My Esprit S1 import finally arrives!

[williamtherebel]

Hi David thanks for the photo. Looks in a lot better nick than mine! Yes I def need  a new pin. 

[Fridge]

@williamtherebel well it has undergone a 26 month nut and bolt restoration, and it's still only about 85% complete.

[williamtherebel]

Hi Guys, I haven't been on here for some time. Life (and death) has got it the way. My dad who was 98 passed away recently so had to do lots of organising. (being an only child has its disadvantages!) He has had a great innings and told me before he passed that he had enjoyed all his life with no regrets. RIP dad.

So back to some enjoyment with my S1. (or so I thought) I noticed that the nearside rear brake disc was nearly touching the drive shaft housing. Decided to take it off and investigate. Held a container under it to catch all the oil -- not a drop! So if there's no oil in the gearbox that might go some way to explain why Im having problems with the gearbox.

On examining the housing there is no gasket and everything is flopping about inside. Seal buggered etc 

Obviously, although I haven't done any driving (maybe 1 mile) since I got it over here, I have no idea how much damage has been done in the States. So Im now going to have to pull the gearbox out and have a look inside and see what the damage is. Not a happy bunny.

Does anyone know of a written step by step  proceedure for the removal of the Citroen gearbox? If not any pointers/problems I should be aware of? Cheers.

 

[Fridge]

Sorry to hear your news William. A very sad time indeed. Please accept my condolences.

I'm no expert on the S1 Citroen gearbox, but I pulled mine along with the engine after we removed the body shell, as the car has been undergoing a full nut and bolt restoration since 2016. It's very nearly road ready, with only final electrics to complete.

I would imagine it is possible to remove the gearbox, if that is necessary, from underneath, pulling it back in the process. You would need to remove the rear gearbox mounts and separate the drive shafts from the unit also. Probably slackening off the engine mountings to allow both units to be angled downwards slightly to clear the chassis cross member at the back. Someone who has done this will know better than I. You may get away with not doing the latter bit.

My gearbox was refurbished, with only new seals, and some bearing required. Which included the output drive bearings. About £500 in parts overall. If doing this it may be wise to look at the front circlip and release bearing also. Changing the clutch and pressure plate and checking the engine mounts in the process. It all adds up to the cost, but beneficial in the long run.

I just got a local transmission specialist to do the job, and you have Voights not too far away on the Wirral if you'd prefer specialist knowledge. I paid about £500 in labour for a full strip down.

Sorry if the above is not much help. But that's how I'd consider tackling the job. Sounds hefty, and a pain, but it's relatively straight forward if you can get the car high at the rear. There's not much else to remove, apart from the clutch pipe and rear silencer of course. I've heard that two Elan drive shafts can be used to join up the Esprit drive shafts to aid moving the car about once the gearbox has been removed. I just just tie-wraps. Then again, I was just dealing with a rolling chassis at the time.

[williamtherebel]

Hi David thanks for your thoughts and info . That is very helpful. I have a 4 post lift so that should help! I have also acquired a couple of old Citroen/Esprit gearboxes. My long suffering mate who does all the 'real' work on the car is an engineer so hopefully will be able to make 1 good one out of the bits. Anyway we'll see. Thanks again.

[williamtherebel]

Ok, So we have managed to remove the gearbox as @Fridge suggested without needing to remove/slacken the engine mounts. On further investigation at least one bearing is buggered with lots of movement, so its lucky Ive got the spare gearboxes. Partially stripped one down and its looking good. Have transferred some of the fitting from the original. There may be delay in putting it back cos Im off to the Ice Hotel in Sweden at the weekend! According to the latest edition of Absolute Magazine, Lotus export figures for Sweden in 2018 were up 87% so Im going to keep my eyes open!! 

[Fridge]

Good to know the gearbox can be removed without disturbing the engine mounts.

As I said, best inspect them whilst at this stage, particularly the manifold side. Perhaps fitting or renewing the heat shielding that should be present.

What play are you talking about? As I understand it the shaft out of the box which goes into the flywheel generally moves about. There should be a washer at it's end, which could be still in to flywheel. Best check that. Available from SJ Sportscars if required.

[williamtherebel]

Just back from Sweden. On further investigation, my worst fears have come true. Due to there being no oil in the gearbox all the bearings are knackered. The PO told me there was a small oil leak that had been fixed. I think what he meant was that there isn't an oil leak now because all the oil has gone! Luckily I have a spare gearbox which we are going to put in. Didnt expect all this when I started. I know you were all laughing when I said I was going to do a small resto before the big one later. However Ill get there -- sometime!

