!)

Use a good oil as well. I use Redline in mine, but everyone on here has their own favourite really. Just make sure it's synthetic and not too thin! Shell Helix Ultra 0 50 is not a good option as it's far too thin.

Also, I always fill the new oil filter with new oil before I fit it... saves a big air bubble floating round the system until it fills up, and also means you don't have to top it up as much after a few miles.

Spark plugs are easy. just like any other car. As your car is an 88 turbo you should be able to get normal plug and use normal feeler gauges.

The later cars use wire type plugs that need special thin feeler gauges.

If you can change calipers, you can do this stuff with your eyes shut

[juki75]

I just did "A-service" and lots of other repairs and maintenance.

It's better to DIY because you learn and know you car better and it's much cheaper.

Of course it's great fun too!

Jukka

[andydclements]

I do my own servicing, and all work that doesn't require specialist machinery that i don't have ( engine boring, head skimming, valve guide pressing etc).

You will struggle to get the oil out of the cooler, it should be shut off when not hot, but it's not much by volume, and the idea is that you replace a sump worth and that small amount in the cooler & pipes should not be an issue, after all you hardly ever get all the oil out (unless you do a complete strip & rebuild), there's some coating parts, some in the cam carriers, in the pump mechanism, in the galleries etc.

Andy

[Splashout]

Yep another one that does everything them selves.

Having paped myself at first the old man encouraged me and I have done everything from a complet rebuild to an oil change.

Its not that complicated and if you have the manual and take your time no reason not to do it yourself.

[Bibs]

I've moved this topic to 'motoring chat' where it belongs and made it into a poll which should give a more meaningful result to the question

[Advantage]

Where's the 'No, I just point at stuff' option?

[jfitz981]

Hey Guys,

I do the basic stuff on the car and leave the major services to my mechanic...stuff like belts, front suspension. For me it comes down to: do I have the proper tools and am I comfortable with doing the job. If I have doubts then it goes to the mechanic.

Jason

[Autocross7]

Absolutley I do my own work. I find that it actually gets done correctly that way. Also, unlike shops etc, I will take extra time to clean and inspect anything else that happens to be near whatever job I am doing at the time. For example, when I put on a new air pump, I pulled the betls and took a look at the AC Belt tensioner baring - it was fine, but the monting plate was dirty and so I cleaned it well, and painted it. When i put in a new clutch, I put in all new vacuum lines as they were easily reached... etc...

I always keep records of the work done and parts bought and place the info in a 3 ring in chronological order by dates.

I enjoy the feeling I get when the job is done even if I would rather be driving than maintaining and/or repairing. I am lucky to have a couple of buddies that know about how things are doe that are always willing to help out.

Cameron

Edited February 29, 2008 by Autocross7

[Sparky]

All myself, except for anything that needs engineering/fabrication. I find it quite refreshing to work on something that isn't dependent on a dozen computers. Just like the old days.

[Jonathan]

Given a lot of thought to this basically because I do pretty much everything on the car I wondered if servicing it 'officially' would be a thing to miss on.

End of the day, in my honest opinion I would say Get the car serviced....here's why :

1. I have a really good relationship with my local dealer (although I havent been there for 4 months) they know me, they know what I expect of the car and what kinda service I expect. I think it is incredibly important to have a good relationship with a garage who will treat your car well as there are times when you wont be able to do a job and you need to call the pros in. Also means (if the garage are any good) you get preferential booking and favours here and there. Lipscomb are my main dealer and often when I have a issue (ie when the rad blew) they pulled it in straight away and oiked it up on the ramps and gave it a good looking over, 30mins, no charge - its things like that which can be priceless sometimes.

I also get the car back cleaned, heheh saves me from doing it !

2. Re-sell value. 1st time buyers will probably not entertain a car which has no real service history based on the Esprit's un-reliability tag.

3. Going back to point 1 really, but I have had my car serviced a few times and had car threatening problems highlighted (wheel bearings that another company forgot to tighten) - it's not just a case of doing the oil, changing the filter. A good garage with a good engineer will spot problems, have the car on the ramps and also do checks you probably woulddn't do - again can be priceless info.

Finally look at the price - mine needs an A service when I get it finished (very close now) - Lipscomb chargae about

[Jukka]

I voted yes, because I make some small things myself. Changing oil, changing steering wheel, removing front spoiler and put it back again. Things like that. So I learn my car better.

But annually I visit to my carage and they looks that everything is ok in my car. If it need something bigger repair, then they will do it.

Cheers

Jukka

[talon]

I do all the small things myself, like oil changes etc. I will try just about anything myself, but have absolutely no problem handing it to the pros when it is going to consume to much of my time or energy.

[Jeanvm]

I do it all by myself, I love the time spending on the car. It gives me a good feeling. Nobody will come on mine cars. The same with driving only me will sit on the drivers seat.

Jean

[red vtec]

Thanks to Bibs for moving this post wasn't sure where to put it.

Thanks for all the replies. I think i will do the A service myself. As I know it will be done prpoerly and will also save some pennies. I'm used to oil going everywhere, ever changed a filter on a defender?

It's easy to get it high enough just use a decent set of ramps or a set of 4x4 axle stands.

For the bigger stuff I will get my local garage to look after it as I have a good relationship with them.

Finally look at the price - mine needs an A service when I get it finished (very close now) - Lipscomb chargae about

[andydclements]

I think a Lotus specialist would probably come in lower than a racing specialist, you can save hours when you know how to get to bits easily.

Andy

[ozontour]

Due to the lack of people who can/ want to work on the car, i do most myself.

A service is ery simple and if you are going to do anything to your car, always have a good look at anything else close to or related to what you are doing.

Sometimes it is easier to preempt an issue and fix it before it becomes and issue and you have to undo the things you have already previously repaired. no good putting new radiator coolant in if you have a split radiator hose with slow leak.

if there are any questions about anything you can just about guarantee that someone on the forum can help you.

Justin

[Jonathan]

On that note I would ALWAYS take the car to a Lotus specialist or dealer, end of.

The cars have too many 'need to know' fiddly bits that unless you have experience with them you can cock up.

[jcbjs 260]

I will do my own work from now on as there are no lotus garages in N. Ireland and the last two machanics I took the car to made a total balls of the job and I had to fix their mess. Totally pissed off with paying for bad workmanship

[Hippo]

I would love to work on the car but unfortunately i don't know the first thing about it...First sign of trouble and i ring the dealer, im sorry to say...

It amazes me the knowledge that people on here have and i would love to learn even the basics.

I think there should be a university degree course on Lotus Esprits, repair and maintenance etc...

[Tony K]

I do everything myself, and I drive my S1s with 100% confidence.

In addition to receipts, I keep a log book with the following:

DATE --- MILEAGE --- ISSUE --- WORK PERFORMED --- NOTES

(ISSUE is either a problem or a description of the maintenance as per schedule. NOTES includes among other things deviations from stock, original, etc. For example, if a shim is needed somewhere, or a reference to a diagram of a wiring upgrade (S1 fan relays, etc.). Deviations from original are diagramed and kept with the car's records and/or in the service manual designated for that car.

- T