Do's and don'ts when driving the Esprit

[cschriks]

I have tried to come up with a list of things that you should or should not do if you want to keep your Esprit in top condition. Please add your own.

1. Remember to put it in first gear before selecting reverse!

2. Do not steer when standing still!

3. Leave the engine running for between 1 and 2 minutes before switching off, allowing the turbo to cool.

4. Never leave your foot on the clutch while in traffic, select neutral while stationary. This takes the strain off the clutch!

5. Double-declutching on down changes will make changing gear easier and reduce wear. Do this by using the clutch to select neutral, then again to select the gear down.

6. Do not pull up headlamps over 140 Km/h!

7. Keep RPM below 4000 during first 15 minutes of drive!

8. Close sunroof before opening hatch!

9. If the temperature starts to rise, stop and let the engine cool before continuing your journey.

10. Do not pull spoiler to open up the hatch.

[LotusS4S]

3. Leave the engine running for between 1 and 2 minutes before switching off, allowing the turbo to cool.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've talked to mechanics, and others that say that 15-30 seconds is all you should wait, as 1-2minutes is too long, and it's not a good idea to keep your car idling for that long...

EG-

[DanR]

I've talked to mechanics, and others that say that 15-30 seconds is all you should wait, as 1-2minutes is too long, and it's not a good idea to keep your car idling for that long...

EG-

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good advice (for the mechanic) cultivate future work.

[njgsx96]

I don't know if 15 seconds is long enough. I always do a minute, maybe or 2. Always have on each of the 5 turbo cars I have owned without any problems. To each their own though.

[Paul C]

I don't know if 15 seconds is long enough.  I always do a minute, maybe or 2.  Always have on each of the 5 turbo cars I have owned without any problems.  To each their own though.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think it's dependent on the condition your Esprit is when you get home,

I consider the the state the engine will be in then, and act accordingly.

For example, the last couple of miles home for me is in a suburban area with

low 30mph speed limits. When the car rolls up on my drive she has had two miles

at around 3000rpm and the turbo has not been used in anger. She sits as long as

it takes me to open the garage door then i turn off.

Likewise, on sunday when i get to the donnington show after a boosty hour on

the motorway, i'll give her a couple of minutes before turning off...

[lrg_machine]

as 1-2minutes is too long, and it's not a good idea to keep your car idling for that long...

EG-

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think if your car won't idle for 2 minutes then you've got something major wrong with it anyway.

So what do you do when stuck in traffic / waiting at lights, turn the car off?

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

DO - Drive it like you stole it......

DON'T - Drive Below 3/4 boost at all times.

DON'T - break the speed limit more than twice on any one journey...... (once on the way up to 140 mph and once again on the way back down when you're parking)

Any more?!

(oh and perhaps..... Don't - look TOO closely at my avatar! )

[rocket63]

DO - Drive it like you stole it......

DON'T - Drive Below 3/4 boost at all times.

DON'T - break the speed limit more than twice on any one journey...... (once on the way up to 140 mph and once again on the way back down when you're parking)

Any more?!

(oh and perhaps..... Don't - look TOO closely at my avatar! )

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

But DONT boot it round the roundabout. Eh Fishy

Are you going to Donny? I will bring the photo's of how your pride and joy used to be

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

I managed to get a few too before I broke it! I should be going (alas not IN it ) but I'd love to see ny pics you have and ask about her history

She will look the absolute business when finished tho I am just waiting for Lotus to do the Seats at the mo. I test drove it the other day :P

[Mark Blanchard]

it's not a good idea to keep your car idling for that long...

Why isn't it a good idea? What problems does it cause?

I've always let the car idle a few minutes and never had any problems in 3 years of owning it. However, I did have problems at first when I just got in and drove it.

[lrg_machine]

Why isn't it a good idea?  What problems does it cause?

I've always let the car idle a few minutes and never had any problems in 3 years of owning it.  However, I did have problems at first when I just got in and drove it.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mark

I think his mechanic is just trying to drum up some business fixing failed turbos, it is coming up to the holiday season after all.

There's no problem letting a car idle at all.

[rocket63]

I managed to get a few too before I broke it! I should be going (alas not IN it ) but I'd love to see ny pics you have and ask about her history

She will look the absolute business when finished tho I am just waiting for Lotus to do the Seats at the mo. I test drove it the other day :P

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I will take them with me Rob either way. So are you near completion now???

[karluk29]

i say sod it kill the turbo there not expensive yeah yeah,,,ive had 2, first reason was no dump valve errr and trying to donut with my monster wheels on lol,,,,,second low oil pressure which i always seem to have, mmmMMMMM

p.s. anyone have turbo problems, seriously get hold of me i have a cheap place i belive, rebuild was