Web Analytics Made Easy - Statcounter
I'm crying...! - Page 2 - Esprit Chat - The Lotus Forums - Official Lotus Community Partner Jump to content
Lotus Merchandise & Parts Sale ×


IGNORED

I'm crying...!

Rearwheelaction

By Rearwheelaction
in Esprit Chat

 Share

Recommended Posts

rogerch Newbie

rogerch

Posted
Posted

Good question, looks like my paranoia of get mine 1 tooth out when replacing the belt was misplaced. :yes:

Life is like a sewer, what you get out of it, depends on what you put into it. (Tom Leahrer)

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Upgrade today to remove Google ads and support TLF.
  • Replies 49
  • Created
  • Last Reply

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

Top Posters In This Topic

Popular Days

  • Gold FFM
Sparky Veteran

Sparky

Posted
  • Gold FFM
Posted

Quite a few, actually. I haven't done the numbers but 2 or 3 doesn't cause these lumps a problem. Wouldn't want to run them that way though!

Anyway, after much investigation, pontification, and head-scratching, I found absolutely nothing wrong with the engine. So I fitted a new belt, muttered a few hopeful words to the supreme being, and turned the key. Ran like a dream and came back with a new MoT. A couple of bits and pieces to tweak and it's done. :D

Cheers for mucking in, wookie! And of course Trev, without whose heckling and pointing I'd have a very boring day.

More belt photos to follow. Warning - they're very scary.

British Fart to Florida, Nude to New York, Dunce to Denmark, Numpty to Newfoundland.  And Shitfaced Silly Sod to Sweden.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
wookiecj Newbie

wookiecj

Posted
Posted

Don't you just love it when a pain plan comes together!

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice.<br />

<br />

In practice, there is!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
wookiecj Newbie

wookiecj

Posted
Posted

Pete, I think you'll find that the rooms are inside the house........

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice.<br />

<br />

In practice, there is!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Gold FFM
Sparky Veteran

Sparky

Posted
  • Gold FFM
Posted

Photos sorted now. Quite a few of them, but I think it's important to convey the true horror of this belt.

I wasn't happy just to change the belt, so today did a comprehensive check on absolutely everything. All sprockets examined closely, all ancillaries checked for nastiness, cam covers off, valve clearances checked, buckets and cam lobes checked - you name it, we looked at it. Finally decided that there should be no engine problem that could cause this issue. Put it all together, ran it (sweet), and the went under to check for leaks. That's when I found something squirreled away on the chassis near the belts. The smoking gun? I don't know. I'd like to think so, as it'd at least give me a reason, but I'm not convinced! You'll see it in the last couple of pics, which aren't too good, but the tip has been ground away. Yes, I know I'm clutching at straws...

DSC_9453.jpg

DSC_9454.jpg

DSC_9459.jpg

DSC_9461.jpg

DSC_9469.jpg

DSC_9470.jpg

DSC_9476.jpg

DSC_9478.jpg

DSC_9482.jpg

DSC_9488.jpg

DSC_9492.jpg

DSC_9493.jpg

DSC_9499.jpg

DSC_9500.jpg

British Fart to Florida, Nude to New York, Dunce to Denmark, Numpty to Newfoundland.  And Shitfaced Silly Sod to Sweden.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
comem47 Contributor

comem47

Posted
Posted (edited)

Sure did look like a 1/2 round belt on a trapezoidal cam sprocket or vice versa. That was a horrific sight!!! :shock:

Edited by comem47
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rearwheelaction Newbie

Rearwheelaction

Posted
  • Author
Posted

That is mental.....I don't recognise the screwdriver but will be asking my last mechanic. I'm just glad it didn't wreck the engine. Im one lucky boy. Thanks for everyones help and especially Sparky who has done a great job....

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Trevsked Enthusiast

Trevsked

Posted
Posted

Plenty of investigation and guesses about how it happened but nothing concrete but another banana live because of the magic that is Sparky. The bigger the problem the better he performs.

Trevor.

I'll get around to it at some point.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rich H Newbie

Rich H

Posted
Posted (edited)

In the aircraft world that is FOD - Foreign Object Debris

Has trashed many an engine...

