If you are about to replace a head gasket on a Lotus Esprit, Eclat or Elite then a new composite style gasket is going to be installed.
The original torque settings in the relevant Lotus workshop manual should be disregarded as they apply to an old style metal laminated gasket.
The correct tightening procedure should be carefully followed and this is described in Lotus Service bulletin 1993/07 here.
Essential torque angle gauge
Having tightened fasteners to the recommended initial torque setting, the torque angle gauge should be installed between the wrench/ratchet and socket.
Next, rotate the gauge pointer until it is set on Zero.
The reaction arm on the gauge should then be positioned against a static component located adjacent to the tool so as to prevent the scale from moving.
As the fastener is tightened the pointer indicates the angle achieved.
Clean preparation is the prerequisite to a successful head gasket installation.
Lubricating the studs, nuts and washer faces is essential in obtaining the correct fastener tension.
These components should be lubricated with SAE 30 monograde mineral oil.
CAUTION - DO NOT USE FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL otherwise the fasteners will be over-tightened.
Copyright © 2014 Lotus Marques
The original torque settings in the relevant Lotus workshop manual should be disregarded as they apply to an old style metal laminated gasket.
The correct tightening procedure should be carefully followed and this is described in Lotus Service bulletin 1993/07 here.
Essential torque angle gaugeHaving tightened fasteners to the recommended initial torque setting, the torque angle gauge should be installed between the wrench/ratchet and socket.
Next, rotate the gauge pointer until it is set on Zero.
The reaction arm on the gauge should then be positioned against a static component located adjacent to the tool so as to prevent the scale from moving.
As the fastener is tightened the pointer indicates the angle achieved.
Clean preparation is the prerequisite to a successful head gasket installation.
Lubricating the studs, nuts and washer faces is essential in obtaining the correct fastener tension.
These components should be lubricated with SAE 30 monograde mineral oil.
CAUTION - DO NOT USE FULLY SYNTHETIC OIL otherwise the fasteners will be over-tightened.
Copyright © 2014 Lotus Marques