Fuel Requirement & Filling - Lotus Evora Service Notes

Lotus Service Notes
LN.2 - FUEL REqUIREmENT & FILLING
Fuel Requirement
Use only premium grade UNLEADED fuel with a minimum octane rating of 95 RON. Using fuel with a
lower octane rating may cause knocking (pinking) which, if severe, can cause serious engine damage. Light
knocking may occasionally be heard for short periods when accelerating or driving up hills, and should cause
no concern, although using a lower gear would be advised. If, however, persistent heavy knocking is heard
when using the specified fuel, a fault is indicated.
If no unleaded premium grade fuel is available, 91 RON unleaded fuel may be used for short periods,
but heavy engine loads and wide throttle openings must be avoided. The use of good quality fuels containing
proper detergent additives is advised for good performance and emission control.
The Evora is fitted with 'three way' catalytic converters in the exhaust system in order to reduce the
noxious content of the exhaust gases and comply with emission control regulations. It is essential that ONLY
UNLEADED FUEL is used. The effectiveness of the catalytic converters decreases after as little as one tankful
of leaded fuel or LRP.
Note
• The use of leaded fuel, or lead replacement petrol (LRP), will cause irreversible contamination of the pre-
cious metal catalysts and of the exhaust gas sensors used by the computer controlled engine management
system.
• Fuel system damage and running problems, resulting from the use of incorrect fuels will not be covered
by your New Vehicle Warranty.
• DO NOT push or tow start the car; or turn off the ignition at engine speeds above idle; or run the fuel tank
dry: Any of these actions may damage the catalytic converters.
Ethanol E5 & E10 - A mixture of 5% or 10% ethanol (grain alcohol) and unleaded petrol may be used in the Evora
but the lower octane rating (typically 93 - 94 RON) will result in slightly reduced performance and economy. If
driveability problems are experienced as a result of using ethanol, use 95 RON unleaded petrol. Do not use
Ethanol blends with a higher concentration than 10%.
Methanol ‑ Do not use fuels containing methanol (wood alcohol). Use of this type of alcohol can result in per
formance deterioration and damage to critical parts in the fuel system.
Fuels Containing MMT ‑ Some fuels contain methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl (mmT), which is an
octane enhancing additive. Such fuels may damage the emission control system and should NOT be used.
Diesel ‑ The Lotus Evora will not operate on diesel fuel.
Fuel Filling
WARNING:
- Be aware of the danger of explosion when dealing with petrol and its attendant fumes. Before
stopping at a filling station, switch off mobile phones, ensure that all cigarettes are extinguished
and that no naked flames or other potential ignition sources are present.
- Switch off the engine before refuelling.
- Remove the filler cap slowly to allow any pressure to bleed off gradually. Hasty removal may result
in a small amount of fuel spray with a possible health or fire hazard.
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Section LN