QUESTION.
What is the recommended temperature thermostat for a Lotus twin cam engine?
P.Y. - Brisbane
ANSWER.
Lotus originally fitted several different thermostats to both the Elan and Elan +2.
The following list provides details of the part numbers and opening temperatures.
036E6002 thermostat – 88 degrees Centigrade
036E6003 thermostat – 71 degrees Centigrade
036E6022 thermostat – 78 degrees Centigrade
It is important to install the correct thermostat to suit climatic conditions otherwise the engine will not operate at its optimum running temperature.
To illustrate this point, interior cabin heaters will not function correctly during the cold winter months (temperatures of zero degrees and below in the Northern Hemisphere) if a 74 degree thermostat is fitted.
In simple terms this means, the engine cannot reach its designed operating temperature when a lower opening temperature thermostat fitted.
This phenomenon brings about the change and use of a “winter thermostat” and a “summer thermostat”.
For warmer climates such as in Australia, it is recommended a 72 or 74 degree Centigrade unit be installed as these are more readily available.
Lotus Marques usually stocks 74 degree Centigrade thermostats that are available from our spare parts inventory. These thermostats are wax filled and are the quick opening type.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques
What is the recommended temperature thermostat for a Lotus twin cam engine?
P.Y. - Brisbane
ANSWER.
Lotus originally fitted several different thermostats to both the Elan and Elan +2.
The following list provides details of the part numbers and opening temperatures.
036E6002 thermostat – 88 degrees Centigrade
036E6003 thermostat – 71 degrees Centigrade
036E6022 thermostat – 78 degrees Centigrade
It is important to install the correct thermostat to suit climatic conditions otherwise the engine will not operate at its optimum running temperature.
To illustrate this point, interior cabin heaters will not function correctly during the cold winter months (temperatures of zero degrees and below in the Northern Hemisphere) if a 74 degree thermostat is fitted.
In simple terms this means, the engine cannot reach its designed operating temperature when a lower opening temperature thermostat fitted.
This phenomenon brings about the change and use of a “winter thermostat” and a “summer thermostat”.
For warmer climates such as in Australia, it is recommended a 72 or 74 degree Centigrade unit be installed as these are more readily available.
Lotus Marques usually stocks 74 degree Centigrade thermostats that are available from our spare parts inventory. These thermostats are wax filled and are the quick opening type.
Copyright © 2011 Lotus Marques


