Lotus 2004 Eleven Service Notes page 501

Lotus Service Notes
Accusump reservoir
EPC valve
assembly
In-line
filter
Routine Checks
Be aware that the indicated oil level on the dipstick will depend on the amount of oil stored in the Accu-
sump, which itself is dependent on the both the Accusump pre-charge air pressure and the engine oil pressure
when the ignition was switched off.
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 engine dipstick. To check for correct oil level, the
engine should be started at idle to charge the Accusump until the pressure gauge registers 40 psi. If idle oil
pressure is below 40 psi, increase rpm until 40 psi is achieved and then switch off. This pressure should then
be retained in the cylinder. If idle oil pressure is over 40 psi, the engine must be run to normal running tem-
perature before switching off and then re-starting as above.
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, should be renewed.
After renewing and pre-filling the engine oil filter, and replacing the in-line filter gauze (see above), 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.
To LH port
on sandwich
plate
Exige S/C
Air pressure gauge
FRONT
Mounting clamp to
boot floor
From oil
cooler
pl4015cLR
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