Lotus Elise Service Notes page 348

D Lotus Service Notes
Section JH
Filling Procedure: Insert the pump nozzle fully into the neck, and fill until the first time the auto-shut off mecha-
nism is triggered. Do not attempt to 'brim' the tank to the top of the filler neck, as expansion of the fuel due to
temperature change (especially in hot weather - the temperature in underground storage tanks is significantly
colder) may cause flooding of the charcoal canister, or spillage of fuel.
The total fuel tank capacity is 36 litres (8.0 imp.gal).
LH.3 - PRECAUTIONS
The fuel line between pump and injector rail, and the injector rail itself, contain pressurised fuel both when
the engine is running, and after switching off. This feature aids engine starting by reducing the time needed to
build up operating fuel pressure, and inhibiting the formation of vapour pockets in the supply line of a stopped
hot engine.
i) To minimise the risk of fire and personal injury, relieve the fuel system pressure before servicing the fuel
rail or any related component. See 'Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure' below.
ii) To reduce the possibility of sparks occurring when a fuel line is disconnected, or when fuel vapour is
present, the negative battery cable should be disconnected before work is commenced.
iii) When fuel lines are disconnected, absorb any escaping fuel in an absorbent cloth and dispose of safely.
Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure
This procedure should be used prior to disconnecting any part of the fuel line except the unpressurised
return line.
Pull out the fuel pump fuse (to rear of engine management ECM at LH side of rear luggage compart-
ment), start the engine, and run until it stops from starvation. Crank the engine for a further 10 seconds.
If the engine is a non-runner, pull out the fuel pump fuse, and crank the engine for a total time of 60
seconds to minimise residual fuel pressure.
Disconnect the battery.
Use a shop towel to absorb the small
amount of pressurised fuel remaining as
a fuel feed pipe connection is released, p
u e
/
pum
p
and dispose of safely f
u s e
(10A)
LH.4 - FUEL FILTER
The fuel filter is fitted in the feed line between pump and injector rail, and protects the delicate injectors
from dirt particles and debris not screened out by the pump inlet strainers. The paper element fuel filter is
contained within a steel canister fitted with compression joints, and is mounted in a holder on the air cleaner
bracket at the left hand side of the engine bay. At intervals specified in the maintenance schedule, the filter unit
should be renewed.
1. WARNING: The fuel in the filter and connecting pipework remains pressurised after switching off
the ignition. Before disconnecting the fuel line, carry out the fuel pressure relief procedure
detailed in sub-section LH.3.
2. Remove the air cleaner cover for access, and use two spanners to release the inlet connection from the
front end of the filter. Use an absorbent cloth to collect any draining fuel. Release the push fit connector
Page 348 1998 / 03