S1 Cooling

[dglotusltd]

Still working on my One Owner S1 picked up in May.

I've had the cooling system apart (except for the water pump) and flushed it and had the radiator chemical flushed.

However, this East coast heat the temp seems to still creep up to about 200F (93C) or even higher if I get stuck in slow moving traffic or sit at idle.

A new Radiator rebuild with more cooling tubes has been suggested and I'll probably do that over the winter.

All the usual stuff was done including a new proper Lotus thermostat, checking the water pump belt, checking the weep hole (dry as a bone) and even shooting the thermostat housing with a heat gun to confirm when it opens. Timing is on spec but I know I still need to balance the carbs (45 Dellortos) and I realize that this can cause it to run hot.

My question to the gang is "What else can one do?" Seems like the stagnent hot air inside the engine cover cannot be helping things. The carbs breath through a european intake plenum under the car on the right side so at least they get some fresh/cooler air.

I recall seeing photos of S2 and S3 cars with a fan in the engine bay to prevent vapor lock. Bet that helps move the air around too.

I'd like to find a way to ventiliate the engine bay to see of this will help the stock setup but I don't really want to install something like a F1 car scoop in the boot lid but i am tempted.

I have also seen S1 cars with S2 "ears" but I'd prefer a more stock look.

I an seriously considering a blower to pull hot air out of the engine bay and force the air out the back of the car through some custom tubing.

Any ideas from the world of other Espirt Owners?

DomG

77 Esprit S1

[WayneB]

I had the rad flushed on my Esprit, and soon after it started leaking.

When I got it out again for repair, the guy at the rad shop reccomended I have it recored due to its age( 20 odd yrs old) I agreed, and when he removed the old core, I was amazed at how full of deposits the thing was(choked) With the new recored rad re- installed the car runs much cooler! Go for a recore my man, your car will be the better for it(mine cost $200 cdn)

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

I have seen fans mounted in the engine bays but tbh only on S1's precisely because of the problems you are reporting.....

It would be universally condemned as criminal to have to modify the exterior of an S1!

[dglotusltd]

I have seen fans mounted in the engine bays but tbh only on S1's precisely because of the problems you are reporting.....

It would be universally condemned as criminal to have to modify the exterior of an S1!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I tend to agree with you about the externally visiable S1 mods. Inside however.....I have no problem replacing a Lucas Coil with an Epoxy Pertronic coil...for example.

DomG

[Evil_Dr_Fish]

If I knew what one was I am certain I would agree!!

I think certain mechanical mods on any of our cars are almost a necessity!

It depends on whether you want a museum piece (ok one or two deserve hermetic preservation) .....or intend to DRIVE the bloody thing and make the most of these amazing cars like they were made for!

I'm sensing you're of the latter school of thought!

[dglotusltd]

It depends on whether you want a museum piece (ok one or two deserve hermetic preservation) .....or intend to DRIVE the bloody thing and make the most of these amazing cars like they were made for!

I'm sensing you're of the latter school of thought!

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Spot on. I bought it to drive it. Everything I do to it adresses that goal. PO made some mods to the exterior such as rear louvers over the glass (which I like) and a glass sunroof. While the latter is blasphemy its a nice to have in the non-A/C S1. Exterior is otherwise bone stock.

DomG

[dglotusltd]

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Dave,

Did you wnat to say something besides quoting my original post?

DomG

[WayneB]

If I had an S1 I would leave the engine cover off and drive around so everyone could see its beautiful 907 engine(through the rear window) All this modifying stuff is cool when you have an otherwise boring car (like my Buick Roadmaster Station Wagon) but messing with exotics is a tricky game ......they invariably look different , not better. Part of a 30yr. olds cars charm is its idiosicracys, if you want a Lotus Elise type Experience, buy an Elise.

[dglotusltd]

If I had an S1 I would leave the engine cover off and drive around so everyone could see its beautiful 907 engine(through the rear window)    All this modifying stuff is cool when you have an otherwise boring car (like my Buick Roadmaster Station Wagon) but messing with exotics is a tricky game ......they invariably look different , not better. Part of a 30yr. olds cars charm is its idiosicracys, if you want a Lotus Elise type Experience, buy an Elise.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Actually I ahve been driving around that way lately while sorting out the cooling. The sound on acceleration is glorious. Amazing how much of it is masked when the engine cover is on.

Problem is just having the cover off isn't good enough since there is no ventilation out of the boot short of how leaky the seals are. I have been considering mounting the license plate out on 1 inch standoffs inside the plastic bezel. Then cutting a 6 inch diameter opening behind it. If I angle the plate right the rain won't get in, the natural vacum behind the car will draw out the hot air and I'll be maintaining a stock look.

A guy local with an S1 removed the glass and installed louvers AND runs with the engine cover off. When I asked what he does in rain, he said that he never drives it in the rain............

DomG

[WayneB]

That is a great idea, it should work. Let us know how you get on