Gearstick snapped

[Sparky]

I agree Steve needs some slack; I also agree that the 'theatricals' serve him no purpose, and he needs to pay very close attention to what he's being told.  I know many like him, and could retire on the pooled proceeds if I were so minded.

 

However, had I bought that from a dealer, I'd be tearing them a new one, no matter how much I loved the car.

[dodge1979]

 Im just confused. The gearbox top up isn't a major issue. Its fiddly unless you take out the boot floor. If its the driveshaft seals on back order...really? As mentioned before its either the seal or the rollpin leaking..if it is coming from that area. Alternatively (unlikely) is leaking from the filler plug. The gearstick 'breaking' isn't a major issue, its a simple fix to replace it whether its a decent used item or a new one sourced. More worryingly though I want to know what suspension is about to drop off... I don't think your having major issues Steve, just some niggles early on. If youd blown a hole in the side of your block, that would be major..

 

As were all helpful guys here, if you want one of us to pop down and visit the car in the workshop and see exactly whats going on with you Im sure it would answer all your questions and speed things along nicely..

[Sparky]

Saw it a few weeks ago, cursory lookover, drove it, felt OK but gutless (found chargecooler inop and slight vacuum issue), noticed a couple of minor oil spots where it had been parked for several hours but nothing to cause major concern.

[vintaylor]

Secret to success on gaining advice is as soon as something happens, take as many pics as you can.  Its hard to pin point the areas you are finding difficulty with, without knowing the proper terminology.

 

I am of course, speaking as a complete novice who lives in another country with no possible physical hands on help from members here (unless any of you guys plan a visit to Malta )

 

Keep the manual handy and each problem you have should be a good excuse to open up the manual and read about the area in question - this will help you learn the names of certain parts.  Nearly every member has a manual here, so its definitely a huge reference to help explain your issues easier.

 

I have a hard copy of the manual, but becoming a FFM here entitles you to a free download of the manual.  All it takes is a quick print screen and some very basic skills on paint and you've got all the referencing bits sorted

[DanR]

How or where do I find the manual download for FFM?

[Vanya]

Suspension dropping off? I'm guessing this alludes to the famous Esprit sagging suspension - most cars I've seen (including mine) have gone way too long without a change of coilovers.

[vintaylor]

How or where do I find the manual download for FFM?

 

Here you go bud  

 

http://www.thelotusforums.com/forums/topic/24273-downloadable-esprit-parts-manuals/

[Bibs]

I've been very reliably informed that Taff @ SGT is one of the finest Esprit technicians you could find with huge amounts of experience and knowledge and really does know his stuff, above and beyond.

 

You should ask him to immediately fix whatever he finds is wrong with the car, pay the bill and just enjoy it. There, a happy ending for you

[Vanya]

Bibs...

 

You make it sound so easy. 

 

Maybe it is? 

[Simon350S]

I like a 'happy ending', usually costs a bit more though.

[910Esprit]

Another supporter for Stimpy posts....   and a thumbs down for sarcasm

[Sparky]

To be fair I've seen very little sarcasm here; more frustration due to lack of detail. After several pages I remain clueless as to the precise nature of a single reported issue.

[Stimpy]

Wow - I saw my email in box and I've created my very own flood! 

How am I going to respond to all this?

 

Oh yeah.  Open another window..... ok - here we go....

[rocket63]

[Stimpy]

Bibs - You're a tricky one to work out 

I've posted a story about what has happened and am just after some thoughts - whether others have experienced a similar fate, what people might think could be a cause, maybe a recommend approach etc.  I'm not asking for the world.  

I work in I.T. and when someone gets into trouble I get a bit of a kick out of explaining things that might help, and the best reward is someone who has succeeded only because of my help.  I realise that forums posts, like emails, can be read wrongly sometimes too.

