QUESTION
I recently went to change the differential oil in my Elan Sprint only to discover, filling the differential was going to be a challenge.
Draining the differential oil seems pretty straight forward, but................
Do you have any tips to get the oil back in as the refill plug location at the rear of the casing is so restrictive.
D.R. - Pennant Hills, NSW
ANSWER
This is every Lotus Elan (and Elan +2 owners) challenge not to spill any oil when refilling the differential
Over the years I have tried all sorts filler approaches just to get a tube into the threaded opening
Many years ago differential oil was supplied in a plastic bottle with a plastic screw cap and clear plastic hose
A couple of problems with this - the plastic hose was too short, oil does not run up hill and limited access
One day there was an enlightening moment - finally there was a solution that guaranteed delivery and no spillage
I suggest you need to invest in a STM Tom Thumb oil filler bottle which has a 1 litre capacity and can be purchased on-line
https://www.automegastore.com.au/products/stm-tom-thumb-oil-pump-1-litre
Because of restricted access it is necessary to tweak the shape/angle of the small aluminium U-shaped tube so it easily tucks into the filler hole
Copyright © 2025 Lotus Marques
I recently went to change the differential oil in my Elan Sprint only to discover, filling the differential was going to be a challenge.
Draining the differential oil seems pretty straight forward, but................
Do you have any tips to get the oil back in as the refill plug location at the rear of the casing is so restrictive.
D.R. - Pennant Hills, NSW
ANSWER
This is every Lotus Elan (and Elan +2 owners) challenge not to spill any oil when refilling the differential
Over the years I have tried all sorts filler approaches just to get a tube into the threaded opening
Many years ago differential oil was supplied in a plastic bottle with a plastic screw cap and clear plastic hose
A couple of problems with this - the plastic hose was too short, oil does not run up hill and limited access
One day there was an enlightening moment - finally there was a solution that guaranteed delivery and no spillage
I suggest you need to invest in a STM Tom Thumb oil filler bottle which has a 1 litre capacity and can be purchased on-line
https://www.automegastore.com.au/products/stm-tom-thumb-oil-pump-1-litre
Because of restricted access it is necessary to tweak the shape/angle of the small aluminium U-shaped tube so it easily tucks into the filler hole
Copyright © 2025 Lotus Marques
