Safest Place to JACK Front of Esprit?
Discussion
Luke,
Jack on the front crossmember of the chassis... the crossbar of the "T". Steer the wheels all the way to one side. That opens a gap behind one wheel and ahead of the other (by the edge that's turned outward) large enough to admit a small floor jack (trolley jack).
No need to go for the center of the chassis. Just go inboard of the lower control arm's inner pivot point far enough to get in beyond the outter bulkhead. Place the jack pad near the edge/ vertical wall rather than in the middle of the bottom span.
There's no reason not to do this if it's what you want. However, considering the volume of oil trapped in the oil coolers and the hoses going to and fro, the little bit that doesn't drain from the bottom of the sump is minor.
Change your oil often so it doesn't get filthy dirty and the small amount of oil that doesn't drain out isn't critical.
Take the car for a brisk drive prior to draining the oil so all the dirt in the engine gets stirred up into suspension and drains out with the oil. Drain the oil hot so it flows out quickly. It will take less time that way, but more importantly, will drain before the dirt you just stirred up has time to settle back out again.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Minnesota, USA
Jack on the front crossmember of the chassis... the crossbar of the "T". Steer the wheels all the way to one side. That opens a gap behind one wheel and ahead of the other (by the edge that's turned outward) large enough to admit a small floor jack (trolley jack).
No need to go for the center of the chassis. Just go inboard of the lower control arm's inner pivot point far enough to get in beyond the outter bulkhead. Place the jack pad near the edge/ vertical wall rather than in the middle of the bottom span.
There's no reason not to do this if it's what you want. However, considering the volume of oil trapped in the oil coolers and the hoses going to and fro, the little bit that doesn't drain from the bottom of the sump is minor.
Change your oil often so it doesn't get filthy dirty and the small amount of oil that doesn't drain out isn't critical.
Take the car for a brisk drive prior to draining the oil so all the dirt in the engine gets stirred up into suspension and drains out with the oil. Drain the oil hot so it flows out quickly. It will take less time that way, but more importantly, will drain before the dirt you just stirred up has time to settle back out again.
Regards,
Tim Engel
Lotus Owners Oftha North
Minnesota, USA
karmavore said:
I want to jack up the front of my car to help ensure I have as much oil out of the pan as possible but I'm not sure where it is safe to do so.
You can also use the jacking point on the left front sill, as this will angle the oil pan in the correct direction. Just look underneath behind the front wheel, you will see a small metal tab or cup. Use a block of wood or rubber on the jack.
Cheers,
Sanj
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