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Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Shah, I also have an s2 in the USA. I have ordered from every single vendor. Tim is out most knowledgeable man here for sure. But when you go to order stuff, feel free to email me your list of parts and I can tell you who would be the best to order through and the best updates to do. Uprated s3 style motor mounts, updated engine stays etc. I've had really hit or miss build quality with sjs. Jae is fabulous, no one has mentioned r dent out of PA who also has been a godsend for me for some local specific oem stuff, and if they don't have it they know the people who will. Regardless of you need some to review ya list and say yeh don't order this item from this vendor, this one's a better deal or better quality, lemme know. I've legit completely tore my entire car and rebuilt it at this point. There alot of info available for us on this forum, but not many videos. So if suggest watching George's channel who's overseas restoring a series 2. He uses a specific editing style that really helps you see how the parts come apart. Of you are going to be taking the car or parts apart check out his channel. You will be so thankful to see a video of how it's done and it will really help you visualize the job ahead of you. They sure helped me. If you go to playlist you can see all of his lotus videos.??. My email is zenhorizon@... if ya need help. I sometimes gotta ask a question or stuff on here and luckily most the times I get answers lol. Best of luck!? ?- Blake


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On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024 at 6:55 PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:

Wow thank you all (Murray, Bill, Tim, and Steve) for the great info here! It sounds like I have a healthy bit of work ahead of me. Fortunately, the car was stored in a rather dry climate and covered and garaged, so I hope the issues around rusted parts during the storage will be less likely. Either way, I will be sure to check all the things listed here. Going to pull together a shopping list of stuff based on this feedback. I live about 1.5 hours from JAE (and just down the street from Lotus by Claudius) but already have an order opened with SJ Sportscars so maybe I can sneak in a few extras into that shipment.

I will certainly do a search of things on here to learn more. Does any of this work require pulling the engine or do you think I could get away with leaving it in place??

Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Do not brace yourself against... or put any weight on the intake manifold. You risk cracking some of them. The early 907 Zenith-Stromberg manifold is pretty strong, you can pull the engine just by wrapping lift straps around it. But some later intake manifolds can be cracked just by leaning upon them. If you don't know which is which, don't lay upon them!!

Regards,
Tim Engel


01/17/2024, 6:33PM, gsauerphd1, <gsauerphd@...> wrote:
I just made a nice mat over the top of my engine and laid down on that and did it all but it certainly takes getting used to.
(Snip)...
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

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I just made a nice mat over the top of my engine and laid down on that and did it all but it certainly takes getting used to. But painting it also so had the hatch off which helped. And yes, I replaced the tensioner unit, the water pump, which turned out was not the original style, and then didn’t have a core to give to JAE but they supplied me with a nice one and the tensioner, I got from SJ and the belt I got from the Jensen Healy guys. Then I replaced all the other belts plus the air conditioning compressor thinking that had lived its life. And all new hoses and found out that the water hoses were actually attached incorrectly, which was really odd, and hard to figure out why my expansion tank never used any fluid coolant. And had to replace both fuel tanks so be sure about yours as you’re digging around that deep in the engine and that rubber stuff on top of the fuel tanks, makes them rot just from condensation from changing temperatures not from water anywhere else. Gordon.?

On Jan 17, 2024, at 5:55?PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:

?Wow thank you all (Murray, Bill, Tim, and Steve) for the great info here! It sounds like I have a healthy bit of work ahead of me. Fortunately, the car was stored in a rather dry climate and covered and garaged, so I hope the issues around rusted parts during the storage will be less likely. Either way, I will be sure to check all the things listed here. Going to pull together a shopping list of stuff based on this feedback. I live about 1.5 hours from JAE (and just down the street from Lotus by Claudius) but already have an order opened with SJ Sportscars so maybe I can sneak in a few extras into that shipment.

I will certainly do a search of things on here to learn more. Does any of this work require pulling the engine or do you think I could get away with leaving it in place??

Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Wow thank you all (Murray, Bill, Tim, and Steve) for the great info here! It sounds like I have a healthy bit of work ahead of me. Fortunately, the car was stored in a rather dry climate and covered and garaged, so I hope the issues around rusted parts during the storage will be less likely. Either way, I will be sure to check all the things listed here. Going to pull together a shopping list of stuff based on this feedback. I live about 1.5 hours from JAE (and just down the street from Lotus by Claudius) but already have an order opened with SJ Sportscars so maybe I can sneak in a few extras into that shipment.

I will certainly do a search of things on here to learn more. Does any of this work require pulling the engine or do you think I could get away with leaving it in place??
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

I am in agreement with both Tim and Bill in regard to all points cited and wil add a couple further notes. Whenever you change out ( replace ) the distributor rotor, cap, or plug wires retain the oldies until the newer items are thoroughly checked out in service. I have had experience with confounding ignition trouble due to the most minute, barely visible fault with a rotor. Also, you may find it impossible to engage any gears with the engine running, car at rest, indicating that the clutch disc is bonded to the flywheel by rust. This is not uncommon at any point, probably most prevalent in moist climates. We'll talk you through freeing that up if needed. Great car for the discerning driver, worth the cost and effort to see it made right.

Cheers
Steve
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

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Shah,

?

Welcome to the group, and to Lotus ownership.

?

I have a web page with lots of good information on it.

?

You will find the service and parts manuals. Even with the infamous “It ran when it was parked”, you have no idea of the condition when it was parked. I would recommend checking EVERYTHING in Schedule A and B.

?

DO NOT TURN THE ENGINE OVER WITH THE STARTERUNTIL YOU REPLACE THE TIMING BELT.? If the belt breaks, it is very likely you will bend valves.

?

With the timing belt, you want to replace the other drive belts, probably rebuild the water pump.

?

I would suggest replacing all the rubber hose, including fuel, coolant, and brake hoses. Yes, I said brake hoses. If the clutch hose is translucent plastic, replace it with the braided stainless steel hose available.

?

At a minimum, flush the brake fluid and clutch fluid. Your better bet is to rebuild the master and slave cylinders. Kits are available to replace the rubber parts. I hope you are handy. The emergency brake part of the rear calipers is probably frozen. Remove and soak in a 50/50 mixture of acetone and ATF for many days, removing and exercising it daily until it is loose, then another day or so.

?

If you are still running ignition points, replace them with an electronic ignition. Pertronix offers a bolt-in unit that is pretty good, but I’ve had trouble. I converted to a F.A.S.T. system like Tim Engel has, but don’t have as much experience as Tim.

?

There are parts suppliers in California such as Dave Bean and JAE for the normal expendable parts. Those guys are extremely helpful. However, with the amount of parts that you need to buy, you might consider getting parts from SJ Sports Cars. They not only stock the normal replacement parts, but also the harder to find trim parts, etc. I love that they have an online catalog with prices. Prices are cheaper, but shipping is a bit more. However, if you put in a big order, and can wait a couple extra days, you will save money.

?

Search the archives for this group, as EVERY question has been asked and answered.

?

Bill

79 S2 JPS 24

77 S1 “Charro”

?

?

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Selbe, Shah
Sent: Wednesday, January 17, 2024 1:28 PM
To: [email protected]
Subject: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Maintenance after storage

?

Hi all,?

?

I am new to the group here. I am eager to be more active in this community.?

?

I have a 1979 S2 that has been covered and in garaged storage for around a decade. It was running fine when parked. I am looking to bring it out and get it on the road again. What sort of maintenance would?you?recommend before starting it up for the first time? I was planning to change the fluids and possibly replace the timing belt, but I wanted to ask the experts here what they would do in that situation. What are some key problem areas to watch out for? What would you replace/check while doing the timing belt?

?

Thanks,

Shah Selbe


Virus-free.
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

Definitely replace the timing belt and tensioner bearing. The belt is OLD, and sitting idle is harder on it than normal, periodic use. The belt is 'trash', and the bearing isn't far behind it. Replace both. The follow-up trick is to set the belt's tension correctly. For that you'll need a proper tension gauge. We can talk about procedure when you get closer to doing the job.

The Lotus 9XX series engines are "interference engines". That means if the timing belt fails (breaks) or jumps timing, the pistons will collide with the valves, and bend them all in a heartbeat. Timing belt maintenance is critically important, and not to be ignored.

