Lotus 2004 Eleven Service Notes page 299

Lotus Service Notes
- To unlock the cap, insert the key (same key as ignition), turn ¼ counterclockwise and withdraw the cap
with the key. As the cap is unlocked, any slight pressure differential between the tank and atmosphere will
be released, and a brief hiss may be heard, which is completely normal. Note that the key can withdrawn
only from a locked cap.
- To refit, engage the ears on the cap with the slots in the neck, turn the key ¼ clockwise to lock and
withdraw the key.
Filling Procedure: Insert the pump nozzle fully into the neck, and fill until the first time the auto-shut off mecha-
nism is triggered. Do not attempt to 'brim' the tank to the top of the filler neck, as expansion of the fuel due to
temperature change (especially in hot weather - the temperature in underground storage tanks is significantly
colder) may cause flooding of the charcoal canister, or spillage of fuel.
The total usable fuel capacity is 43.5 litres.
LJ.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.
Fuel Pressure Relief Procedure
This procedure should be used prior to disconnecting any part of the fuel line.
- Pull out the fuel pump fuse (on the left
hand side of the engine bay bulkhead,
as shown), start the engine, and run until
it stops from starvation. Crank the
engine for a further few seconds.
- If the engine is a non-runner, pull out the
fuel pump fuse, and crank the engine for
20 seconds to minimise residual fuel
pressure.
- Disconnect the battery.
It is recommended first to release the
quick fit connector located to the rear of
the coolant header tank:
- Release the retaining clip securing the
pipe joint to the header tank bracket.
- Slide the orange coloured safety lock to
allow access to the connector release
buttons.
- Surround the pipe joint with a shop towel
to absorb fuel contained in the pipework
before pressing the release buttons and
separating the joint.
WARNING: Be aware of the possibility of full pressure retention in the fuel line caused by a
system fault.
Page 4
Fuel pump
fuse (20A)
Section LJ
ohs136