Lotus Elise Service Notes page 548

Lotus Service Notes 340 H
Air Cleaner The Elise 340R uses two identical Pipercross conical foam air cleaner elements contained within
the air intake trunking; a primary filter mounted at the inlet end of the trunking, and a secondary filter mounted
immediately after the resonator valve at entrance to the airbox. When the vehicle is operated in a relatively
clean environment, the primary filter should be cleaned every 'A' service, and the secondary filter every 'B'
service, but where a dusty or smog laden atmosphere prevails, more frequent servicing will be required dependent
on the level of pollution. When removing either filter, take care not to contaminate the engine side of the duct
or airbox with dirt. Follow the filter manufacturer's cleaning instructions:
1. Dislodge any large embedded dirt by tapping the filter gently. Brush with a soft bristle brush to remove other
dirt.
2. Spray Pipercross foam air filter cleaner liberally onto the entire filter. Let soak for 10 minutes.
3. Never use other cleaning agents e.g. gasoline, caustic strong detergents or solvents. Never use steam
cleaners or a high-pressure car wash. Doing so will invalidate the warranty.
4. Rinse off the filter with low-pressure tap water from the clean side to the dirty side. This will remove dirt and
not drive it into the filter.
5. Always let excess water drain from the filter Let the filter dry naturally. Never use compressed air; open
flame or hot air dryers.
6. After cleaning the filter, Pipercross Dirt Retention Additive (DRA) must be re-applied. Pipercross DRA is a
very efficient high tack polymer. Never use motor oil, diesel fuel, ATF or WD40.
7. Re-install the filters and intake ducting.
Exhaust System: The 340R engine uses a special exhaust manifold fabricated from 45mm steel tube, leading
via a short flexible section to the standard catalytic converter, and then into a new transverse stainless steel
muffler with twin high level outlets. The muffler is wrapped in carbon fibre faced insulation to provide heat
protection.
Starting Procedure: The fuel injection and engine management system controls fuel delivery and engine settings
under all normal operating conditions.
i) If necessary, mobilise the engine by pressing the ignition key head transmitter button (see 'Vehicle S e c u -
rity Alarm').
ii) Insert the ignition key into the switch/steering lock and turn to position 'II' to switch on the ignition (note
that position III is not operative).
iii) Press the accelerator pedal to one quarter travel (approx. 25mm) and press the starter button in the
centre of the fascia. As soon as the engine starts, release the button and adjust the accelerator position to
maintain 2,000 rpm for 10 seconds to minimise emissions. If the engine fails to start within 15 seconds, stop
cranking and pause for 10 seconds before a second attempt.
iv) If difficulties are encountered, press the accelerator half way down, and repeat (iii).
v) If the engine still fails to start, it is likely that it will have become fuel flooded. Provision is made to cut off
the fuel supply completely when cranking, by fully depressing the accelerator. Repeat the starting procedure
holding the pedal fully down, and release immediately the engine starts.
Idle Speed: Engine idle speed is controlled electronically by the engine management computer, and is nor-
mally about 1250 rpm. An uprated idle speed is required under certain operating conditions including the
engine warm up phase, during which time the raised idle helps to speed the time taken for the catalytic con-
verter to reach operating temperature, as well as inhibiting engine stall. Idle speed will return to normal
automatically when the engine has warmed sufficiently.
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