V8 CAMBELTS-- DIRE WARNING !!!!!
Discussion
How many of you get your V8 cambelt tensions checked at 12,000 miles ? Being the fastidious retent that I am, I have done this both times that I have had the belts changed on my '97 V8 which I acquired in 2000. The first time it was an engine rebuild at the factory and the second at my local dealer. The first time, I had the tension of the belts checked at 12,000 miles as recommended and the second time, (now), at 5,000 miles which is one year since they were fitted. On both occasions, the belt tension has been UNRECORDABLY LOW !! This obviously raises the question of the risk of a belt jumping a tooth or being prematurely worn or fartigued. I would therefore recommend that everyone gets their belts changed every three years and gets the tensions checked at the end of the first year or at 12,000 miles, if this is sooner.
I would be delighted to hear any theories as to why the belts were so slack and wonder if perhaps, a recommendation of getting them checked after six months might be safer.
On the subject of cambelts, can anyone suggest a reason for the difference in cambelt change frequency between California, the US and everywhere else. Same car, same engine, same planet.
I would be delighted to hear any theories as to why the belts were so slack and wonder if perhaps, a recommendation of getting them checked after six months might be safer.
On the subject of cambelts, can anyone suggest a reason for the difference in cambelt change frequency between California, the US and everywhere else. Same car, same engine, same planet.
I agree that cambelts on the V8 need more frequent checking than stated. I had the first two done at the dealer and took over from there on my own. I've since done 3 cambelt services and 1 belt/tensioner replacement with yet another cambelt service coming due in less than 3K miles (pushing 60K now).
From experience, I strongly suggest you service the belts every 10K miles and a replacement every 40K miles. Note that I ran the original belts/tensioners for 42K miles in South Florida.
As for tension, there are only two frequency ranges used for tension, one for a new belt (which is higher) and one for a used belt. I've got the service notes and nowhere is there any differentiation for locale.
The belts will be loose in specific positions due to lobe loading of the valve springs. To properly check belt tension you must rotate the crankshaft to a specific timing spec per bank. Trying to check tension any other way is very misleading and you'll never be able to adjust it. I use 110Hz tuning reference (2 octaves down from middle A) for used belts and 120Hz tuning reference for new belts. The higher tension on new belts helps compensate for initial stretch.
Hope this helps... if you plan to do this procedure, do get the base set of Lotus cambelt tools.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
From experience, I strongly suggest you service the belts every 10K miles and a replacement every 40K miles. Note that I ran the original belts/tensioners for 42K miles in South Florida.
As for tension, there are only two frequency ranges used for tension, one for a new belt (which is higher) and one for a used belt. I've got the service notes and nowhere is there any differentiation for locale.
The belts will be loose in specific positions due to lobe loading of the valve springs. To properly check belt tension you must rotate the crankshaft to a specific timing spec per bank. Trying to check tension any other way is very misleading and you'll never be able to adjust it. I use 110Hz tuning reference (2 octaves down from middle A) for used belts and 120Hz tuning reference for new belts. The higher tension on new belts helps compensate for initial stretch.
Hope this helps... if you plan to do this procedure, do get the base set of Lotus cambelt tools.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
In the US, LCU recommended cambelt service intervals are every 12k miles or 18 months whichever comes first. Also, new belts and tensioners every 36K miles or 4.5 years.
Also in the US, LCU absorbs the cost of cambelt services and a complimentary belt/tensioner check for 8 years or 80K miles. You must arrange with the dealer ahead of time for the complimentary cambelt service.
However, my personal service intervals are cambelt tensioning and timing check every 10K miles and replace belts and tensioners every 40K miles.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Also in the US, LCU absorbs the cost of cambelt services and a complimentary belt/tensioner check for 8 years or 80K miles. You must arrange with the dealer ahead of time for the complimentary cambelt service.
However, my personal service intervals are cambelt tensioning and timing check every 10K miles and replace belts and tensioners every 40K miles.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
I believe there is a goverment regulation on how long the cambelts should last. In California it is a state regulation. In any case that is why Lotus USA will take care of the cam belt adjustment and/or replacement for the 8/80k miles warranty to comply with the regs. Most people I know that own a V8 just have it serviced by the dealer under this policy. I don't know of too many that own a Clavis tool for V8 belt adjustment. It is much easier to adjust a 4 cyl belt. Which I usually check it frequently by feel and use a gauge 1 a year.
I'll probably get a V8/S4s sometime next near. It is near the end of the driving season in a month or two where I live and the prices for Esprit's takes it's usual seasonal dip in Jan or Feb.
KMaier What is favored year for the V8 do you prefer and for what reason?
Calvin
I'll probably get a V8/S4s sometime next near. It is near the end of the driving season in a month or two where I live and the prices for Esprit's takes it's usual seasonal dip in Jan or Feb.
KMaier What is favored year for the V8 do you prefer and for what reason?
Calvin
I was under the impression that LCU covered the cambelt service due to EPA regulations and that unless the cam timing is kept in close tolerance the emissions would probably fall outside the acceptable range. Either way, if you live in the US, it's a good deal.
As for a clavis gauge, not really necessary... I use an audio track with test tones... 110Hz or 120Hz (used vs new belt) and pretend I'm tuning a guitar string... it really is that simple.
As for V8 model year... my main preference is for a 2000/2001 MY or newer if you like the new styling. My logic is simple... 2000MY has the complete package as the final cosmetic styling bits (inside/outside) were completed, AP Racing brakes, better ECM tuning (but not H-T code) etc. Upgrading any of the older cars is possible but the cost of doing so can be quite high.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
As for a clavis gauge, not really necessary... I use an audio track with test tones... 110Hz or 120Hz (used vs new belt) and pretend I'm tuning a guitar string... it really is that simple.
As for V8 model year... my main preference is for a 2000/2001 MY or newer if you like the new styling. My logic is simple... 2000MY has the complete package as the final cosmetic styling bits (inside/outside) were completed, AP Racing brakes, better ECM tuning (but not H-T code) etc. Upgrading any of the older cars is possible but the cost of doing so can be quite high.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
To KM,
It really depends on what you want as to which Esprit you buy. The S4S is said to be the best Esprit by many but the V8 seems to have more "kerb" value. There doesn't seem to be much difference below 80mph. I have a '97 V8 and if you want a car with a fairly close approximation to the original design then this is the one to buy (But make sure it's had a rebuild due to the dreaded cylinder liner problem, mine has !) If you prefer a more modern interior but want a traditional Stephens exterior, then '99 or 2000 would be better. The Sport 350 ECM upgrade is £400 at the factory but watch out for a bustred gearbox input shaft as a result ! The AP brakes are said to be wonderful but cost an absolute fortune to service parts, I mean thousands and thousands ! On balance, I would get a '98 to 2001 V8 GT with leather and air con if I had my time again....Probably in deep purple with cream interior. The main thing is you have to be totally in love with the car to live with it sometimes...It's a bit like being married to the most attractive woman (or whatever applies)on Earth who cheats on you 3 or 4 times a year ! Is it worth it ? Personal choice only ! Always a decision of the heart, not the head !
It really depends on what you want as to which Esprit you buy. The S4S is said to be the best Esprit by many but the V8 seems to have more "kerb" value. There doesn't seem to be much difference below 80mph. I have a '97 V8 and if you want a car with a fairly close approximation to the original design then this is the one to buy (But make sure it's had a rebuild due to the dreaded cylinder liner problem, mine has !) If you prefer a more modern interior but want a traditional Stephens exterior, then '99 or 2000 would be better. The Sport 350 ECM upgrade is £400 at the factory but watch out for a bustred gearbox input shaft as a result ! The AP brakes are said to be wonderful but cost an absolute fortune to service parts, I mean thousands and thousands ! On balance, I would get a '98 to 2001 V8 GT with leather and air con if I had my time again....Probably in deep purple with cream interior. The main thing is you have to be totally in love with the car to live with it sometimes...It's a bit like being married to the most attractive woman (or whatever applies)on Earth who cheats on you 3 or 4 times a year ! Is it worth it ? Personal choice only ! Always a decision of the heart, not the head !
toyroom said:
To KM,
It really depends on what you want as to which Esprit you buy. The S4S is said to be the best Esprit by many but the V8 seems to have more "kerb" value. There doesn't seem to be much difference below 80mph. I have a '97 V8 and if you want a car with a fairly close approximation to the original design then this is the one to buy (But make sure it's had a rebuild due to the dreaded cylinder liner problem, mine has !) If you prefer a more modern interior but want a traditional Stephens exterior, then '99 or 2000 would be better. The Sport 350 ECM upgrade is £400 at the factory but watch out for a bustred gearbox input shaft as a result ! The AP brakes are said to be wonderful but cost an absolute fortune to service parts, I mean thousands and thousands ! On balance, I would get a '98 to 2001 V8 GT with leather and air con if I had my time again....Probably in deep purple with cream interior. The main thing is you have to be totally in love with the car to live with it sometimes...It's a bit like being married to the most attractive woman (or whatever applies)on Earth who cheats on you 3 or 4 times a year ! Is it worth it ? Personal choice only ! Always a decision of the heart, not the head !
Preferences are preferences.. I was asked my personal choice on the V8 model... nothing about the 4-cylinder variants. I've driven the 1997 V8 model and in stock form (ie, original ECM coding) it's a dog... so no surprise you feel no difference from an S4s.
I also prefer the newer interior, updated shifter and gearbox linkage, updated clutch hydraulics and the other bits. Also note that the 2000MY has a better ECM coding than previous model years.
As for the AP Racing brakes, not sure what you're referring to on expense. I've done over 57K miles on the car since new and the brakes have been 100% flawless. I opted to replace all brake pads (F/R) at 42K miles and they still had enough material to last closer to 50K. I do plan on replacing the front rotors at 100K miles but the rears will be fine. Original Lotus supplied pads all around was close to $500 USD. Overall I have to think this is pretty reasonable costs for such excellent braking.
Also, you won't be breaking any gearbox parts with the high-torque ECM unless the driver has issues working the controls... the main improvement (from 2000/2001 ECM) is second gear boost goes full. I've done many miles since the ECM upgrade and still no problems.
BTW - when I was shopping for my car, I did find "yours" with the dark metallic purple paint and the magnolia cream interior. Pretty I guess... but once I woke up in a sweat I opted for a different color combo. It is a personal choice... enjoy!
Regards, KM
2000 V8
I asked for Kmaier's opinion because I have been reading his posts for aa while and he is a good V8 source. I know only a few V8 people that work on their own cars and he is one of them. I like the V8 torque and sound of the V8, but like the S4s engine bay as it seems like an old familar friend that I know like the back of my hand. He just confimed what I sort of knew and agree with. There are some features I like about the early V8's like the instruments. I'm an old school guy that prefer gauges to warning lights. But the updates on the later models make sense. Whatever model I choose it will be something to work on as a hobby. If I get a V8 I think I will be chatting a lot with Kmaier seeking his advice and experience.
Regrds,
Calvin
Regrds,
Calvin
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