Is there anything to test a 1988 w/bosch injection ?

[claimchaser]

I have developed a problem under hard acceleration.The engine cuts out when I get on it A little.It feels electrical but I can't figure out what to test next.I have thought it could be dirty fuel injectors also.Can you use a 3M fuel injection system on it ? And is there anything to scan this cars systems?

[Qavion]

Unfortunately, scanners don't always tell you what you need to know. My 89 SE (with Delco) had this intermittent problem for months and Freescan was only slightly helpful at eliminating things from the manual's faultfinding checklist. I changed just about everything except the ECU and the fuel pump (replaced coil pack, injectors, spark plugs, spark plug leads, fuel cutout inertia switch, fuel relay and checked the ECU circuits for physical damage).

Does your car have 2 pumps? Maybe one of the pumps is playing up? If you know the values to expect, can someone check the fuel pressure for you at higher rpms? Have you changed the fuel pump relays (or at least checked they are secure?). Have you tried putting fuel injector cleaner additives in your fuel system?

Cheers.

Ian R>

[claimchaser]

I always add fuel additive as I can only buy 93 octane fuel around here.I have not checked anything as I travel often and will not be home for more than 3 days until a week from this Thursday,and I will only be home for four days then.My first thought is that it maybe something like a boost pressure switch or something that may shut down the fuel delivery or spark for some reason.It starts ,runs and drives just fine until I get on the throttle a little too fast an it cuts out dramatical.bucking like a horse until I let off the throttle a little and it smooths out like normal.Could this be the problem?

[ozontour]

i had a similar sounding issue with my 88.

it was driving fine and purred like a kitty until i got into it. the problem i had was the wastegate diaphragm. everytime i got a bit of boost up then of course it would overboost and then cut our like you say. quite violently.

the diaphragm itself is not an expensive item, just getting one may be an issue as they have stopped making them for mine, that is why i went to the streetsmart streetgate wastgate.

hope this helps

Justin

[Qavion]

If this is the case, perhaps you could pump up the diaphragm and watch the movement of the wastegate actuator? Just disconnect the hose going to the diaphragm and connect one of the seat lumbar support pumps (if early Steven's cars have them?) to the hose and gradually pump up the diaphragm to see if moves smoothly/silently.

However, there are a lot of other things it could be. When was the last time you checked your spark plugs and leads? Any garage mechanic can do this for you if you don't have the tools handy. Certainly something sounds like it's breaking down under load.

Cheers.

Ian R>

[claimchaser]

I also want to check the fuel pumps,as one may be the culprit.I do remember seeing a small puddle of fuel on the garage floor a few weeks ago,but it did not return.Do both pumps run when the key is on?

[t70]

both fuel pumps run when you turn on the engine.... The wastegate is external and does not have an actuator.... You need to take it off and take it apart and clean it up... they get very rusty and cease up. Try that first and then move on to the fuel system... it takes a while to diagnose the bosch system... so I may need a lot more information.... You can call me on my cell @ 403 581 6875

[jaqnbarb]

Quick questions.

How do I get to the fuel pumps of my 89SE?

Where can I find a step by step method to remove and inspect the fuel injectors?

What is recommended fuel header pressure?

Longer story.

I am having similar issues with my 89 SE. I have replaced the fuel filter. It was sorely needed but made little improvement. Pressure on the fuel rail is at 35 PSI at idle. While at idle I disconnected the spark plug wires one at a time from each spark plug. Cylinders 2&3 made very little change. I tested the spark across each plug while replacing them today and they are all showing good spark. Makes me think the injectors for 2 & 3 are mostly blocked and/or fuel pumps are weak or not working or all of the above. The car has been sitting for almost a year. It has Stabil in the fuel. The gas looked good when I changed the filter earlier this week.

Are the fuel pumps in the RH tank? Looking under the RH cover I see the computer and the tube to the fuel filter and returing from the fuel rail. Looking from the bottom there is only a hole with a cylinder an bolt. I presume a tank drain. On the inside wall is the pipe that connects to the LH tank and the two hoses that lead to the AC compressor. Where are the fuel pumps? How do I get to them?

It is hard to start when it is ice cold and will baaaarely start if the engine has been running for more than 10 minutes. I am presuming that cold start system is providing more fuel. Once it has warmed up a little the cold start system is deactivated and thus low fuel.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jacques

[Qavion]

The car has been sitting for almost a year.

Jacques, this really needs a separate message thread. The SE is quite different from the earlier models. There is only one fuel pump on the SE (and you are correct about it being in the RH tank... below the ECU).

I've been told that it's not good to leave fuel sitting in at tank for so long. It breaks down and seriously affects the octane of the fuel. If you can, I would drain it out (or siphon it out) and fill up with fresh fuel. I would even think twice about keeping the fuel sitting in the tank for a few months. I would do this before messing around with injectors. Also, try resetting all the relays in the boot (including the secondary injector resistor... the grey(?) coloured one on the bottom of the relay box). I would do this before messing around with injectors. There is a procedure online somewhere for changing them, but it can be hard work (and may be an unnecessary expense).

(EDIT) Sorry, didn't realise that Stabil is a fuel preservative... Is it really as good as claimed?

While at idle I disconnected the spark plug wires one at a time from each spark plug.

There is a step in the manual you have to do before doing this (otherwise you are not testing the system properly)... Unfortunately, at the moment, it escapes my memory

Unfortunately, a lot of problems can be generated by long periods of inactivity (not only a flat battery)

Hope this helps.

Cheers.

