BEFORE attempting any changes or removal of the existing starter motor, please make sure the earth cable is disconnected from the battery.
It maybe necessary to alter the starter motor orientation to optimise the clearance around other engine components.
This can be easily achieved by removing the two Allen head cap screws located in the vernier plate and repositioning it.
Be aware there are concealed tubular dowels that locate the vernier plate to the starter motor gearbox casing (please don't drop or loose these)
Lotus Esprit starter motor A912E6884F 
High torque starter motor for Lotus Esprit
The original stater motor installed in the Lotus Esprit manufactured from 1988 to 1992 was pre-engaged type, Lotus part number A912E6884F.
This unit was manufactured by Magneti Marelli, type M80R.
Starter motor located under plenum chamber 
Starter motor cable connections
After disconnecting the earth lead on the battery, the two thick red cable and thinner brown cable can be disconnected from the solenoid.
The white and red striped cable can simply be unplugged from the rear of the solenoid.
The next step is to unfasten the two nyloc nuts from the 10mm bolts and at this point the original starter motor can be removed.
NOTE - The two 10mm bolts are NOT captive so it is necessary to locate a ring-spanner or socket on the heads to prevent them spinning whilst undoing the nyloc nuts.
Original and replacement starter motor 
Bell housing and fastener location
Once the fixing bolts are exposed, the new starter motor should be trial fitted to check there is adequate clearance between the cylinder block.
If necessary re-orientate the motor to provide adequate clearance and then the nyloc nuts can be tightened on the fixing bolts
Stater motor installed and cables connected
Cable connections - 4 wires on the original starter motor
1) Large red cable - connects to battery
2) Large red cable - main feed for vehicle electrical system
3) Brown cable - connects to alternator output post
4) White and red thin cable - solenoid
The large red cables plus the brown cable should be fastened to the 8mm diameter stud connection
The white and red striped cable should be plugged into the recessed blade connection
Acknowledgements
Our thanks go to Ben Calleja in Sydney, Australia for providing the photographs showing the starter motor installation.
Useful tip
Before attempting to install the starter motor, hold it up by the cylindrical motor on top and solenoid located below.
The battery cable fastens to the lower solenoid 8mm terminal below the motor.
Carefully examine the vernier plate orientation and two 10mm fixing bolts.
The motor needs to clear the oil pressure sender unit and plenum chamber.
Just eye-balling the motor in this way should indicate if the vernier plate needs rotating prior to final installation.
Copyright © 2014 Lotus Marques
It maybe necessary to alter the starter motor orientation to optimise the clearance around other engine components.
This can be easily achieved by removing the two Allen head cap screws located in the vernier plate and repositioning it.
Be aware there are concealed tubular dowels that locate the vernier plate to the starter motor gearbox casing (please don't drop or loose these)
Lotus Esprit starter motor A912E6884F 
High torque starter motor for Lotus Esprit The original stater motor installed in the Lotus Esprit manufactured from 1988 to 1992 was pre-engaged type, Lotus part number A912E6884F.
This unit was manufactured by Magneti Marelli, type M80R.
Starter motor located under plenum chamber 
Starter motor cable connectionsAfter disconnecting the earth lead on the battery, the two thick red cable and thinner brown cable can be disconnected from the solenoid.
The white and red striped cable can simply be unplugged from the rear of the solenoid.
The next step is to unfasten the two nyloc nuts from the 10mm bolts and at this point the original starter motor can be removed.
NOTE - The two 10mm bolts are NOT captive so it is necessary to locate a ring-spanner or socket on the heads to prevent them spinning whilst undoing the nyloc nuts.
Original and replacement starter motor 
Bell housing and fastener locationOnce the fixing bolts are exposed, the new starter motor should be trial fitted to check there is adequate clearance between the cylinder block.
If necessary re-orientate the motor to provide adequate clearance and then the nyloc nuts can be tightened on the fixing bolts
Stater motor installed and cables connectedCable connections - 4 wires on the original starter motor
1) Large red cable - connects to battery
2) Large red cable - main feed for vehicle electrical system
3) Brown cable - connects to alternator output post
4) White and red thin cable - solenoid
The large red cables plus the brown cable should be fastened to the 8mm diameter stud connection
The white and red striped cable should be plugged into the recessed blade connection
Acknowledgements
Our thanks go to Ben Calleja in Sydney, Australia for providing the photographs showing the starter motor installation.
Useful tip
Before attempting to install the starter motor, hold it up by the cylindrical motor on top and solenoid located below.
The battery cable fastens to the lower solenoid 8mm terminal below the motor.
Carefully examine the vernier plate orientation and two 10mm fixing bolts.
The motor needs to clear the oil pressure sender unit and plenum chamber.
Just eye-balling the motor in this way should indicate if the vernier plate needs rotating prior to final installation.
Copyright © 2014 Lotus Marques