 

A question "So you think you know everything about real application clusters?" to me could look like a genuine pre-requisite for further help - or a heap of sarcasm.  The point is - My posts have been about what's been happening, what was involved, who has been involved, surprises, surprises, shocks, etc.  I have not been negative and if I have sounded melodramatic then I apologise because my intention has been fact-gathering.  Sorry if I sounded emotional - if that's what it is.

 

So - ....next....

 

fflyingdog:  Taff is one of the best.  He's talked to me about how he's been part of design teams and decision making positions regarding lotus engineering.  His only negative is he can be a bit of a perfectionist. He has a hatred of visible oil outside the place where it's meant to be  He understands I want the car back asap but has constantly inferred that he really isn't happy with that (he just doesn't say it directly).  He's located a pair of seals from another dealer/specialist meaning he does not have to wait for the backorder - he was delighted when I agreed to leave it with him for an extra day or two - he thought I was desperate to get it back.  So I visited today and have left it there.  We spent over an hour under/over/around the car where he gave me a guided tour.  More of that to come.  Again - the 'theatrics' were not deliberate.

 

Ironic ride:  I had an S4s in 2000 for about a year and a half.  I lifted the engine cover off a couple of times.  That's how involved I got regarding finding out more.  Dipstick and oil-filler.  That's all I needed to know.  On getting this current S4s I have learned a lot more due to 1) The web being much bigger for reference and 2) Sparky and Chris's explanations each time I pointed and said "what does that do"?  I have a Stag, Riley Elf and a real mini - with those I know what is what.

 

Also - the idea of getting a new clutch due to slipping 3rd for less than 40 yds?  I agree with you - the idea is ridiculous (and I'm meant to be the 'learner')!!!.

You're right in another respect too - I DO want to keep hold of this one.  I would say 'love at first sight' but that would be too - rem - 'theatrical' :-)

 

Jimblob: Great picture.  The injury is the area comprising part 21 upward.  Especially the 'moving bits'

 

Sailorbob:  Agreed about the clutch - although the smell isn't the nicest one in the world even after such a short distance!

 

Jimblob - great second picture - I wish I had taken a pic at the time.  The closest I can compare it to is a picture of open heart surgery!!

 

DanR - I'm with you - I think we're so lucky that the web is so big that forums like these can help.  I'm not offended but - how can I say it - ermm - responses on the stag forums seem to be more - ermmm 'jolly' - and I mean that with love (oh dear!)

 

Vanya - you're spot on regarding the lack of history - my 'guided tour' of the bottom of the car included showing me where copper grease would be applied / areas greased etc etc by careful engineers.  This car probably had oil changes and that was that (the mistaken idea that if you change the engine oil often then you don't need to worry).  I have a plan which I'll mention later.

 

Sparky - 'tearing them a new one'.  I will admit - my worst vice is that I'm not strong headed enough to 'give it to them'.  My wife has had a go at me i the past for not standing up to these people enough.

 

dodge1979 - pictures to come - however he explained why topping up gear oil is easier with the exhaust I've got - it's simply that there's less exhaust in the way.

 

Sparky - waistgate not operating.

 

Vintaylor - pics coming up

 

Vanya - 'suspension dropping off' - pics to come.  And yes, it is scary

 

Bibs about Taff - is that sarcasm or have you found out something about Taff?  I'm surprised he's not well known so perhaps you've found out something?

 

Remark about SGT:  The owner has sold up - they are now a lotus and morgan specialist, and it's all about servicing / repair work / etc.  The service area was a nice place to be!!!

 

Thanks to 910Esprit - I don't mind criticism if there is a perception that I'm being theatrical - in reality I've been sunning it up in the Stag with it's fresh MOT.  I don't spend each night crying for my Esprit.   Well not yet - maybe the bill will help on that one!! 

 

Pics coming up

[Stimpy]

Much of the injury was here

[pete]

so the headline for the this post is not theatrical? or is that IT speak

[Stimpy]

impeller simply span in the centre - the 'flaps' remained stationary:- (pic 1)

 

 

Oil leak was here on both sides:-  (pic2)

 

 

On this one - see the nut/bolt at the top?  With the shiny bit of thread?  The nut was loose and sitting at the shiny bit.  It could be turned with your fingers. (pic 3)  

close up (pic 4)

pic 4 - the cam belt needs removing to solve this leak.  However the dealer that sold the car put new belts on it.  Taff could not work out why they didn't sort this out at the same time.

