Lotus 2004 Eleven Service Notes page 133

Lotus Service Notes
EH.3 - MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS - 2ZZ & 1ZZ
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 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 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.
Page 10
OIL FILLER CAP
Section EH
ohs131
DIPSTICK
ohs132