My Lotus Esprit S3 on Air and V8 power

[Tuck&Poke]

Such a cool build, hang in there man!

How are you cutting the air lines? The cuts need to be PERFECT, even and round, in order to eliminate leaks. There's a special tool that cuts from the center to prevent kinking. Also, you should be using air tight thread sealant. Comes in different colors, white is typically just water tight and much thinner than the air-tight stuff. My advice after a few troubled air installs is to thread seal (always apply the seal in the rotation of the thread so when you tighten it wont unthread) then put the fitting in place, just a few turns, don't go crazy tightening it. Once you fill the system go around and listen for leaks and use soapy water to identify where they are. Snug each fitting until the leak stops. After that I was consistent with leak free installs.

[Oh, Word?]

. My advice after a few troubled air installs is to thread seal (always apply the seal in the rotation of the thread so when you tighten it wont unthread)

I've seen quite a few people get bitten by this problem it's a very common mistake and something you should certainly double check.

[V8-ESPRITS3]

I have tried both types of sealer, the ptfe tape and yes wrapped the correct way so not to unwind and a loctite fluid which was expensive and takes days to dry which sucks! and yes it is white in colour! I have a special cutting tool. I have most of the leaks sorted now just one on the rear still to do. Have done it twice now but it still keeps leaking so may just buy another fitting and try again. I have also been using spray on soapy water to find the leaks with the bubbles that works great even finds the smallest of leaks. The biggest problem I find is the NPT thread fittings, buying different types from different suppliers I have found some don't go together as well almost as if the thread is not the same? In the UK its much harder to source the fittings. It past the MOT test today so I can now drive it on the roads! still got loads of little jobs to sort out but its great to get out and have some fun! Thanks Guys. Rob

[exoticse]

Omg,...i love this build ! Great job, the car looks awesome.

[herrakani]

Damn this is pretty. It looks like the Bond one in the one shot...

[Coops90]

This is the shit. Most unique build on here atm

[iakona]

this???? is FKCING AWESOME. well done sir.

please don't let all those little items get your spirits down. you've done so much unique and admirable work, keep at it!!


as for your fittings, not sure if this is an issue, but make sure you're not mixing BSPT and NPT. they won't seal together properly and will leak on you.

[Micheal]

Nice work done on this lotus,its a big project and many days you spend on it so know its totally interior and exterior both are fit,wheel style is also very attractive and recovering a car is a great twist in it,i am also done the same in my workshop on a Ford 1998.Nice sharing.

[stinkinrich]

where abouts in Dorset are you?

[JRodigan]

It's beautiful.

[V8-ESPRITS3]

where abouts in Dorset are you?

Ferndown

[V8-ESPRITS3]

Drove to work today in the Esprit, very interesting.........2 people thought it was a Lamborghini!! most people didn't have a clue and had never seen one before and a few knew exactly what it was but had no idea that the engine was not original? also my first drive in the dark and wet! no dash board lights! the headlights did work if you can call them working? and the back end was like driving on ice. If she keeps going with no major break downs could be my daily driver from now on (only local trips for now). thanks again guys. Will get some new pics and vids done soon.

[jerrychoochoo]

Wow this thing is gnarly.

[V8-ESPRITS3]

I did take it out again tonight with the candle power headlights and no dash lights it was worth the risk of a breakdown! just so I could rag it around town. The sound is so addictive I just wanted to go around and around.........V8 soundtrack AWESOME!

[stinkinrich]

Ferndown

Live in Bournemouth, i'll keep an eye out!