Lotus Elise S1 Service Notes page 104

Lotus Service Notes Section TDL
EE.1 - GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The 1.8 litre, 16 valve four cylinder engine used in the Lotus Elise is supplied by Rover Group, and is
designated 'K16'. A full description and overhaul procedure for this unit is contained in the Rover Overhaul
Manual RCL 0057ENG, a copy of which follows. References in this manual to 'K8' engine versions should be
disregarded.
EE.2 - MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS
Engine Oil Level Check
The engine oil level should be checked regularly, such as every two or three fuel stops, and the oil level
maintained near the top mark on the dipstick. It is especially important to keep a check on the oil level during
the vehicle's first 1,000 miles (1,600 km), as both the fuel and oil consumption will be prone to some variance
until the engine components have bedded in.
The best time to check the level is when the oil is warm, such as during a fuel stop. Ensure that the car
is parked on a level surface and that a few minutes have elapsed since stopping the engine to allow oil to drain
back into the sump. If the engine is stopped before reaching normal running temperature, the oil will not drain
back to the sump so readily, and the dipstick will display an artificially low reading.
Dipstick: The dipstick is identifiable by
its yellow loop handle, and is located at the
right hand rear of the engine. Withdraw the
dipstick, and wipe with a paper towel. Re-
place the dipstick, pressing firmly to make sure
it is fully seated, and withdraw again to inspect
the oil level. The correct level is to the upper
mark on the dipstick.
Topping Up: If topping up is necessary,
remove the oil filler cap from the cam cover,
and in order to allow the crankcase to venti-
late, remove the dipstick. Add a suitable quan-
tity of a recommended engine oil (see Sec-
tion OG) taking care not to spill any oil onto
engine or electrical components; use a funnel
if necessary.
Oil filler cap
The difference between high and low dipstick marks is equivalent to 1.0 litre (1.8 imp.pt). Allow several
minutes for the oil to drain through to the sump before re-checking the oil level. Do NOT overfill, or the oil will
become aerated and its lubricating properties degraded. Refit the filler cap and turn 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.
On cars so fitted, the engine bay undertray/diffuser must be removed for access to the engine sump and
filter. The drain plug is located at the right hand front 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. Take suitable
precautions to guard against scalding. Allow to drain thoroughly before cleaning the drain plug, fitting a new
sealing washer, and tightening to 25 Nm.
Refill with a recommended lubricant via the oil filler on the camshaft cover, to the top mark on the
dipstick. Be sure to remove the dipstick to permit crankcase venting, and allow sufficient time for the oil to
drain through to the sump before checking the oil level on the dipstick. Take care not to overfill. Re-fit the oil
filler cap securely, and check the oil level again when the engine is fully warm (see above).
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