Now would be a very good time to check all the valve clearances. If they're out of spec, then re-shim the clearances. If you're going to do one, then do them all.
0.005"-0.007" Intake
0.010"-0.012" Exhaust

While you're in there (ie, timing belt off), replace the V-belts. They're old.

Also 'while you're in there', now would be a good time to rebuild the water pump and replace the front main seal. If you elect not to replace it now, and it leaks after the car is back on the road, then replacing it will involve first removing much of the stuff you just removed and replaced.
Would you like to do it again? If not, then replace the seal 'while you're in there".

The fuel in the tanks, hoses and carbs has all gone bad over time. In the process, varnish deposits have probably plugged all the carb's jets. Even the balance pipe that connects the two tanks could be plugged solid (I've seen that happen). Plan on draining and cleaning the entire fuel system. Replace all the rubber fuel hoses with modern 'ethanol compatible' hoses. CLEAN the carbs. At a minimum, remove and clean the jets. But it wouldn't surprise me if a full disassembly & clean is required. Replace the accelerator pump's rubber diaphragm!

The ignition shouldn't require a full rebuild, but do give it a complete tune-up. What is in the distributor... breaker points, Lumenition, Pertronix... etc?

Thoroughly drain the engine oil. Replace the oil filter, and fill the sump with a high-ZDDP, 20W50 (or 10W60) motor oil.

Drain and refill the transaxle. I recommend Redline MT-90.

Drain the brake lines, refill and bleed the system. It is common for the brake discs to rust in the spot where the pads sit for all those years. In that case, the discs will all have to be machined. If the rust went too deep, then the discs will have to be replaced. Now would be a very good time to rebuild the brake calipers.

All new tires! 10+ year old rubber is toast.

Expect to have some electrical issues to deal with. Nothing specific, but a lot of idle/sleepy electric connections have probably corroded. In a fiberglass bodied car, electrical grounds are all "wired" in (no simply grounding to the body). Expect to be chasing bad grounds for a while.

Regards,
Tim Engel


01/17/2024, 12:27PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:

Hi all,

I am new to the group here. I am eager to be more active in this community.

I have a 1979 S2 that has been covered and in garaged storage for around a decade. It was running fine when parked. I am looking to bring it out and get it on the road again. What sort of maintenance would?you?recommend before starting it up for the first time? I was planning to change the fluids and possibly replace the timing belt, but I wanted to ask the experts here what they would do in that situation. What are some key problem areas to watch out for? What would you replace/check while doing the timing belt?

Thanks,
Shah Selbe
Re: Maintenance after storage

 

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Shah, I have a friend that has an Esprit S1 that he just bought that was stored since 2012. He can talk you through what may be needed. You can text Peter at +1 (905) 643-0554 and he’d be happy to talk you through it. He is not on the email list - I’ll make sure to get him added.?

Good luck?

Murray Graham


On Jan 17, 2024, at 2:02?PM, Selbe, Shah <shah.selbe@...> wrote:

?Hi all,?
?
I am new to the group here. I am eager to be more active in this community.?
?
I have a 1979 S2 that has been covered and in garaged storage for around a decade. It was running fine when parked. I am looking to bring it out and get it on the road again. What sort of maintenance would?you?recommend before starting it up for the first time? I was planning to change the fluids and possibly replace the timing belt, but I wanted to ask the experts here what they would do in that situation. What are some key problem areas to watch out for? What would you replace/check while doing the timing belt?
?
Thanks,
Shah Selbe
Maintenance after storage

 

Hi all,?
?
I am new to the group here. I am eager to be more active in this community.?
?
I have a 1979 S2 that has been covered and in garaged storage for around a decade. It was running fine when parked. I am looking to bring it out and get it on the road again. What sort of maintenance would?you?recommend before starting it up for the first time? I was planning to change the fluids and possibly replace the timing belt, but I wanted to ask the experts here what they would do in that situation. What are some key problem areas to watch out for? What would you replace/check while doing the timing belt?
?
Thanks,
Shah Selbe
Centre console loose wires

 

Hi Guys
I'm currently in the process of refurbishing the interior of the S3 (1990) and when I removed the centre console I found that someone had left 4 loose wires - see photo - does anyone know to what they should be connected?

