V8 Cambelt - Intermediate shaft bearing TOOL

[davejw]

Guys,

My brother has a Sport 350 - it's having new exhaust studs and a few other bits done. Engine came out as it's easier that way. The garage discovered however during a cambelt change that there is big movement in the intermediate shaft bearings - the shaft that runs the cambelts. There was a factory modification and Lotus reckon his engine was modified at manufacture but still, it shouldn't have gone at 27,000 miles...

Trouble is, to do the job, you need a special tool to allign the bearings with the front cover removed and the local dealership won't lend it or sell it to the specialist (ex-Lotus mechanic). Lotus don't yet sell them either so anyone here able to help?

My brother is away on business, gets back end of the week and we're off to the Ring on Friday next week as part of his pre-wedding celebrations so time is running out.

If anyone has this tool, wants to lend or sell it (large deposit left with you etc), please get in touch - this is pretty urgent!

Cheers,

Dave.

[atgnat]

i know that you can get the cam key, and the freeze pins from the us lotus dealerships. try wally at star motors in houston tx. if not, jae are making complete v-8 tool sets that will be avaliable for purchase. i believe they have a few for rent now. good luck.

[davejw]

Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately we are in Surrey in the UK so given the time limit, I don't think this will help us this time, but thanks for the advice,

Cheers,

Dave.

[jk1]

Dave,

That pretty well sucks that the dealer won't help you out. Have you tried going to the service manager and well, bribing him?

Wish I could help but V8 tools I have not. Hope you get it resolved.

Cheers,
Jim

[lotusse89]

davejw said:

Thanks for the reply! Unfortunately we are in Surrey in the UK so given the time limit, I don't think this will help us this time, but thanks for the advice, Cheers, Dave.

Can you call some of the independant parts dealers (like SJ Sportscars) and see if they have the tool to loan? Our USA parts guys have had several tools made and offer them for loan.

[davejw]

I'll try SJ Sportscars in the morning, although our Independent Specialist has been working on Lotus' for years and he can't get the tool from the factory just yet - I'm just not sure they are released for sale outside the dealer network.

Cheers,

Dave