Ian R>

Edited May 15, 2008 by Qavion

[claimchaser]

Well i have done some reading and it would have to agree with the general consensus and start my work at the wastegate.Does anyone know where I can get a new seal for my my88 wastegate? If I can find one soon enough I can work on it the next time I am home,otherwise it will be another ten days before I am home again from work.

[ozontour]

I was told by Garret in Australia, (who manufacture for Lotus in the UK), that they were no longer making them due to manufacturing issues.

A coupl of years ago, I needed one and the ones I bought kept failing. Apparently this was due to the local guy here subcontracted to make them for Garret Australia, could not make them strong enough. I blew one in the first test they were that weak.

I tried to get old stock from the UK and the US and could not get any that weren't from the same manufacturer here, with the same issues.

Garret said that due to the small volume of them they were to continue manufacturing that product any longer...

Long story short...new wastegate.

the one i put on is a lot more stable, is light weight and is a lot more streamline. Streetsmart StreetGate

Fitted here by a turbo specialist for less than AUD$2800 including towing and a wash. (Brisbane Tuning and Turbo).

Maybe there is a manufacturer in the UK or US I could not find, goodluck!

[claimchaser]

Ok, I have taken the diaphragm part of the wastegate off and the diaphragm appears to be in fine shape.Now I have loosened the two nuts that holds the rest of the wastgate on and disconnected the pressure line.The nuts came off almost too easily but the rest of the unit will not budge.Is there something else I need to remove prior to taking the rest of it off? All I can see are the two nuts and a line going in,is there something in the exhaust manifold holding the wastgate on? Or is this part of the rusty and sticking part I have read about?

Ok. I have inspected the wastegate and all appears to be fine.I just have to locate a new gasket now that I have taken it apart.I'll road test asap and see if ,for some reason it still cuts out or not.Wish me luck!

Edited May 26, 2008 by Doyle

[ozontour]

Try stretching the diaphragm. the hole might not be that apparent just from looking directly at it. its a bit like a balloon. It should take a good deal of stretching without too much trouble.

The last thing you want is to put it back together and have the same issue...

you should be able to get a gasket from your local parts supplier. If they do not sell one, then you will be able to buy some materials and cut one out.

[claimchaser]

YOU WERE RIGHT! I found a split in one of the rolls of the diaphragm.Now all I have to do is find a new one.I have read post on the poor quality of if any replacements that are available.Wish me luck!

Edited May 26, 2008 by Doyle

[ozontour]

Excellent!

Diagnosis is half the battle

Goodluck with your replacement...

Justin

[claimchaser]

Well the parts are on the way from the Lotus dealer in Atlanta.They had all the gaskets and the diaphragm.Pricey for sure,but available so what can you say.I'll let you know when I get it assembled when I get home again in 10 days.Yea,I work a weird schedule.Thanks again for the heads up on the hole in the diaphragm.I have never been more relieved to find damage to a part!

[ozontour]

Sweet!

Glad I could help...I know your pain mate.

Justin

[claimchaser]

All is done and all is good! The parts cost me $350.00us but at least they had them! Going for another test ride now thanks for all the help!!!!

[claimchaser]

Well,It lasted about a month and blew out again! AM I not installing it correctly?I thought I put back like it was but could it have been wrong prior? I see that it has a spacer,and it was installed between the waste gate and the first spacer.It didn't say on the CD between which it was to be installed.Does this question make sense?

[ozontour]

Mornin'

What a bugger aye...?

It is possible and quite probable that you pinched the diaphragm in the re installation process mate, very easy to do.

although I reckon that you got some of the stock that was made when i was doing mine. I ended up putting three in before I was told of the faulty and inadequate diaphragms. Apparently the people who make em are making them out of a different material and they cannot make them to last.

Two of mine did not make it out of the street...

I would bite the bullet mate and put in an aftermarket wastegate. They are cheap and a lot more relieable and effective than the garret ones.

I run a very smooth delivery at 10.5lb and it is just perfect, delivering 230bhp at the wheels...

I still have the old one, but it is only for display in the "Lotus Bar" her ein Mt Cotton.

I know it will not be original, but you cannot see it and it will solve the issue. I have not had an issue with it since...just got to put my clutch back in at some stage.

Hope this helps mate, I feel your pain

Justin

[MrDangerUS]

Any updates or lessons learned on this topic?

Smart man learns from his mistakes, the wise man learns from mistakes of others'

[P902Nice1]

1988 Esprit turbo Bosch injectors are pitted, 2 were somewhat rusty, meaning water/condensation found on them. I need 4 injectors JAE has nothing, an can not cross-reference at this time, help if you have 2.5 Bosch injectors sitting on your shelf in good running condition, my mechanic did everthing he could to breathe life into them, with reviving them.

[Rich H]

Do you know the bosch part number? They will probably still be available.

[P902Nice1]

We gave the part # and it is discontinued indefinitely, Bosch has had many lotus owner ask about this, that's why I'm in this situation, there has to be another car out there that uses the same injector, Bosch has nothing to fix my problem rightnow. Just my luck eh.

Hello Rich H, the lotus part # A910E6941S the bosch part #0437502031 forgot to put the numbers on my last post. Thx

Hello Rich H, the lotus part # A910E6941S the bosch part #0437502031 forgot to put the numbers on my last post. Thx

[sailorbob]

Some German parts sites still list the injectors, they're not cheap though at about 100 Euros each.

The Lotus part number quoted is for Delco system injectors not the Bosch system.

Edited September 9, 2012 by sailorbob