Lotus 2004 ELISE Service Notes page 267

Lotus Service Notes
the New Vehicle or Emission Control System Warranty. Leaded fuel will damage the oxygen sensor as well
as contaminating the catalytic converter, the effectiveness of which decreases after as little as one tankful of
leaded fuel.
Gasolines Containing Alcohol - Some gasolines sold at service stations contain alcohol although they may not
be so identified. Use of fuels containing alcohol is not recommended, unless the nature of the blend can be
determined as being satisfactory.
Gasohol - A mixture of 10% ethanol (grain alcohol) and 90% unleaded gasoline may be used in the Lotus
Elise. If driveability problems are experienced as a result of using gasohol, it is recommended that the vehicle
is operated on gasoline.
Methanol - Do not use gasolines containing methanol (wood alcohol). Use of this type of alcohol can result in
vehicle performance deterioration and damage to critical parts in the fuel system. Fuel system damage and
vehicle performance problems, resulting from the use of gasolines containing methanol, may not be covered
by your vehicle warranty.
Fuels Containing MMT - Some North American fuels contain methylcyclopentadienyl manganese tricarbonyl
(MMT), which is an octane enhancing additive. Such fuels may damage the emission control system and are
NOT recommended.
Diesel - The Lotus Elise will not operate on diesel fuel.
Fuel Filling
WARNING: Be aware of the danger of explosion when dealing with petrol and its attendant fumes. Be-
fore 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.
Filler Cap: The fuel filler cap is located in the right hand rear quarter panel, concealed beneath a spring loaded
flap. To remove, pull open the flap and turn the cap anticlockwise. As the cap is turned, any slight pressure dif-
ferential between the tank and atmosphere will be released, and a brief hiss may be heard, which is completely
normal. Note that the cap is tethered by a short strap to protect against loss.
To refit, place the cap into the filler neck and turn clockwise until the ratchet mechanism clicks several
times. Push the flap closed.
Filling Procedure: Insert the pump nozzle fully into the neck, and fill until the auto-shut off mechanism is trig-
gered. Do not attempt to 'brim' the tank to the top of the filler neck, as expansion of the fuel due to temperature
change (cold underground fuel storage) may cause flooding of the fuel tank breather system charcoal canister,
or spillage of fuel. The useable fuel tank capacity is 10.6 U.S. gall. (40 litres).
LK.3 - PRECAUTIONS
The fuel line between pump and injector rail, and the injector rail itself, contain pressurised fuel both when
the ignition is switched on, and for a period after switching off. This feature aids engine starting by reducing
the time needed to build up operating fuel pressure, and by inhibiting the formation of vapour pockets in the
supply line of a stopped hot engine.
WARNING:
i) To minimise the risk of fire and personal injury, relieve the fuel system pressure before servicing
any part of the fuel supply circuit. 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.
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