oil filter

[TSD]

what's the best technique for getting the oil filter off? I can *almost* get my r-hand onto the filter from underneath but can't see how I'm going to twist it loose. theres a big coolant hose in the way.

Also Mobil 1 only comes in 0w40 here. I'm guessing this will be fine - any downsides to a 0w oil when cold?

[Jussi]

This is a good question, cause we either couldn't replace oil filter ourselves (we just couldn't reach it and no tool fit here). I'm gonna get replaced it when I get my spare-parts (they have some experience, I hope).

I use Valvoline Racing 20W50 motor oil, that's a way cheaper than Mobil.

So Wayne tell us your trick how to change oil-filter yourself (and with photos, please)

[WayneB]

Dont really have a problem changing oil filter, I just climb up into luggage space,kneel down, lean over engine and reach under plenum and twist it off! If its too tight I use a strap socket and a rachet to loosen it off. I would not use 0w-40 Mobil 1 as its so thin when cold it will leak from engine like crazy. Use either the 15w-50 Mobil 1 or Jussis fave Valvoline 20w-50( and a genuine Lotus or Crossland oil filter) Sorry no pics, but will take some if you guys are in trouble!

Edited May 6, 2005 by WayneB

[Jussi]

Yes pics please I'm interested about your strap socket and rachet, are those normal tools? Because we tried with normal strap socket and it even didn't fit to loose oil filter

[WayneB]

The strap socket, Ive had it for 30 yrs! ( bought from Motorists Discount Centre) Its a Thin Nylon loop strap attached to a socket. When you wind the socket in to it anti-clockwise it tightens around the filter and grips it tightly also applying force to the filter to relise it. I have never found another filter Tool that works as good as this. Never liked hammering a screwdriver through them to get them off. Is it true Mobil 1 15w-50 is not available over there? ( Get mine from Wally-Mart)

[Jussi]

So I think we have too thick strap socket then Hammering a screwdriver through filter sounds pretty brutal and there aren't much place Damn we might need proper strap socket then.

[TSD]

I tried from above as suggested, sitting in the boot, but there's some emissions stuff in the way. I moved some of the pipes but still can't get much of a grip on the filter with my hand. Perhaps on an carbed model, it's easier to get to.

So I bought two oil wrench sockets today, and of course neither fit. One shorted out on something - mental note, disconnect battery...

So now I'm onto the screwdriver through the filter. After about an hour and two holes I've managed to move the filter about 30 degrees, but I still can't undo with my hand and I'm fed up. Will try again tomorrow.

Once this is done, I will leave oil changes to the Lotus garage. Whatever the cost, it's worth it.

[TSD]

I tried from above as suggested, sitting in the boot, but there's some emissions stuff in the way. I moved some of the pipes but still can't get much of a grip on the filter with my hand. Perhaps on an carbed model, it's easier to get to.

So I bought two oil filter wrenches today, and of course neither fit. One shorted out on something - mental note, disconnect battery...

So now I'm onto the screwdriver through the filter. After about an hour and two holes I've managed to move the filter about 30 degrees, but I still can't undo with my hand and I'm fed up. Will try again tomorrow.

Once this is done, I will leave oil changes to the Lotus garage. Whatever the cost, it's worth it.

Edited May 7, 2005 by TSD

[WayneB]

The reason they get overtightened is that the filter holds the Mocal oil cooler sandwich plate as well.(aluminium casting with 2 thick hoses coming from it) When the "O" ring seal get old and hard it takes more clamping force to seal it. Buy a new seal for it (cheap) and do it at same time as filter change(sorry should have told you this before)

[Jussi]

But still it isn't an easy job, i guess

[WayneB]

This is the strap socket I use to remove stubborn oil filters. I fitted a master electrical cut-out switch( to prevent car from burning to the ground) so I have never had a problem shorting out live terminals on starter solanoid

[TSD]

ha ha

I got the old filter out, after punching 6 holes through the side of it, and rotating about 10 degrees each time. This from underneath. My garage has a half depth pit in it, so this while crouched.

Once loose, I managed to rotate it loose from uptop using left arm. But it definitely wasn't coming out from the top. I had to use a strap to pull the coolant hose out of the way (from topside), then used my right arm to manouver it out from underneath

Finally, I manouvered it past the handbrake cable and some other pipe and it's out.

