Lotus Elise Service Notes page 105

Lotus Service Notes Section TDM
Oil Filter
The oil filter is horizontally mounted at
the front of the engine, and is accessible from
beneath (remove the engine bay undershield/
diffuser if applicable). The filter should be re-
newed, at intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Schedule, by turning in a
counterclockwise direction using an oil filter
wrench if necessary. Discard the filter after
removal (see 'Used Engine Oil').
Before fitting a new filter, clean the mat-
ing face on the engine, and smear the new
seal on the filter with clean oil. Add a small
amount of clean oil into the filter, screw onto
its spigot and tighten BY HAND just sufficiently
to make a firm seal, typically 2/3 to 3/4 of a
turn after the filter sealing ring has made con-
tact.
Start the engine and check for oil leaks.
Re-check the security of the filter, further tight-
ening by hand if necessary. Check the oil level
(see above) when the engine is fully warm.
Used Engine Oil
WARNING: - Prolonged and repeated contact with used engine oil may cause serious skin disorders,
including dermatitis and cancer.
- Avoid contact with skin as far as possible and wash thoroughly after any contact.
- Keep out of reach of children.
PROTECT THE ENVIRONMENT: It is illegal to pollute drains, water courses and soil. Use authorised waste
collection facilities, including civic amenity sites and garages providing facilities for disposal of used oil and
used oil filters. If in doubt, contact your local authority for advice on disposal.
'Severe Service' Conditions
Certain operating conditions can cause rapid degradation of the oil quality, either by the accumulation of
dirt particles, or by the absorption of water from condensation. If either of the 'severe service' conditions
described below apply, it is recommended that the oil and filter be changed twice as frequently as is listed in the
Maintenance Schedule. Change the oil and filter as soon as possible after driving in a dust storm.
Oil filter
# Driving in dusty areas (e.g. on unmetalled roads);
# Stop/start city driving with frequent short trips where the engine rarely warms up thoroughly (especially in
cold weather); and/or frequent or prolonged idling.
Air Cleaner Element
The air filter should be inspected at in-
tervals dependent on the operating conditions.
When the vehicle is operated in a relatively
clean environment, the element should be
renewed at intervals specified in the Mainte-
nance Schedule, but where a dusty or smog
laden atmosphere prevails, more frequent re-
placement will be required dependent on the
level of pollution.
A disposable folded paper type air
cleaner element is fitted in a housing at the
left hand side of the engine bay.
Air cleaner cover
Air cleaner
element
Air cleaner housing
Page 3