[williamtherebel]

Just back from Oz and New Zealand visiting relatives. (visited WOW museum in Nelson (NZ) Nice Lotus Cortina inside. ) Anyway back to the grind. Got my brake servo reconditioned so ready to put back in. 

[williamtherebel]

Removed the gearbox, Rebuilt it with parts from the spare gearbox and fitted new seals ( originals were chewed up) Then refitted gearbox. No oil leaks now!!

Starting to refit rear suspension etc etc etc etc

[Fridge]

I got the bonnet on mine yesterday. Though I couldn't get the changeover and flash relays to play ball and lift the dual lamp pods. For another day....

Need to press on with the last remaining things before I can road test.

Awaiting the DVLA V5 too, and original registration plate.

[williamtherebel]

Thats great David, Keep going! One last push! ----- The trouble with that is that you think its the last push then find out the Lotus Gods are laughing at you. We've def got to get the cars on the road for summer.

[williamtherebel]

Hi I cannot believe Im having major problems in getting a brake master cylinder overhaul kit for my Esprit s1. Ive been on the forums, and someone recommends getting one for a Range Rove however  there is 1 seal missing. Another shows a kit but hasn't replied to my enquiry. (it is an old post).SJ. shows a kit but there seem to be stuff missing. Lotus Marques seems  to show  the full kit (see below) but doesn't list it for sale! Anybody got any ideas where I can get one from? Cheers.

[jtmco]

See my response to your post in the brake section

[williamtherebel]

Thanks guys for all your help. Have now managed to get a seal kit.(powertrackbrakes.com) All fitted and working. Well, I say working, but the brakes are not very good. Might need to adjust the servo. It doesn't seem to be giving a brilliant vacuum. More delving is needed! Any recommendations as to which brand of Brake pads are best for the Esprit? My mate reckons either Mintex or Ferodo? Any thoughts?

Also, where the hell is the flasher unit situated on Federal cars? According to the manual, its suppose to be under the dash near the central consul but Im damned if I can find it!!   

 

[williamtherebel]

Can anyone explain how to read the instruments gauges on the Esprit S1? Temp gauge is self explanatary I suppose although there are no temperature figures. What about the oil pressure? It looks like a temp gauge as well!  Battery?? red on one side -- red on the other.! I suppose it should read around the middle. I can guess of course and knowing whats 'normal' on my Eclat gauges is a help, but would like clarification. Cheers.

[williamtherebel]

Finally located the flasher unit and the hazard flasher unit. Both near each other behind the radio!

So had to take out the centre console, disconnect the choke and the  cables from the electric windows just to get at them.   All working ok now.

Rear end is now back together and have just fitted my nice new tyres on my nice shiny Wolffies.

Last job (before I can drive it and get an MOT) is the brakes inc the handbrake. Recon servo doesn't seem to be doing much. Need to compare the results against my Eclat. (whose brakes are OK).

[williamtherebel]

After I get in on the road, I will be replacing the rear bumper and valance.(amongst other jobs!!)

[Fridge]

Still admiring your wheels. Very nice.

 

[williamtherebel]

Yes they really do add a lot to the car. I still can't believe what I paid to have them polished. Worth every penny!

How is yours coming on? Got the V5 sorted and the original reg yet?

When are we going to see some photos?

[Fridge]

Yes, all registered and original number back on the car.

Struggling with instrumentation, which is hindering progress with the binnacle and remaining glass.

But virtually there. Apart from a retrim, which will have to wait until funds allow.

 

[williamtherebel]

looking good!!

Keep up the good work.

[williamtherebel]

Been very busy this last month trying to finalise everything before her first car show. However everything has come together and we had a brilliant time at Lytham Green car show this afternoon. (see separate thread).

Car looks the dogs... !! Well she does to me anyway.

Even my partner, daughter and son in law seem to approve!

 

I would just like to say a huge thank you to everyone on here who has made suggestions, argued, supplied parts etc etc like @Paul Coleman, @Fridge, @jonroberts, @drdoom, @GTK Special thanks must go to @Lotusfab and @Rolls who's threads I have read and re-read over the last year. Just so, so helpful to me.  Perhaps I'll should now start a new thread called

My Esprit S1 import finally drives about! 

Of course just because Ive got it driving doesn't mean the hard work isn't going to continue. Watch this space...……………..

[Giniw]

Congratulations!!

(........... and now back to the garage since it's due to the maintenance schedule! )

[williamtherebel]

Absolutely correct!

However now I am classing it as a rolling restoration. Just got an oil cooler kit from SJ. Hopefully going to fit it this week. Anybody got any pointers I need to watch for?

Then next week...……..???? and so it goes on!