BUT, get this, the new filter Lotus part number C907E6000W is 11cm tall, where the old filter Coopers Z27A is 9.5 cm tall. And the distance between the back of the starter motor and the face of the oil cooler adapter (Mocal sandwhich plate) is about 11cm. Which means once in situe, there is not enough room to clear the threaded tube which must extend by about 1 cm. In fact, it was wedged between the starter motor and the mocal adapter so no room at all. So presently stuck with a filter that doesn't fit and a filter which fits but is now perforated with 6 screwdriver holes.

NB: This is a 86 HCI Turbo USA 50 state model with Bosch fuel injection (blocking top access to the filter) and a/c.

PS - where did you find the master cut out switch - can you post a photo of it installed - this seems to be a very good idea before I seriously hurt myself.

[TSD]

http://members.vpchat.com/hdr/MG-Archive/Dec2001/0612.html

Looks like some MBGs had the same problem - certain starter motors are bigger than others, thus requiring lower profile oil filters. According to the post, the Cooper Z27a has the anti-drain feature (though how effective, I don't know. It takes a good 5 seconds after startup before the oil pressure gauge needle would budge...)

So unless Lotus has another OEM low profile filter, it seems that going Lotus OEM filter is impossible for some esprits.

ps has anyone tried a 90degree adaptor plate to mount the oil filter upside down? not sure this would fit, but would seem to be a good idea

Edited May 8, 2005 by TSD

[WayneB]

This is the best photo I could take of my oil filter in situe. (Last of original red/orange ones) My new filter(bought last year from Mattys)p.n. C907E6000W measures 9.5cms! I dont know whats going on with your new one(unless Lotus has changed to another manufacturer instead of Crossland) Maybe taking off the air filter housing would have given you the room needed to get it out from the top. Will take photo of cut out switch and will post later. If you dont install filter with anti-drainback valve , you will be hearing the sound of your bottom end rattling .

[TSD]

I bought mine from SJ Sportscars. It's definitely 11cm and too long to fit. I have a good photo of it side by side with the coopers z27a and you can defn. see the difference. Will call SJ tomorrow to see if they know what's going on at Lotus.

[WayneB]

If I were you ,I would now pour myself a double and get hammered! Found this on L.E.W. http://www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EMainten...ter-change.html Found this aswell http://www.espritfactfile.com/Parts.html#OilFilters

Edited May 8, 2005 by WayneB

[TSD]

photos:

1) oil filter wrenches that don't fit - so don't buy these, buy the strap type! and disconnect the battery - I guess even the body of the filter could short on the starter motor

2) difference between the old filter and the new filter. The new filter is too long to fit between the starter motor and the oil cooler adapter plate

3) the limited room between the two; looks easy here, but getting to this angle with your arm requires dexterity. If you look carefully, you'll see a bunjee cord which is being used to pull th e coolant pipe (or a/c?) out of the way.

Who would have thought changing the oil on a car, even a lotus would be such a long story. Apparently on the 340r (elise derivative), you have to take the body shell off to change the battery... so it could be worse.

Now off to search for an oil filter.

[TSD]

Latest update:

the Workshop manual section EA has some notes about the 1986 USA Turbo HCI stating that it should be fitted only with Oil Filter part no B907E6000 due to restricted access.

Lotus Technical Services say that Lotus Part C907E6000W supercedes all other oil filters for the Esprit. They have had several complaints, but maintain that it fits, and that problem could be due to a non-standard starter motor taking up too much room.

SJ does confirm that the supplier for the C907E6000W was changed about 6 months ago. SJ also thought I might have a non-standard starter motor from the photos I took, but this is not in the service records so I don't know.

...

Anyway, I did try again, and although it looks like there might be enough room, I couldn't get it to fit so I replaced it with WIX part WL7078 which cross-references with Crosland 357, Fram PH2857. It fits and has the anti-drain feature. Wix may be the OEM for the Lotus Elise filter, not sure, but they do claim to be the OEM supplier to Lotus on their site.

[Jussi]

Interesting just wondering how common these non standard starter motors are?

[WayneB]

Just measured my starter motor its 220mm long. The new Lotus V8 filter wont fit on my car either