Edited by Rich H

Lotus Esprit S4 - Work in progress

Porsche 924 Turbo - Parts chaser

Smart Roadster Coupe - Hers

Link to comment
Share on other sites
GavinT Enthusiast

GavinT

Posted
Posted

Holy Crap Batman :shock:

Now the lesson to be learned here is KEEP A TIDY TOOL BOX. Then you'll know if you have a' thingy', 'a what's it' or 'a you know' MIA.

muttered a few hopeful words to the supreme being, and turned the key.

So glad I'm not the only one that does this..

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CHANGES Enthusiast

CHANGES

Posted
Posted

Great thread....I have never seen a belt that bad come off an engine that is not full of bent bits......That has got to be the best save since the 1966 world cup by Gorden banks...well done sparky... :unworthy:

Dave L.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
wookiecj Newbie

wookiecj

Posted
Posted

The belt, in the flesh, is MUCH worse than the pictures indicate.... it is absolutely horrific.

In theory there is no difference between theory and practice.<br />

<br />

In practice, there is!

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Gold FFM
Sparky Veteran

Sparky

Posted
  • Gold FFM
Posted

Right place, right time. All we did was a routine belt change (well, with all the extra checks). Kudos to Gareth for reacting to it in time.

With Gareth's OK I'll keep the belt for my Black Museum. I could dine out on it for years!

British Fart to Florida, Nude to New York, Dunce to Denmark, Numpty to Newfoundland.  And Shitfaced Silly Sod to Sweden.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rich H Newbie

Rich H

Posted
Posted

Looking at the belt again and the tooth profile that remains could it be that that screwdriver has jammed the oil pump pulley briefly which was enough to mangle the belt?

The reason I say this is that the teeth are all worn on one side possibly indicating they were dragged over a stopped pulley, the only pulley that can be stopped (Briefly) without harm is the oil pump. The pressure would have dipped pretty quickly though so I can't have been for long. After then the damage had been done so the normal running would have exacerbated the wear until it slipped a couple of teeth.

Lottery ticket time!

Lotus Esprit S4 - Work in progress

Porsche 924 Turbo - Parts chaser

Smart Roadster Coupe - Hers

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Gold FFM
Sparky Veteran

Sparky

Posted
  • Gold FFM
Posted

Rich - that's essentially Trev's guess, and the most logical scenario. Would've been nice to see some witness on the aux sprocket though!

Look on the bright side Gareth - could've been £5000 plus. :shock:

British Fart to Florida, Nude to New York, Dunce to Denmark, Numpty to Newfoundland.  And Shitfaced Silly Sod to Sweden.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Rich H Newbie

Rich H

Posted
Posted

I assume you had a good look as the oil pump casing too? Maybe the steel blade of the screwdriver jammed the pulley but the plastic handle hit the softer ali?

Anyway glad it was an easy fix! :thumbsup:

Lotus Esprit S4 - Work in progress

Porsche 924 Turbo - Parts chaser

Smart Roadster Coupe - Hers

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Simon350S Rookie

Simon350S

Posted
Posted

Pulley jammed shaw exactly my thinking as well. Can't see how damage, quite that comprehensive, could have happened any other way?

The pump is on the slack side of the belt as well which would make it slightly easier to jam and allow slippage. The damage on the screwdriver looks quite fresh in the pics.

Very luck boy indeed.

Chunky Lover

Link to comment
Share on other sites
rogerch Newbie

rogerch

Posted
Posted

That's a point, did anyone check the ignition timing before pulling it apart ? :huh:

Life is like a sewer, what you get out of it, depends on what you put into it. (Tom Leahrer)

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Gold FFM
Sparky Veteran

Sparky

Posted
  • Gold FFM
Posted

It's engine-managed, Rog, so no distributor to drive.

Rich - inspected everything for damage - not a sign.

British Fart to Florida, Nude to New York, Dunce to Denmark, Numpty to Newfoundland.  And Shitfaced Silly Sod to Sweden.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
  • Gold FFM
Sparky Veteran

Sparky

Posted
  • Gold FFM
Posted

Well, the S4 made it back to Lincoln! Phew.

British Fart to Florida, Nude to New York, Dunce to Denmark, Numpty to Newfoundland.  And Shitfaced Silly Sod to Sweden.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
pete Veteran

pete

Posted
Posted

Well, the S4 made it back to Lincoln! Phew.

same trailer it came down on? :gathering:

hindsight: the science that is never wrong

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
 Share
Go to topic listing

Upgrade today to remove Google ads and support TLF.


×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience, serve personalized ads or content, and analyze our traffic. By clicking " I Accept ", you consent to our use of cookies. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.