V8 engine rebuilds - common?
Discussion
Yeah very common - early ones had porous blocks, suffered gasket failures, belt failures and things as silly as water dripping through the engine vents and rusting the spark plugs into the head.
Rebuilt engines are cheaper and there are a few people making them better than original.
Good S4s is the most reliable but don't rule the V8 it has considerable performance. The newer the rebuild the greater the chance it will have been rebuilt to a better spec.
>> Edited by Lawrence5 on Thursday 16th September 08:34
Rebuilt engines are cheaper and there are a few people making them better than original.
Good S4s is the most reliable but don't rule the V8 it has considerable performance. The newer the rebuild the greater the chance it will have been rebuilt to a better spec.
>> Edited by Lawrence5 on Thursday 16th September 08:34
Anyone whose done a little research into buying a V8 will know about a problem with the early engines that requires a lot of expensive work. Originally if was felt the buying a post '98 V8 was a way of missing this possibly expensive problem, unless the Esprit had had the work done already.
After some research into the problem, by myself and some V8 owners, the fault has been found to be the sealer for the engine liners. Also it has been found that the problem wasn't rectified at the factory until around June 2000. So it is possible for any pre June 2000 Esprit will have this fault arise.
What happens is the sealer used to seal the liners in each cylinder, to stop water that cools the engine mixing with oil that lubricates the engine, fails. This results in water leaking into the cylinders and ending up in the sump.
Engine water leaks :-
Some early cars experienced cooling problems for various reasons ranging from poorly sealing pressure caps (water not returning to the main header tank) resulting in engines overheating to simple leaks from hose connections.
We recommend that any car experiencing water loss have the cooling system checked - by breaking into the overspill pipe and pressure testing the system to ensure no leaks and that the pressure cap is holding the correct pressure before 'blowing off'.
You would be surprised how many older cars have defective caps - i.e. blowing off at a much lower pressure than specified. Many people check the system through the cap connection with a standard service tool - this checks the system but does not ensure the cap is working properly on the header tank !
Something as simple as this is commonly to blame for many water loss issues. It was found that once an engine overheated the result was that the liner sealant seemed to break down and cause a leak round the base of the liner. This was investigated and a new sealer was specified for new build and engine repair (sealer changed from Loctite 572 to Hylomar 3400 on a Dealer Service Bulletin in June 2000 following extensive durability testing) We have also seen the odd thing like the water pump impellor coming loose (resulting in no water flow and overheating), corroded blanking plugs in the cylinder heads of some early engines (plug insertion depth now changed to eliminate problem), the odd poor casting which can cause a leak etc.
After some research into the problem, by myself and some V8 owners, the fault has been found to be the sealer for the engine liners. Also it has been found that the problem wasn't rectified at the factory until around June 2000. So it is possible for any pre June 2000 Esprit will have this fault arise.
What happens is the sealer used to seal the liners in each cylinder, to stop water that cools the engine mixing with oil that lubricates the engine, fails. This results in water leaking into the cylinders and ending up in the sump.
Engine water leaks :-
Some early cars experienced cooling problems for various reasons ranging from poorly sealing pressure caps (water not returning to the main header tank) resulting in engines overheating to simple leaks from hose connections.
We recommend that any car experiencing water loss have the cooling system checked - by breaking into the overspill pipe and pressure testing the system to ensure no leaks and that the pressure cap is holding the correct pressure before 'blowing off'.
You would be surprised how many older cars have defective caps - i.e. blowing off at a much lower pressure than specified. Many people check the system through the cap connection with a standard service tool - this checks the system but does not ensure the cap is working properly on the header tank !
Something as simple as this is commonly to blame for many water loss issues. It was found that once an engine overheated the result was that the liner sealant seemed to break down and cause a leak round the base of the liner. This was investigated and a new sealer was specified for new build and engine repair (sealer changed from Loctite 572 to Hylomar 3400 on a Dealer Service Bulletin in June 2000 following extensive durability testing) We have also seen the odd thing like the water pump impellor coming loose (resulting in no water flow and overheating), corroded blanking plugs in the cylinder heads of some early engines (plug insertion depth now changed to eliminate problem), the odd poor casting which can cause a leak etc.
My '97 V8 was done at about 25,000 miles by lotus themselves for free :O]
I would never have bought the car unless it had this job done on it.
I got a full couple of pages report on the rebuild and the reasons why it failed (as stated above). From what i've read it is a common fault, apparently it was not Lotus but a parts supplier that was at fault.
I would never have bought the car unless it had this job done on it.
I got a full couple of pages report on the rebuild and the reasons why it failed (as stated above). From what i've read it is a common fault, apparently it was not Lotus but a parts supplier that was at fault.
I've got over 40K miles on mine and no engine related problems yet, although I have one spark plug that gets rusty... on the left side (second from front) which is probably nothing more than bad sealant of the spark plug covers. But there can be multiple sources of lost coolant.
