Lotus Exige S/C Service Notes page 9

Lotus Service Notes
Accusump reservoir
EPC valve
assembly
In-line
filter
Before checking the oil level, the Accusump pre-charge pressure should first be checked; turn on the
ignition to open the EPC valve and allow the stored oil to be discharged from the Accusump. The pressure
gauge reading will drop during this discharge, but should then register 7 - 15 psi representing the pre-charge.
If necessary, adjust the air pressure using tyre inflator equipment on the Schraeder valve adjacent to the gauge
and set to 15 psi.
The oil level should now be above the top mark on the dipstick. To check for correct oil level, the engine
should be started to charge the Accusump, and run to normal operating temperature until the Accusump pres-
sure gauge registers 40 psi. If the engine is already hot, idle oil pressure may not be sufficient to open the
Accusump valve, and the pressure gauge will continue to show 15 psi pre-charge. Increase engine rpm to
open the valve. With the gauge showing 40 psi, turn off the engine. The EPC valve will then close and trap the
normal hot idle quantity of oil in the Accusump cylinder. After a suitable oil drainback pause, the sump oil level
may then be inspected on the disptick, and the level corrected to the top mark. It is important to maintain oil at
this level to accommodate the oil transfer into the Accusump at pressures greater than 40 psi. Be aware that
checking the oil level under any conditions other than 15 psi pre-charge and 40 psi oil pressure will produce
inconsistent results.
Oil Changing
Before draining the sump, the ignition should first be switched on to open the EPC valve and allow the
Accusump to discharge the stored oil into the sump. Check that a pressure of 7 - 15 psi remains in the Ac-
cusump at the end of this process, and if necessary top up the pressure using tyre inflating equipment on the
Schraeder valve next to the gauge and set to 15 psi.
The oil can then be drained in the usual way, with the quantity contained in the oil cooler lines disregarded
for the purposes of routine maintenance. If an engine failure has occurred, with possible debris contamination
of oil hoses and coolers, it is recommended to replace both oil coolers, and to replace or thoroughly flush the
feed and return hoses. At each service interval the in-line filter gauze in the hose between the Accusump and
'T'- piece, and located in the RH rear wheelarch, should be renewed.
After renewing and pre-filling the engine oil filter, refill the sump to about 10mm above the top mark on the
dipstick. Start the engine and allow to idle. Do NOT rev the engine or drive the car. The Accusump will take
up to 2 litres of oil from the sump to store within the cylinder. Continue to idle the engine until the Accusump
pressure gauge drops to 40 psi (as the oil warms) and then switch off the engine. Top up the oil to the top
mark on the dipstick.
sn_Exige Supercharged supplement.indd 9
Air pressure gauge
To LH port
on sandwich
plate
Exige S/C
FRONT
Mounting clamp to
boot floor
From oil
cooler
pl4015cLR
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