Lotus 2004 ELISE Service Notes page 116

Lotus Service Notes
Dipstick: The dipstick is identifiable by its yellow loop handle, and is located at the right hand front of the engine.
Withdraw the dipstick, and wipe with a paper towel. Replace the dipstick, if necessary feeding the blade into
the tube with the fingers, before pressing firmly to ensure that the handle is fully seated. Withdraw the dipstick
again to inspect the oil level, which should lie between the two dimples on the end of the stick.
The oil level should be maintained at the
upper of these two marks in order to provide
optimum engine protection.
Topping Up: If topping up is necessary, un-
screw the oil filler cap from the left hand end of
the cam cover. Add a suitable quantity of the
recommended engine oil (see 'Recommended
Lubricants') taking care not to spill any oil onto
engine or electrical components; use a funnel
if necessary.
The difference between high and low
dipstick marks is equivalent to 1.5 litre. Allow
several minutes for the oil to drain through to
the sump before re-checking the oil level.
Do NOT overfill, or lubrication will be degraded and consumption increased as the oil becomes aerated.
Refit the filler cap, turning clockwise until secure.
Engine Oil Change
The use of high quality oil, renewed at the specified intervals, is the key to engine longevity and sustained
performance. Adhere strictly to the engine oil and filter change intervals specified in the Maintenance Sched-
ule.
For access to the engine sump and filter, the engine bay undertray must first be removed. This is most
easily achieved with the vehicle raised on a garage hydaulic lift, or alternatively, parked over an inspection pit.
The drain plug is located at the rear of the sump, and should be removed to drain the sump immediately after
a run when the oil is warm and the impurities are still held in suspension.
WARNING: - Take all suitable precautions to guard against scalding from the hot oil.
Allow the oil to drain completely before cleaning the drain plug, fitting a new sealing washer, and tighten-
ing securely. Refill with the recommended lubricant via the oil filler on the camshaft cover, to the top mark on
the dipstick, allowing several minutes for the oil to drain through to the sump before checking the level. Take
care not to overfill. Refit the oil filler cap securely, and check the oil level again when the engine is fully warm
(see above).
Oil Filter
The canister type oil filter is vertically
mounted at the front of the engine, and is
accessible from beneath after removal of the
engine bay undershield. The filter should be
renewed along with the engine oil, at intervals
specified in the Maintenance Schedule.
WARNING: Take all suitable precautions to
guard against scalding from the hot oil.
Remove the filter by turning in a coun-
terclockwise direction, if necessary using an
oil filter wrench, and dispose of safely.
Ensure that only a Lotus specified filter is fitted, as parts with identical outward appearance can contain
different internal features. Before fitting a new filter, clean the mating face on the engine, and smear the new
seal on the filter with clean oil. Add a small amount of clean engine oil into the filter, screw onto its spigot and
tighten BY HAND sufficiently to make a secure seal, typically 2/3 to 3/4 of a turn after the sealing faces have
made contact. Overtightening using a filter wrench may damage the canister and/or complicate subsequent
Page 8
OIL FILLER CAP
OIL FILTER
(Viewed
from
beneath)
Section EH
ohs131
DIPSTICK
ohs132