For the most part the engine runs great and bloody quick too. Once I get home from 4 weeks out it will be time to replace the cambelts/tensioners and an overall checkup. I plan to reseal the spark plug covers so hopefully won't get the one rusty plug again.
If I were in the market for a V8, I'd still go with 2000 MY or later for the upgraded bits/pieces which include paint trim and AP racing brakes. Just my $0.02.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
For the most part the engine runs great and bloody quick too. Once I get home from 4 weeks out it will be time to replace the cambelts/tensioners and an overall checkup. I plan to reseal the spark plug covers so hopefully won't get the one rusty plug again.
If I were in the market for a V8, I'd still go with 2000 MY or later for the upgraded bits/pieces which include paint trim and AP racing brakes. Just my $0.02.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Almost hate to resurrect this thread... must be something magical about crossing the 50K miles marker. What started as a small unexplained coolant loss has developed into a dirty milkshake in the crankcase (damn, double-damn). Performance is still fine so I'm thinking it's liners (engine is 4th one done with Hylomar sealant). I flushed the entire system with fresh oil and replaced the filter element (CM Filters synthetic) and there was no debris in the filter, but it's still going to require removal, disassembly, inspect, etc. to ensure the motor is okay. I also ran the motor for about 5 minutes to flush the the entire system (pressure cap off) and the engine sounds, idles and revs perfectly.
Oh well... come fall I'll be able to answer the question, "what did you do over the summer?".
Regards, KM
2000 V8
PS- "C"-Service : rebuild complete drivetrain every 50K miles.
Oh well... come fall I'll be able to answer the question, "what did you do over the summer?".
Regards, KM
2000 V8
PS- "C"-Service : rebuild complete drivetrain every 50K miles.
Hmmm, there was a case in the UK of an engine with the later sealant ahving leaky liners. I believe Lotus sent out a technician to inspect and rebuild the engine. They found that the sealant was not applied correctly - the engines were apparently built offsite for a period and the faulty engine was one of those built off-site.
Take a look here ...
www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/ETechnical/V8_Liner_Problems.html
I think it's worth calling Lotus to see what they have to say!
Take a look here ...
www.lotusespritworld.co.uk/ETechnical/V8_Liner_Problems.html
I think it's worth calling Lotus to see what they have to say!
No idea on costs yet... I'm doing the job myself. So far the official Lotus engine lifting brackets were a mere $280. Planned upgrades include JE forged pistons, ARP uprated headbolts, Sport 350 engine mounts and some other bits. Will probably freshen up the heads, replace the snapped exhaust manifold studs, ceramic coat the exhaust manifolds, try and get the turbo cores upgraded to the newer GT ball-bearing styles just ensure everything else is proper... and maybe get the injectors spec'd for flow. Trying to do this only once.
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Regards, KM
2000 V8
I to have suffered a coolant loss in my 97 v8.
I kept it topped up as you do but last week the temp needle shot right up into the red.
She started to run like a dog & i got her straight home but she just cut out which was probably a good thing. As it topped up the radiator just blew, water was pissing out.
The low water warning light didnt come on due to a faulty sensor located in the top expansion tank.
So be warned & check yours is.
The car has been left with my lotus man & he has had the rad re-cored & after pressure testing it seems fine but i have to stick as many miles on the clock as i can as i'm taking it to the le mans 24hrs & will be driving down from the channel tunnel.
Just reading the liner sealant info & i wonder if this overheating has potentially damaged the head gasket and/or affected the piston liners as she was really hot. Or maybe i'l be lucky, shes only done 29000.
needles to say i'l have breakdown cover whilst in france but i'd sooner know now.
No explanation for the rad going & apparently they dont have a habit of going in the later esprits so it was just my luck.
Any thoughts people?
I kept it topped up as you do but last week the temp needle shot right up into the red.
She started to run like a dog & i got her straight home but she just cut out which was probably a good thing. As it topped up the radiator just blew, water was pissing out.
The low water warning light didnt come on due to a faulty sensor located in the top expansion tank.
So be warned & check yours is.
The car has been left with my lotus man & he has had the rad re-cored & after pressure testing it seems fine but i have to stick as many miles on the clock as i can as i'm taking it to the le mans 24hrs & will be driving down from the channel tunnel.
Just reading the liner sealant info & i wonder if this overheating has potentially damaged the head gasket and/or affected the piston liners as she was really hot. Or maybe i'l be lucky, shes only done 29000.
needles to say i'l have breakdown cover whilst in france but i'd sooner know now.
No explanation for the rad going & apparently they dont have a habit of going in the later esprits so it was just my luck.