The unconnected wires are -
Large gauge Green & a Black
Smaller gauge black & a purple/black

Many thanks
John

centre console wires.jpg

Re: Rear Screen heater connections

 

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Wonderful – many thanks to all

John

?

From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] On Behalf Of LYN A WECHSLER
Sent: 11 January 2024 13:51
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Rear Screen heater connections

?

Hi Steve,

?

Here is the connection for the rear heater screen on my 77 S1.? I'm the original owner so what you see is what Lotus did!? At least for the states.

?

Lyn
Re: Rear Screen heater connections

 

Hi Steve,

Here is the connection for the rear heater screen on my 77 S1.? I'm the original owner so what you see is what Lotus did!? At least for the states.

Lyn

20240111_083814.jpg

Re: Rear Screen heater connections

 

Welcome to the technical world of Lotus.? ?-? Bruce

On Thursday, January 11, 2024 at 05:51:10 AM EST, john T via groups.io <john.mrozik@...> wrote:


I would be very grateful if someone could check their Esprit and possibly send me some photos of how exactly the earth wire of the rear screen heater element is connected to the boot hinge. I can't believe that it's just attached to the side of the gas strut and hangs free? Many thanks

Re: Rear Screen heater connections

 

As ?as shown, sh

as shown, the connections go to from the element (inner), hides in the rubber seal strip and bolts on the outer mounting bolt for the hinge.

IMG_4721.mov
IMG_4721.mov

Re: Rear Screen heater connections

 

I would be very grateful if someone could check their Esprit and possibly send me some photos of how exactly the earth wire of the rear screen heater element is connected to the boot hinge. I can't believe that it's just attached to the side of the gas strut and hangs free? Many thanks
Re: Boot Trim Board?

 

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There is an L shaped bracket that one side bolts to the wheel well, and the other side to the board, with a 6 mm bolt. Fold the carpet back to review the bolt head. The other end of that board is bolted to the rear wood panel that covers the rear indicator lights.

?

Bill

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of wigl@...
Sent: Thursday, January 4, 2024 11:54 AM
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [S1S2euroS3LotusEspritOwners] Boot Trim Board?

?

Thanks fellas! Jeff's pic suggests to me that the bent tabs on the backside may be to stand the board off crowding the rear side marker perhaps. Seems the board is just wedged into place rather than fastened?


Virus-free.
Re: Boot Trim Board?

 

Thanks fellas! Jeff's pic suggests to me that the bent tabs on the backside may be to stand the board off crowding the rear side marker perhaps. Seems the board is just wedged into place rather than fastened?
Re: Boot Trim Board?

 

Yes, they do take the carpet. See following pic. On your pic,? it looks like the carpet side of one fastener is stuck to the board side.
Re: Boot Trim Board?

 

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Yes, part of the decking that goes around the motor and I’m pretty sure those black knobs take the carpet, maybe the vinyl cover that you can also buy for that area, Gordon

On Jan 3, 2024, at 8:52?PM, wigl@... wrote:

?Season's greetings to the community! Amongst the trappings taken off my S2 long years ago, before I'd any idea of how the restoration would take so much time, I've found an unfamiliar piece. Having no photo record from which to place this I'm asking for help in where and how this was located. Looks to me like it conforms to the aft arc of a rear wheelarch, outer reaches of the boot. 3 hex head capscrews visible retain bent steel tabs on its backside, no idea what they're for. Pic attached.

Cheers
Steve
<BOOT_BOARD.jpg>
Boot Trim Board?

 

Season's greetings to the community! Amongst the trappings taken off my S2 long years ago, before I'd any idea of how the restoration would take so much time, I've found an unfamiliar piece. Having no photo record from which to place this I'm asking for help in where and how this was located. Looks to me like it conforms to the aft arc of a rear wheelarch, outer reaches of the boot. 3 hex head capscrews visible retain bent steel tabs on its backside, no idea what they're for. Pic attached.

Cheers
Steve

BOOT_BOARD.jpg

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