QUESTION.
I have just purchased a Lotus Eclat 2.2 litre and I have noticed engine oil on the timing belt.
I assume the danger is if it slips or breaks the engine will cease?
Is this correct or am I being overly cautious?
I am trying to gauge as quickly as possible the critical/non critical issues with the car.
I'm getting the carburettor and oil leaks looked at it 1.5 weeks time but am trying to gauge how much driving (if any!!) I should be doing in it.
T.P. - NSW
ANSWER.
I cannot see your timing belt or the oil contamination but if you have oil leaks that are resulting in oil being deposited on the timing belt, then stop driving the Eclat immediately.
If you continue to drive with a contaminated timing belt then there is a good chance it will strip teeth, skip valve timing and then damage valves.
You need to investigate where the oil is coming from and replace the worn seal(s) or resolve any oil leaks before changing the timing belt!
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
I have just purchased a Lotus Eclat 2.2 litre and I have noticed engine oil on the timing belt.
I assume the danger is if it slips or breaks the engine will cease?
Is this correct or am I being overly cautious?
I am trying to gauge as quickly as possible the critical/non critical issues with the car.
I'm getting the carburettor and oil leaks looked at it 1.5 weeks time but am trying to gauge how much driving (if any!!) I should be doing in it.
T.P. - NSW
ANSWER.
I cannot see your timing belt or the oil contamination but if you have oil leaks that are resulting in oil being deposited on the timing belt, then stop driving the Eclat immediately.
If you continue to drive with a contaminated timing belt then there is a good chance it will strip teeth, skip valve timing and then damage valves.
You need to investigate where the oil is coming from and replace the worn seal(s) or resolve any oil leaks before changing the timing belt!
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques