QUESTION
I need some help as the bottom clip holding on the distributor cap on my Lotus Esprit turbo has actually fallen off!
Any ideas on how to re clip it without removing the distributor?
J.G. - Western Australia
ANSWER
If the clip has rotated and unfastened its self from the cap (and is still hanging in its retaining hole) then it is possible to put back into its correct position using a long shaft screw driver.
But first you will have to un-fasten the clamp screw and rotate the distributor body to access the clip.
This is awkward to do because of limited access and poor visibility so a certain amount of patience is required.
The distributor clamp screw is shown in the centre of the photograph above (hex head screw with slot)
The distributor cap spring clips a shown in their usual position in the photograph above
If the clip has unfastened its self from the alloy body then it wise to remove the complete distributor.
This is not as drastic or difficult as it may sound.
With a coloured marker pen or liquid paper pen, mark the distributor body and housing so there are corresponding alignment marks.
This will allow the distributor to be put back back in exactly the same position without disturbing or altering the ignition timing.
With the cap removed, note where the rotor arm is pointing.
Next, back off the clamp screw which should be pointing upwards.
This screw usually has a hex head with a screw-driver slot and can be accessed from above the carburettors.
You do not have to be concerned about re-synchronising the distributor drive-shaft as it has an off-set dog drive and can only be installed in one position.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques
I need some help as the bottom clip holding on the distributor cap on my Lotus Esprit turbo has actually fallen off!
Any ideas on how to re clip it without removing the distributor?
J.G. - Western Australia
ANSWER
If the clip has rotated and unfastened its self from the cap (and is still hanging in its retaining hole) then it is possible to put back into its correct position using a long shaft screw driver.
But first you will have to un-fasten the clamp screw and rotate the distributor body to access the clip.
This is awkward to do because of limited access and poor visibility so a certain amount of patience is required.
The distributor clamp screw is shown in the centre of the photograph above (hex head screw with slot)
The distributor cap spring clips a shown in their usual position in the photograph above
If the clip has unfastened its self from the alloy body then it wise to remove the complete distributor.
This is not as drastic or difficult as it may sound.
With a coloured marker pen or liquid paper pen, mark the distributor body and housing so there are corresponding alignment marks.
This will allow the distributor to be put back back in exactly the same position without disturbing or altering the ignition timing.
With the cap removed, note where the rotor arm is pointing.
Next, back off the clamp screw which should be pointing upwards.
This screw usually has a hex head with a screw-driver slot and can be accessed from above the carburettors.
You do not have to be concerned about re-synchronising the distributor drive-shaft as it has an off-set dog drive and can only be installed in one position.
Copyright © 2012 Lotus Marques