Burple_X
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Age: 55
Name: Gary
Car #1: 2008 Lotus Elise
Car #2: 2004 Corvette
Posts: 884
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« on: July 19, 2008, 01:51:17 PM » |
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I'm getting ready to do the first oil change. I took it by our local Jiffy Lube the other morning and the old guy in the pit about had a cow. All I heard as I drove over him was "...what the hell?"  I go in there all the time, so I hoped they could either do the oil change or I could get under the car and see how much of a job it is going to be. As I reached the floor of the pit, I echoed his sentiment "...what the hell?"  I really did figure there were access plates... NOT! So, my question is (before I completely dissemble the entire rear end), which plate do I need to remove? The middle or the back end? I assume it's the middle but we all know where assumptions lead! Somebody that's already do it, give me some tips. Also, anybody ever installed access plates? I may look into that while I have the car apart. |
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Burple_X
Global Moderator
Fourth Gear
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Age: 55
Name: Gary
Car #1: 2008 Lotus Elise
Car #2: 2004 Corvette
Posts: 884
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« Reply #2 on: July 19, 2008, 05:11:20 PM » |
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Thanks Nick. Looks straight forward enough.
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yellowc5
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Age: 50
Location: Gilbert, SC
Name: Daniel
Car #1: 2006 Lotus Elise
Car #2: 2003 Toyota MR2
Posts: 101
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« Reply #3 on: July 20, 2008, 02:27:13 AM » |
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It is fairly simple once done. The most tedious part is removing the 13 bolts (3 on each side
5 inthe rear and the two larger ones). Once the panel is off it is easier to slide it out between the front and rear wheels rather then
removing from the rear. If you are using Mobile 1 products the filter is M209 and
the closest oil is the fully synthetic 5w-40 for diesel turbo truck.
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Man of Steel
Second Gear
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Age: 53
Location: Lexington, SC
Name: Christopher
Car #1: Lotus Elise '06 Ardent Red: Micro Mirror, Visor delete, Green filter, snorkel delete, Stage II exhaust
Car #2: Acura TL S Type '07 Morrocan Pearl Red
Posts: 222
Turning 50 rocks!!
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« Reply #4 on: July 20, 2008, 07:37:52 AM » |
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I learned fitting your 10mm socket to your cordless drill substantially speeds up removal / replacement of the pan. $35.00 for a pair of plastic ramps from an auto parts store makes the whole process faster, since you want to drain the oil while it's hot. Other than that, what Nick and Daniel said.  |
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I used to sublimate my enthusiasm for cars in the interest of fiscal conservatism and practicality.
Well, FORGET THAT NOW!!!
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BobsElise
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Age: 30
Location: Charlotte, NC
Name: Bob
Car #1: 2005 Lotus Elise
Car #2: 2002 Civic Si
Posts: 271
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« Reply #5 on: July 20, 2008, 05:25:03 PM » |
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It is fairly simple once done. The most tedious part is removing the 13 bolts (3 on each side
5 inthe rear and the two larger ones). Once the panel is off it is easier to slide it out between the front and rear wheels rather then
removing from the rear. If you are using Mobile 1 products the filter is M209 and
the closest oil is the fully synthetic 5w-40 for diesel turbo truck.
You can also try another diesel truck oil, Shell Rotella T 5W-40. I have been running this exclusively for about the last 20k miles. It still has ZDDP in it, which our engines need. |
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2005 Lotus Elise - Ardent Red / Black , Touring Package, Starshield, Team Dynamics ProRace 1.2 w/ RE01-Rs
2002 Civic Si
2005 Yamaha FZ6
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xeeeej
Second Gear
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Age: 33
Location: Durham, NC
Name: Adam
Car #1: 00 Honda Civic EX
Car #2: 06 CO Lotus Exige
Posts: 223
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« Reply #6 on: July 20, 2008, 08:37:12 PM » |
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Gary, Look for "1/4 fasteners" for sale on Lotus talk. This kit replaces the bolts that hold the diffuser and engine undertray in place. This significantly cuts down on the time that it takes to access the under side of the engine, for things such as an oil change. Like yours I'm sure, my time is valuable  so the 1/4 fasteners were a must have! |
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xeeeej
Second Gear
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Age: 33
Location: Durham, NC
Name: Adam
Car #1: 00 Honda Civic EX
Car #2: 06 CO Lotus Exige
Posts: 223
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« Reply #7 on: July 20, 2008, 08:59:48 PM » |
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Burple_X
Global Moderator
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Age: 55
Name: Gary
Car #1: 2008 Lotus Elise
Car #2: 2004 Corvette
Posts: 884
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« Reply #8 on: July 20, 2008, 10:13:59 PM » |
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Xeeej, I have air tools. 13 bolts is no biggie, but I will look into the 1/4 fasteners. I'll probably install them on the next change. Bob, I'm familiar with the Rotella. The boss uses it in his Hatteras yacht. In fact, I can buy it just down the street from my office. How convenient! Daniel, good tip. I'm known for forcing things before I think. MoS,... Porsches and Corvettes remember? I know how to get under low autos All great info guys.  I knew I could count on ya'll to point me in the right direction BEFORE I pulled my usual SNAFU |
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Burple_X
Global Moderator
Fourth Gear
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Age: 55
Name: Gary
Car #1: 2008 Lotus Elise
Car #2: 2004 Corvette
Posts: 884
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« Reply #9 on: August 06, 2008, 01:08:09 PM » |
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Fastener sizes have changed on the 2008 cars. The two bolts in the middle of the aluminum plate are 13mm now. And the 11 on the sides and back are now 8mm. I pulled the plate off and took the car to the local Shell Rapid Lube. I hate dealing with the old oil. For $22.95 I'll let them do the dirty work. |
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Man of Steel
Second Gear
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Age: 53
Location: Lexington, SC
Name: Christopher
Car #1: Lotus Elise '06 Ardent Red: Micro Mirror, Visor delete, Green filter, snorkel delete, Stage II exhaust
Car #2: Acura TL S Type '07 Morrocan Pearl Red
Posts: 222
Turning 50 rocks!!
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« Reply #10 on: August 06, 2008, 01:36:31 PM » |
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Fastener sizes have changed on the 2008 cars. The two bolts in the middle of the aluminum plate are 13mm now. And the 11 on the sides and back are now 8mm. I pulled the plate off and took the car to the local Shell Rapid Lube. I hate dealing with the old oil. For $22.95 I'll let them do the dirty work. They changed to those sizes in the 2006 model year, unless my VIN # is wrong and I got a super deal! The manual says YOU SHOULD NOT DRIVE THE CAR with the underpan removed, as it supplies diaghram shear strength. Please BABY IT over and back from the oil change place! |
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I used to sublimate my enthusiasm for cars in the interest of fiscal conservatism and practicality.
Well, FORGET THAT NOW!!!
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talon
Administrator
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Age: 37
Location: Charlotte
Name: Russ
Car #1: 2001 Lotus Esprit V8
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« Reply #11 on: August 06, 2008, 01:38:16 PM » |
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wow - somebody that reads the manual! (I'm just jealous - I wish I HAD a manual for mine) |
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I put the FUN in dysfunctional!
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Burple_X
Global Moderator
Fourth Gear
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Age: 55
Name: Gary
Car #1: 2008 Lotus Elise
Car #2: 2004 Corvette
Posts: 884
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« Reply #12 on: August 06, 2008, 01:54:53 PM » |
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Manual was out mowing the yard while I was working on the car. But if this thing can't withstand a 35mph rolling force without that panel in place, I ain't riding in it ever again.
I wasn't sure when they changed fastener sizes. The instructions I snagged from the other lotus forum indicated different bolt sizes. Must have been a 2005 model used.
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lotuschick
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Age: 32
Location: Charlotte
Name: Lisa
Car #1: 1983 Chevette
Car #2: 1985 Yugo GV
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« Reply #13 on: August 06, 2008, 02:08:09 PM » |
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It's Manuel with an "E" get it right man.  |
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Man of Steel
Second Gear
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Age: 53
Location: Lexington, SC
Name: Christopher
Car #1: Lotus Elise '06 Ardent Red: Micro Mirror, Visor delete, Green filter, snorkel delete, Stage II exhaust
Car #2: Acura TL S Type '07 Morrocan Pearl Red
Posts: 222
Turning 50 rocks!!
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« Reply #14 on: August 07, 2008, 02:11:25 PM » |
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Manual was out mowing the yard while I was working on the car. But if this thing can't withstand a 35mph rolling force without that panel in place, I ain't riding in it ever again.I ] I think 35 mph qualifies as babying it.  |
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I used to sublimate my enthusiasm for cars in the interest of fiscal conservatism and practicality.
Well, FORGET THAT NOW!!!
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