Esprit Oil & Filter Change Guide

The Importance of Regular Oil and Filter Changes for Your Lotus Esprit

The Lotus Esprit, a car renowned for its performance and engineering, houses a highly stressed engine. Just like any high-performance machine, regular maintenance is paramount to ensuring its longevity and optimal function. Central to this is the timely replacement of engine oil and the oil filter. While Lotus recommends an oil and filter change every 6,000 miles, we at LEW advocate for a more frequent interval: every 3,000 miles or six months, whichever comes first. This proactive approach guarantees that your Esprit remains in peak condition, safeguarding your investment and preserving its exhilarating driving experience.

Choosing the correct grade of oil is not merely a suggestion; it's a critical factor in engine health. Esprit engines are not designed to run on thin oils like 0W, which can easily burn off and fail to provide adequate lubrication. Instead, a 10W grade oil is essential. Lotus has meticulously tested and approved specific oils from major manufacturers, and we strongly advise adhering to these recommendations. You can find more detailed information regarding lubricants and Lotus's official advice by following the provided link. Similarly, while there's a prevailing myth that only Lotus oil filters with a no-return valve should be used, this is not entirely accurate. However, for peace of mind and assured quality, we still recommend using a genuine Lotus filter or one from our trusted independent specialists that closely matches its specifications.

DIY Oil and Filter Change: A Step-by-Step Guide

While oil changes are a standard part of every Esprit service, there's no reason why you shouldn't undertake this task yourself. It's a rewarding and cost-effective way to maintain your vehicle. This guide, based on our experience with an Esprit SE, will be beneficial for owners of G and V8 models as well, given the minimal differences in the procedure across the range. So, roll up your sleeves and let's get started!

Essential Parts and Tools

Before you begin, ensure you have the following readily available:

Important Note: Lotus advises against the use of any flushing oils. Please do not use them.

Preparation: Warming the Engine

The first crucial step is to warm up your Esprit's engine. Take it for a short drive. This not only makes the oil easier to drain but also ensures that any suspended contaminants are carried out with the old oil, leading to a more thorough clean. Once the engine is warm, you'll need to safely jack up the Esprit to access the sump drain plug.

Safely Jacking Up Your Esprit

Safety is paramount when working underneath your vehicle. Always use sturdy axle stands to support the car. Never rely solely on the jack. We used two axle stands for stability, although only one is pictured. Ensure you are comfortable with your jacking method, but never compromise on safety. Remember, you'll be working directly beneath the car.

Draining the Old Oil

Locate the sump drain plug, typically a 19mm bolt often fitted with a plastic washer. Position your oil collection container directly underneath it. Slowly loosen the plug. Be prepared for a rush of oil. Once the oil has begun to drain, you can remove the plug completely. To maximise the oil drainage, you can lower the Esprit slightly and then jack up the front of the car. This angle helps to ensure more of the old oil is expelled from the sump. Once the oil flow has reduced to a trickle, carefully replace the sump drain plug and its washer. Lower the car if you plan to access the oil filter from underneath.

Removing the Old Oil Filter

The oil filter on the Esprit is often situated in a somewhat awkward position, deep within the engine bay, usually to the right side of the engine. Its accessibility can vary. If it's not too tight, you might be able to remove it by hand, perhaps with a bit of extra grip. However, if the filter is seized, you have a couple of options. An oil filter removal tool is the most convenient method. Alternatively, as we've done previously, you can carefully puncture the filter with a screwdriver and use it as a lever to turn the filter anti-clockwise. Be prepared for some residual oil to spill out, so keep a rag handy to minimise the mess.

Installing the New Oil Filter

Before fitting the new filter, take a clean rag and wipe down the filter mounting surface on the engine. It's also good practice to apply a thin film of new oil to the rubber gasket of the new oil filter. This simple step prevents the filter from seizing onto the engine block, making its removal much easier during future oil changes. Screw the new filter on by hand until it's snug. Do not overtighten; hand-tight is sufficient.

Filling with New Oil

Now it's time to add the fresh, new oil. Using a funnel is highly recommended to prevent any oil from spilling onto the engine. Begin by adding approximately 4 litres of your chosen 10W60 approved oil. Allow the oil a moment to settle in the sump, then check the level using the dipstick. Gradually add more oil, checking the dipstick periodically, until the level reaches the 'MAX' mark. Be extremely careful not to overfill the engine, as this can cause significant damage.

Final Checks and Test Drive

With the new oil and filter in place, start the engine. Allow it to run for a few minutes and carefully check for any leaks around the drain plug and the new oil filter. Once you're confident there are no leaks, take your Esprit for a short test drive. After the drive, park the car on a level surface, allow the engine to cool down slightly, and perform another leak check. It's also wise to check the oil level again once the engine has cooled completely.

LEW's Verdict

Changing the oil and filter on your Lotus Esprit is a straightforward maintenance task that, when performed regularly, can significantly contribute to the health and longevity of your car's engine. The process typically takes between 1 to 2 hours, depending on your mechanical aptitude, and is not an overly expensive procedure, especially when done yourself. This is an excellent opportunity to get hands-on with your Esprit. By performing this maintenance more frequently than the manufacturer's recommended service intervals, you are actively contributing to the optimal performance and well-being of your beloved car. So, don't delay – CHANGE YOUR OIL!

Community Feedback

We encourage you to share your experiences and opinions on performing this maintenance. If you've undertaken this oil change, feel free to email us at [email protected]. Your feedback is invaluable and helps us improve our guides.

Paul Griffin's Feedback: "I found this to be a good, clear guide which encouraged me to perform the oil change myself. However, in the 'tools needed' section, you specify a 19mm spanner, but my GT3 requires a 12mm Allen (hexagon) socket. It's a minor difference, but you could perhaps add this alternative to save others from having to rush to a parts shop mid-job to get the correct socket!"

Mr Oogieboogie's Feedback: "I found that a plier-type oil filter wrench was the best tool. It can even be done from inside the boot, and I was able to undo and drain the oil without having to jack the car up – simply by positioning the rear end near a dropped kerb."

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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