Any thoughts people?
correcting my post ]]]]
read the V8 liner problem,
but can anyone explain how to use the "BarsLeak"
it seems the V8 liner problem is the biggest issue for 98 & after V8 car
after reading many informations of the V8 model, I think the biggest issue is the liner problem, but seems the application of "BarsLeak" can solve the problem eventually, right??
NOTE: an owner experience in the V8 Liner program page is suggesting people to use "BarsLeak", which I still have no idea what it is..
anyone has a photo of the "BarsLeak" product?
>> Edited by cb1118 on Friday 3rd June 18:05
read the V8 liner problem,
but can anyone explain how to use the "BarsLeak"
it seems the V8 liner problem is the biggest issue for 98 & after V8 car
after reading many informations of the V8 model, I think the biggest issue is the liner problem, but seems the application of "BarsLeak" can solve the problem eventually, right??
NOTE: an owner experience in the V8 Liner program page is suggesting people to use "BarsLeak", which I still have no idea what it is..
anyone has a photo of the "BarsLeak" product?
>> Edited by cb1118 on Friday 3rd June 18:05
Hi Kato, Hi All,
I was hesitating a long time to write this post, but I feel I should just do it now ......
The later spec Hylomar 3400 sealant has proven itself NOT to be Glycol-resistant. Can you imagine what this means ??? The later spec Hylomar 3400 (like recommended by Lotus) get simply eaten away by the coolant !
I´m quite depressed, because there have been about 7-9 V8 engines that got repaired/rebuilt here by using this Hylomar 3400 stuff.
When one of them again had the coolant in oil problem and the engine was dimantled again, the Hylomar had just disappeared .... HAD GONE COMPLETELY !
We called some companies that produce sealant products (also Loctite among them) and they all stated that Hylomar 3400 is not resistant against Glycol.
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhh ...........
What is your opinion about that ? Can this be true ?
What I definitely can tell is that the Hylomar has completely gone
(
Marcus
>> Edited by Paula&Marcus on Friday 3rd June 15:43
I was hesitating a long time to write this post, but I feel I should just do it now ......
The later spec Hylomar 3400 sealant has proven itself NOT to be Glycol-resistant. Can you imagine what this means ??? The later spec Hylomar 3400 (like recommended by Lotus) get simply eaten away by the coolant !
I´m quite depressed, because there have been about 7-9 V8 engines that got repaired/rebuilt here by using this Hylomar 3400 stuff.
When one of them again had the coolant in oil problem and the engine was dimantled again, the Hylomar had just disappeared .... HAD GONE COMPLETELY !
We called some companies that produce sealant products (also Loctite among them) and they all stated that Hylomar 3400 is not resistant against Glycol.
Arrrrrrrrrrrrrghhhhhhhhhhhhh ...........
What is your opinion about that ? Can this be true ?
What I definitely can tell is that the Hylomar has completely gone
( Marcus
>> Edited by Paula&Marcus on Friday 3rd June 15:43
Hello Marcus,
Oddly enough I was starting think along these lines. And with this being the case, it's simply a matter of time before every V8 starting early 2000 will eventually have leaking liners. My car is #61 and was manufactured in March 2000 and has engine number 603 making it the 4th engine built with Hylomar 3400.
So with this information, exactly what do we use now to seal engines with?
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Oddly enough I was starting think along these lines. And with this being the case, it's simply a matter of time before every V8 starting early 2000 will eventually have leaking liners. My car is #61 and was manufactured in March 2000 and has engine number 603 making it the 4th engine built with Hylomar 3400.
So with this information, exactly what do we use now to seal engines with?
Regards, KM
2000 V8
Arrrrg.....that is just nasty. I have been waiting in the wings to get a V8 in the near future having sold my SE. I was going back and forth between the V8 and S4s. I was waiting for more hands on people to get a hold of the V8's and give me a report on them.
Maybe I can get hold of one with a blown engine if it can be had cheap enough to make sense. Other wise it's the S4s for me. Are the real new V8 engines more durable or did they all use this glycol destructive sealant?
Calvin
Maybe I can get hold of one with a blown engine if it can be had cheap enough to make sense. Other wise it's the S4s for me. Are the real new V8 engines more durable or did they all use this glycol destructive sealant?
Calvin
Err, should we be switching to non-glycol based coolants this afternoon? Are there any?!
What sealant did they use in the old 4 cylinder models? Why can't that be used? My Excel is 15 years old and has done 130k miles, my Esprit S350 with 12k miles scares me a whole lot more!
>> Edited by scoule on Friday 3rd June 17:09
>> Edited by scoule on Friday 3rd June 17:10
What sealant did they use in the old 4 cylinder models? Why can't that be used? My Excel is 15 years old and has done 130k miles, my Esprit S350 with 12k miles scares me a whole lot more!
>> Edited by scoule on Friday 3rd June 17:09
>> Edited by scoule on Friday 3rd June 17:10
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