 

 

pic 6 - fuel pipes cracked and dried out.

 

 

last 2 photos - regular maintenance could have prevented this

 

 

So the plan is:-

 

gear stick assembly and g/box seals being done.

 

Taff will be drawing up a list of other things that should be tackled over time.

 

The clutch hydraulics were a bit crappy too - causing judder and heavy clutch - but can be deferred.

Edited June 25, 2014 by Stimpy

[Stimpy]

so the headline for the this post is not theatrical? or is that IT speak

 

"Bloody M40, there was a major f*ck up by a broken down lorry, complete nightmare".

 

To me that's not very theatrical.

 

" 'Twas a splendid fresh sunny morning when a massive vehicle of huge proportions abrupted my serene journey to my destination by arresting the progress of the poor folk who had to observe it's rectification, arresting my sublime passage to my place of enworkment - it was as if my life was nearing it's end.  Meanwhile my entire family exploded"

 

To me that's a bit better on the theatre speak - however I wouldn't recommend buying tickets - the ending is appalling.

[Vanya]

Now we're talking Stimpy! Good pics.

 

Weird as hell that the suspension bolt was loose - you'd think it'd be seized up due to the rust.

[MikieP]

Did this car sit in a flood somewhere? Terrible amount of rusting going on there it seems to me.

[Chillidoggy]

I didn't read Stimpy's posts as theatrical, just posts by a bloke who isn't too technically-minded when it comes to Esprits. Like me. But this is the danger of forums: things can be easily misconstrued, and taken the wrong way.

[Vanya]

Did this car sit in a flood somewhere? Terrible amount of rusting going on there it seems to me.

No, standard for a UK car.

[vintaylor]

don't even think the wishbones on my S2 were that rusted :/

[MikieP]

I have been an "Owner" since June 17, 2011. But over the past 2 1/2 years have had the car in my hands for three months and two days so far and know basically nothing about it, including how to change the engine oil as yet. My time is coming hopefully to take it in hand at least as far as two replaced hips, now an insolvent, slightly aged 69 year old with a Parts Manual will allow. If this Forum were not here, and having in the past, trusted a well known race car driver / mechanic to care for the car, me and my bank account, I would be completely dumbfounded, lost, at sea, as if I were Pi (the movie). Survival would have been to rid myself of the car and lose a life long dream forever.

 

There are, unfortunately, absolute opposites of folks like Sparky, Vanya, Vtec, and many many others here that seem as though they worked at the plant, but there are others (me, at least) that simply can not do the work ourselves due to age, complete lack of skill, knowledge, et al. Stimpy, consider yourself EXTREMELY lucky to 1) be in a country that apparently has more than a handfull that will even look at an Esprit (I have tried at least 20 local garages where I am going to live asking then if they would change the engine oil so far without luck) , 2) be local to chaps that will actually put eyes on the car and 3) willing experts that can actually assist you. I have NONE of that here save the single shop (will be 180 miles away once I move to Delaware) that took pity and saw an opportunity to make a fair amount of money putting back together what I thought was a total loss from the first prick. I cost me lots i.e. the next couple of years of vacations at least, and though not quite done, I did drive it last Saturday. I can not express how I felt while doing so, but I understand Stimpy's attachment to his car - I am in love with mine, incomplete as it is. The terrible emotional state I went through over the past several years is still not yet a memory, but with more driving it will fade. Trust me.

 

Stimpy - I completely understand. I spent the money that it has required so far, and the 150 mile drive came back to me ten fold.

 

 

 

Vanya,

 

Wow. Seems like a complete undercoating of everything would be in order over there and then only have to pick it off to get at the bolts?