Oh where do I start??????

[lxesprit]

Oh where do I start.

I have looked at my 86 turbo and have to start work on the following:

Change the oil.

replace mirror glass in both mirrors.

repair drivers door mirror

replace mirror

[Splashout]

They are all fairly easy jobs just take your time and make sure you read the manual a couple of times if you are confused as its easy to get the wrong model in there! I have done bucket loads to mine so if I can ever be of assistance just ask

[lxesprit]

Hi Glyn,

Thanks for that, I have noticed that there was a change of some type in 1985. Do you know what it was and when the cut off date was? My car was registered in March 1986, the VIN number shows 1985.

regards

paul

[Splashout]

No sorry i dont know exactally what or when. But I have noticed when doing many things that you can actually find it described or represented better in a different model eg a slightly different picture

If you do get completly stuck there is always lotus technical who are verry helpfull

[WayneB]

The Turbo Esprit went to Ventilated front disc brakes and calipers(Toyota sourced) and also different front suspension to accomodate them, around 85. Wayne 83 Turbo

[matk]

Paul

Just a short note re the "petrol tank" noise. I tracked a similiar noise in mine down to a loose engine cover and boot flooring. You might want to check yours?

Regards

Mat 79 S2

[lxesprit]

Thanks for that mate, I have noticed that the cover is lose. Did you find some latches for it?

paul

[matk]

Paul

Not exactly sure how standard mine is as it's been rebuilt in the past. Also I've got an S2 not sure if same as S3? Engine cover has elastic rubber catches either side to hold it to the boot floor. Their is also a hinged access panel which locks with 2 adjustable metal hook type catches into the engine cover.

The boot floor has 2 removable panels either side of the engine that bolt into the chassis. The bolts were missing on mine originally causing the floor to "bang" as I hit undulations in the road - easy fix, new bolts!

Not sure if this helps...........

Regards

Mat 79 S2

[Guest Troy Halliday]

Hold of on the wing mirrors mate, I think I am close to finding the true identity of these little blighters . That is the later type though.

Make sure you get both the parts catalogue and workshop manual, as you will use the parts catalogue more than the workshop book.

Here is a tip before removing something from the car that will make it un driveable look at the parts manual and see what nuts and bolts are used in that particular job. If possible have a look at the offending item before commencing work to see how rusty the bolts/nuts are and give it a good few sprays of WD40 or the like. If they look pretty rusty source new good quality nut/bolts before you start the job. I say this as I have stripped my car completely down to every nut and bolt and out of every 10 bolts, 4 undone, 3 snapped, and 3 needed cutting of or drilling out. I think lotus must have had their fasteners treated with brine I have replace every single nut and bolt on the car so far. Now I may just have been unlucky but that was my experience. Better to be safe than sorry.

I may not be going to work tomorrow depending on the weather so I may be going to Rob Sport to get my reconditioned light motors. I have already talked to them about a few parts I want them to see if they recognise and they said if I bring them down with me they

[lxesprit]

I have started on it.

Got the service manual and:

Wing mirrors striped and repaired Work OK. - new mirror glass on order.

New door rubbers, oil filters and wiper blades on order.

Ordered the parts manual.

Got a Blaupunkt DX-R70 will put it in on the weekend.

The next two questions I have are has anyone used "liquid leather" to recolour the seats / trim? and does anyone have any information about how the turbo boost gague works. (I guess it is either pressure or vacuum)

Cheers

paul

[Guest Troy Halliday]

Glad to hear about the mirrors Paul.

As for the leather question if you follow this link Unity 1 and go to Seat removal/refurb you can see some pica of just what your talking about.

I've got a huge package arriving on Friday can't wait for it to arrive so I can get this project moving in the right direction. It feels like Christmas everytime a package arrives and feel like armageden when the bill comes in

Mind you I have already had offers to purchase the car when it's finnished and I'm not far into the rebuild. Mmmmmmm maybe I should say yes and get one of thse V8 things or a Sport 300 ..............................