QUESTION
The top hose from the oil filter sandwich plate to the oil cooler has ruptured on my Lotus Eclat.
As a result of this, hot oil has sprayed everywhere in the engine bay.
I've cleaned it up as best I can but obviously I cant get what has impregnated the belt.
Do you think I will need to change the timing belt (it is new!) as its only just recently been fitted?
T.P. - Sydney, Australia
ANSWER
If the belt has been contaminated in any way, then its impossible to completely remove the oil that has impregnated the belt.
Engine oil contamination is one the quickest way to destroy a timing belt.
It is recommended that the timing belt be changed as soon as possible before it fails and causes internal engine damage.
It is assumed that the oil cooler hoses are the original items fitted at the Lotus Factory when the Eclat was first built?
If this is the case, it would be wise to replace both hoses as they are old.
The most cost effective solution would be to get your local hose specialist to manufacture replacement hoses.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
The top hose from the oil filter sandwich plate to the oil cooler has ruptured on my Lotus Eclat.
As a result of this, hot oil has sprayed everywhere in the engine bay.
I've cleaned it up as best I can but obviously I cant get what has impregnated the belt.
Do you think I will need to change the timing belt (it is new!) as its only just recently been fitted?
T.P. - Sydney, Australia
ANSWER
If the belt has been contaminated in any way, then its impossible to completely remove the oil that has impregnated the belt.
Engine oil contamination is one the quickest way to destroy a timing belt.
It is recommended that the timing belt be changed as soon as possible before it fails and causes internal engine damage.
It is assumed that the oil cooler hoses are the original items fitted at the Lotus Factory when the Eclat was first built?
If this is the case, it would be wise to replace both hoses as they are old.
The most cost effective solution would be to get your local hose specialist to manufacture replacement hoses.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
