1986 Esprit

[dontlift]

I may have a 1986 Esprit coming my way, what should i look for before taking this car on i think it has 46,000 miles on it. what are the common problems etc?

[cnh1990]

www.espritfactfile.com

[adrianmugridge]

I used to have a 1986 Esprit, what colour is it ?

Adrian
97GT3

[rjwise]

I have an 86 normally aspirated S3 in Essex Blue with grey half lather interior. The problems I had were mainly to do with overheating so had a reconditioned radiator fitted, new water pump, and had the head gasket fixed as this was causing the problem (mine had high mileage though so might not be an issue). I also had to have a new cambelt, the cam covers were resealed as they were leaking, new clutch, new fuel pump, exhaust manifold fixed (or replaced, can't remember).

With your mileage a new cambelt would be a good idea anyway as I think they are supposed to be replaced at around 50,000 miles.
Richard
(86 na S3)

[adrianmugridge]

The cambelt should be every 24,000 miles ( this has been revisd to 36,000 on newer cars ). I think in the US the figures are different, but I don't know why this should be the case

Adrian

[cnh1990]

All cambelts in the USA by Federal regulations must last 100K miles/ 7 years (not sure about the exact amount of years). That is why the V8 cars have free annual belt tension check up beyond the normal warranty period. I don't know about G car cambelts but on S cars the updated belts are supposed to be rated at 100K and have a different part number than the original. In either case the belts should be checked periodically as the time usually expires before one drives an Esprit 100K miles.
Calvin

[lotusguy]

I may have a 1986 Esprit coming my way, what should i look for before taking this car on i think it has 46,000 miles on it. what are the common problems etc?

Don,

As the new owner of the car, you should concern yourself with 'Knowing' the state of all components and systems. In many cases, the only way you can 'Know' this for certain, is to test and replace as many components as possible, especially with a 17 year old specialty car.

Granted, the size of your 'National Treasury' will largely determine the extent to which this is possible. But at a minimum, I would replace all belts, Timing and 'V' belts, check and reset where necessary all valve clearances, replace all fluids, including oil, transmission, coolant, brake and clutch, run a 'Base Line' compression test and record the numbers, replace as many coolant hoses as possible, replace all fuses -(keep the old ones as spares), spark plugs, clean the injectors, replace the fuel and air filter, High Tension Leads, add the stainless steel clutch line, check motor/tranny mounts, cooling system 'Otter' switch, check radiator fans for proper operation, replace A/C compressor oil, and be sure you have a copy of both the Service Notes (Shop Manual) and the Parts List.

This way, you can keep complete records from day one and you will have 'reset' the clock on these items as well as thoroughly familiarized yourself with the car. It's much easier to plan these replacements than to react to a 'Breakdown'. Also, since these cars require the most expensive, Flatbed towing, avoiding this expense will allow you to put more $$ into the car rather than the Tow Truck Driver's pocket. Feel free to offlist me with any questions you may have. Congratulations. Happy Motoring...Jim '85TE

>> Edited by lotusguy on Wednesday 8th January 15:18

>> Edited by lotusguy on Wednesday 8th January 15:20

>> Edited by lotusguy on Wednesday 8th January 15:24

[dontlift]

1/ Thanks for all the advice Guys

2/ Adrian - it's White - JB Style

3/ Granted, the size of your 'National Treasury' will largely determine the extent to which this is possible. But at a minimum, I would replace all belts, Timing and 'V' belts, check and reset where necessary all valve clearances, replace all fluids, including oil, transmission, coolant, brake and clutch, run a 'Base Line' compression test and record the numbers, replace as many coolant hoses as possible, replace all fuses -(keep the old ones as spares), spark plugs, clean the injectors, replace the fuel and air filter, High Tension Leads, add the stainless steel clutch line, check motor/tranny mounts, cooling system 'Otter' switch, check radiator fans for proper operation, replace A/C compressor oil, and be sure you have a copy of both the Service Notes (Shop Manual) and the Parts List.

Can anyone recommend anyone in the midlands who could undertake the intitial checks and replacements for me at reasonable money - approx how much would you budget?

I am fairly handy on the spanners but have my handsful with a Porker at the minute.

[lwasson]

I would also check all the suspension bushings. Espcially the Anti-Sway bar mounts. Your wiring can also cause problems. I bought a 1983 Turbo a month ago and the wiring is a mess. The catalytic converter also had a major melt down sometime in its history as pieces of melted ceramic come out of the muffler. Gear shifter linkage bushings are probably shot. Follow Jim's advice on changing all your fluids. My transmission fluid looked like sausage and bisket gravey from Hardees! A few drops of oil helps everything like hinges, door locks, hood releases things like that. Hopefully your car has been better maintained than the one I bought.

Fortunately I can do all the work on the car myself but I have spent about $1200 just in parts and my cost will probably more than double in the future. But I LOVE the car and its worth it. There's is nothing worse than a Lotus treated like a Buick. So make sure you know as much about the car as you can before you buy it.

Use this web site!!! These guys and gals are great as you have already found out.

Good luck,
louis

[dontlift]

thanks lwasson, Have been a Ph'er for many many years, hence my first source for knowledge was here :-)