Espirit V8 Lining problem

[JohnnyMac1]

Hi
I looking at a few different espirits to buy and I'm concerned about the lining problem. Does anyone know what serial # started with the improved system? The one car I'm looking at is a 1998 and the other is a 2001. Any help would be great!

[jk1]

You can read about it here www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/EGuides/ETechnical/V8_Liner_Problems.html


According to LEW:

The Liner Sealer update was introduced on Service Bulletin 2000/3 in June 2000.

The Production Build changed early in 2000 at Engine No. 30600

Lotus

Cheers,
Jim

[JohnnyMac1]

Thanks Jim
So basicly I need to make sure this work was done already to the 1998? How long did Lotus cover this problem under warranty? The 1998 has about 28000 miles on it.

[deecee]

If it hasn't leaked by now...

[hedgerley]

I bought my 1998 V8-GT privately at 29,000 miles. The liner upgrade had not been done so I reckon I saved £5k - £7k compared to others I looked at. There was no trace of the liner problem when I bought it and now, at 38,000 miles, there is still no trace.

As has been reported elsewhere, it seems the liner does break down under excess heat and is usually indicative of another cooling problem, such as a blocked radiator, broken fans, thermostat etc. Looked after, I don't think there should be a problem.

[hundleydavid]

Hi

I owned a 1999 Esprit 350 sport, number 0 in fact. Purchased this car at about 3k miles and drove it HARD until around 28-29k. No trace of the problem at all. The car is now on 40something miles and last i heard a few months ago, still no problem. In some ways, i think its one of these issues, that has been over talked about in 90% of cases and there are a few(like any car) who have had the problems.

Regards

[atgnat]

if you keep the radiator fins clean, i think the loctite engines are ok.

[ErnestM]

Also keep an eye on your cooling fans (or even upgrade them like KM has done). If even ONE of these fans goes out, your engine temp will shoot up quite a bit.

For warmer environments water wetter will help.

I think the big issue with the lining problem is heat, hence Lotus corporate's position that the liners will be find as long as the engine isn't abused or modded. Obviously, if you were thinking of going with an upgraded HP ECU (Lotus race red, etc) you might want to escrow some money for an engine rebuild (and transmission rebuild, half shafts, etc, etc)

My '98 has not had the rebuild and no problems.

ErnestM