Overheating '87 Esprit Turbo
Discussion
For the first time my '87 Lotus is overheating and am suspecting that the thermostat is stuck. Is it difficult to replace the thermostat? Is there a generic brand available at the local auto parts store? Is it possible to remove (or make) a panel behind the drivers seat in order to gain clear access to the front side of my motor?
Thanks! Jim
Thanks! Jim
Jim,
What you need to do is disconnect a hose, preferably the heater hose running along the right hand side of the engine and drain sufficient coolant so it's level is lower than the 'T'stat housing.
Then, remove the 2-10mm bolts securing the 'T'stat housing cover, you may also need to disconnect the large rubber hose from the housing cover. Lift the cover off and you'll see the 'T'stat sitting right on top. Note it's orientation. Remove the 'T'stat and clean any gasket bits from both the housing and housing cover, take care not to score the aluminum. Bring the 'T'stat and housing cover to your local parts store. The 'T'stat can be sourced from a number of smallblock Chevy 'T'stats, get the right temperature range for your climate and be sure the replacement has the 'weephole' identical to your old one. Find a suitable gasket, matching it against the 'T'stat cover.
Upon reinstallation, install the 'T'stat in the same orientation as the original, proper positioning of the 'weephole' is necessary as this directs coolant on the temperature sending unit which feeds the temp gauge. If not properly aligned, the temp gauge may be inaccurate. Apply the gasket, dressed on both sides w/ Hylomar®, install 'T'stat housing cover and tighten bolts to 11-12ft.lbs. Reconnect coolant hoses and refill the system to proper level. Add more fluid over the next couple days as necessary to compensate for air bleeding out of the system. Good Luck. Happy Motoring!...Jim'85TE
What you need to do is disconnect a hose, preferably the heater hose running along the right hand side of the engine and drain sufficient coolant so it's level is lower than the 'T'stat housing.
Then, remove the 2-10mm bolts securing the 'T'stat housing cover, you may also need to disconnect the large rubber hose from the housing cover. Lift the cover off and you'll see the 'T'stat sitting right on top. Note it's orientation. Remove the 'T'stat and clean any gasket bits from both the housing and housing cover, take care not to score the aluminum. Bring the 'T'stat and housing cover to your local parts store. The 'T'stat can be sourced from a number of smallblock Chevy 'T'stats, get the right temperature range for your climate and be sure the replacement has the 'weephole' identical to your old one. Find a suitable gasket, matching it against the 'T'stat cover.
Upon reinstallation, install the 'T'stat in the same orientation as the original, proper positioning of the 'weephole' is necessary as this directs coolant on the temperature sending unit which feeds the temp gauge. If not properly aligned, the temp gauge may be inaccurate. Apply the gasket, dressed on both sides w/ Hylomar®, install 'T'stat housing cover and tighten bolts to 11-12ft.lbs. Reconnect coolant hoses and refill the system to proper level. Add more fluid over the next couple days as necessary to compensate for air bleeding out of the system. Good Luck. Happy Motoring!...Jim'85TE
Jim,
You only need to drain approx. 1qt. from the system to drop the level below the 'T'stat and housing. The easiest hose to disconnect is the heater hose which 'lives' right under the passenger side of the plenum. It comes off a curved pipe which wraps around the plenum and goes into the side of the head at the rear. Be sure to disconnect the battery as you don't want any spilled coolant shorting out the solenoid/starter which 'lives' just under it.
As far as flush kits, again the heater hose would be an ideal spot beacuse it's got easy access and it's the right diameter hose. I have never used one on the Esprit, but I see no reason not to. If you connect to the heater hose, again disconnect the battery when using it and turn the heater (temp) switch on your climate control to HOT. This will allow the flushing water to circulate through the whole system. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
You only need to drain approx. 1qt. from the system to drop the level below the 'T'stat and housing. The easiest hose to disconnect is the heater hose which 'lives' right under the passenger side of the plenum. It comes off a curved pipe which wraps around the plenum and goes into the side of the head at the rear. Be sure to disconnect the battery as you don't want any spilled coolant shorting out the solenoid/starter which 'lives' just under it.
As far as flush kits, again the heater hose would be an ideal spot beacuse it's got easy access and it's the right diameter hose. I have never used one on the Esprit, but I see no reason not to. If you connect to the heater hose, again disconnect the battery when using it and turn the heater (temp) switch on your climate control to HOT. This will allow the flushing water to circulate through the whole system. Happy Motoring! Jim'85TE
Jim,
It worked. I removed and inspected the thermostat in a boiling pot of water to make sure it opens at 200F. It did. I also added the power-flush connections and removed a great deal of debris from the lines. My Lotus is now running between 90-110C after extended use. Now I have to have the AC recharged with R134A. I think I will leave that to next week. Much Thanks.
Jim '87TE
It worked. I removed and inspected the thermostat in a boiling pot of water to make sure it opens at 200F. It did. I also added the power-flush connections and removed a great deal of debris from the lines. My Lotus is now running between 90-110C after extended use. Now I have to have the AC recharged with R134A. I think I will leave that to next week. Much Thanks.
Jim '87TE
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