QUESTION
It looks as if I have an oil leak from the distributor on my Lotus Turbo Esprit.
Is it necessary to take the carburettors off in order to service the distributor, and also what gaskets I will require?
J.W. - Adelaide, SA
ANSWER
If you have an oil leak coming from the distributor, there will be oil dribbling from the distributor onto the cylinder block.
From experience, this oil leak can be difficult to determine exactly where is it coming from as the oil pools underneath the distributor.
If oil is coming from the distributor, then remove the cap and inspect it as it will most likely contain oil.
If an oil leak is discovered originating from inside the distributor, then the internal oil seal needs replacing.
This is best carried out by removing the distributor and completely dismantling the unit to remove the worn shaft seal.
Unfortunately the internal seal is a non-standard size and there is no replacement part available from Lucas.
This is now a reoccurring problem and it is possible to machine the internal recess to accept a commercially available seal.
This simple modification is now an in-house routine machining operation and the seals cost $3-55 each plus GST (24-9-2013)
I would be pleased to carry out the dismantling, machining and installing a new seal if you post the distributor to Lotus Marques.
If care is exercised, then it is possible to remove the distributor without removing both Dellorto carburettors.
There are no gaskets required whilst removing and servicing the distributor.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
It looks as if I have an oil leak from the distributor on my Lotus Turbo Esprit.
Is it necessary to take the carburettors off in order to service the distributor, and also what gaskets I will require?
J.W. - Adelaide, SA
ANSWER
If you have an oil leak coming from the distributor, there will be oil dribbling from the distributor onto the cylinder block.
From experience, this oil leak can be difficult to determine exactly where is it coming from as the oil pools underneath the distributor.
If oil is coming from the distributor, then remove the cap and inspect it as it will most likely contain oil.
If an oil leak is discovered originating from inside the distributor, then the internal oil seal needs replacing.
This is best carried out by removing the distributor and completely dismantling the unit to remove the worn shaft seal.
Unfortunately the internal seal is a non-standard size and there is no replacement part available from Lucas.
This is now a reoccurring problem and it is possible to machine the internal recess to accept a commercially available seal.
This simple modification is now an in-house routine machining operation and the seals cost $3-55 each plus GST (24-9-2013)
I would be pleased to carry out the dismantling, machining and installing a new seal if you post the distributor to Lotus Marques.
If care is exercised, then it is possible to remove the distributor without removing both Dellorto carburettors.
There are no gaskets required whilst removing and servicing the distributor.
Copyright © 2013 Lotus Marques
