Oil Cooler/Line Failure at speed - LotusTalk

gjsmith66 · 04-02-2008, 07:24 AM

Was traveling North on I95 between Washington and Baltimore yesterday when at about 75MPH noticed a change in engine note. Let off throttle, noise went away, back on throttle, definitely something not right. As I worked my way over to the right lane, the oil pressure light came on. Clutch-in, and started coasting. Light flickered a few times, then solid on. Once it was on full, I turned off engine and coasted off the Rt175 ramp all the way to a gas station at the end of the ramp. The time the engine was on and first noticed issue until I shut down was approx 1 minute (probably less).

As I got out of the car, I was greeted to the whole left side of the car covered in oil, with more flowing from the oil cooler location.

Took four hours to get a tow truck that would tow it to Criswell, most wanted nothing to do with towing the Lotus. One guy came by and said he would never trust the tow ring to pull it onto flat bed.

Waiting to hear back from Criswell today...

exarkun1178 · 04-02-2008, 07:28 AM

not good. sorry to hear. best of luck...

apk919 · 04-02-2008, 07:39 AM

Wow, that's unfortunate, to say the least. I hope it's nothing major and you're back on the road soon. Keep us informed as to the cause/fix!

JUNGLISTluder · 04-02-2008, 07:40 AM

OMG! How many miles do you have? Maybe something just came apart? I really want to know what Criswell says.

gjsmith66 · 04-02-2008, 07:51 AM

The car crossed 20K the day before. I have had no issues with the car until this incident. It has run like a champ. No tell-tale oil leaks before hand, the hose/cooler just let go with no warning.

Obviously I am worried the engine was harmed, but will still appear fine after they fix the cooler/hose and refill. Not looking forward to a prolonged warranty fight.

Given the number of Elise's that have had similiar incidents, it is worrisome. I usually just worry about my tie-rods falling off while driving, I did not think I had to also worry about the oil cooler exploding!

Yesterday was the first real warm day here also, so a bad time to not have the car running. Oh well...

tvacc · 04-02-2008, 08:06 AM

This does not sound good to me. First thing I would have them check are the rod bearings. Those are the first to go when you lose oil pressure.

Been there and done that on other Lotus cars. Not the Elise..but an Elan.

I doubt you toasted the engine, but you may have run the bearings down to the copper....

ace10 · 04-02-2008, 08:13 AM

GJS, i wish you "good luck" (inclusive of all its possible meanings) with your service adventure.

gjsmith66 · 04-02-2008, 08:28 AM

Each misfortune you encounter will carry in it the seed of tomorrow's good luck...

Thanks Ace, hopefully will be back on the road soon!

jordantech02 · 04-02-2008, 08:49 AM

Ill put money on the oil cooler hose pulled out of its crimp. new engine needed is a 50-50 chance. time to pull the pan and see whats in there.

JUNGLISTluder · 04-04-2008, 09:59 AM

Any updates?

Dragon · 04-04-2008, 12:24 PM

I would talk to them about giving you an extra year or so warranty on the engine due to possible damage/wear that may not rear it's ugly head for some time.

gjsmith66 · 04-04-2008, 12:39 PM

Just heard from Criswell. As Jordan guessed, hose pulled out of crimp. Had it shipped back to Lotus, supposedly this has been happening more often and it sounds like they are starting to get concerned about it.

Criswell says engine is fine, started up and no noises. Wow, what a detailed analysis. I will go get it tomorrow and see if I agree. If running well, I will perform routine oil analysis on it.

Interestingly, Lotus warranty wants me to provide detailed records of my oil changes... I would assume so that they can try and build a case against me in case the engine takes a crap. Luckly I have changed oil and filters every 3K miles.

ace10 · 04-04-2008, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjsmith66

...Criswell says engine is fine, started up and no noises. Wow, what a detailed analysis...

sounds about right.

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjsmith66

...Interestingly, Lotus warranty wants me to provide detailed records of my oil changes... I would assume so that they can try and build a case against me in case the engine takes a crap. Luckly I have changed oil and filters every 3K miles.

may i suggest that you get this request from LCUSA in writing. cover everyone's arse that way.

like i said earlier "good luck"

CamMan · 04-04-2008, 03:04 PM

The tow truck driver let me drive it up the flat bed instead of using the tow ring. It worked great and I had no trouble getting out or worries this way.

Notorious L.R.G. · 04-04-2008, 03:37 PM

Wow, an oil pressure gage would be a good thing. Did the light come on?

lotusforsale · 04-04-2008, 06:49 PM

Are there any preventative steps to be taken to make sure the oil line doesn't pop off?

RacyTracy · 04-04-2008, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gjsmith66

As I worked my way over to the right lane, the oil pressure light came on........Light flickered a few times, then solid on. Once it was on full, I turned off engine and coasted off the Rt175 ramp all the way to a gas station at the end of the ramp.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Notorious L.R.G.

Did the light come on?

lt0302 · 04-06-2008, 07:43 PM

The same thing happened to me at 13K however I developed a slight ticking and Lotus replaced the engine. I have 7k on the new one. So far so good!
Make sure you listen to the engine carefully any change in "sound" take it in and have it documented.

infernoflo · 04-06-2008, 08:08 PM

that's crzy, i'd definitely like to know what happened on this one, keep us posted.

Cardinal · 04-06-2008, 11:18 PM

Is there a way to check the crimps on the oil coolers to make sure the lines are tight enough? It sounds like this may be something that preventable with a check now and then. Hope your car turns out OK.

04-02-2008, 07:24 AM	#1 (permalink)
gjsmith66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Woodbine, MD Posts: 53	Oil Cooler/Line Failure at speed Was traveling North on I95 between Washington and Baltimore yesterday when at about 75MPH noticed a change in engine note. Let off throttle, noise went away, back on throttle, definitely something not right. As I worked my way over to the right lane, the oil pressure light came on. Clutch-in, and started coasting. Light flickered a few times, then solid on. Once it was on full, I turned off engine and coasted off the Rt175 ramp all the way to a gas station at the end of the ramp. The time the engine was on and first noticed issue until I shut down was approx 1 minute (probably less). As I got out of the car, I was greeted to the whole left side of the car covered in oil, with more flowing from the oil cooler location. Took four hours to get a tow truck that would tow it to Criswell, most wanted nothing to do with towing the Lotus. One guy came by and said he would never trust the tow ring to pull it onto flat bed. Waiting to hear back from Criswell today... Attached Images

04-02-2008, 07:39 AM	#3 (permalink)
apk919 No Acceptable Substitutes Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: NYC & SD Posts: 2,880	Wow, that's unfortunate, to say the least. I hope it's nothing major and you're back on the road soon. Keep us informed as to the cause/fix! __________________ 2007 AW Lotus Exige S. Opts: Track Pack, Touring Pack, LSD Mods: Multivex mirrors, JLAudio 525/Stealthbox/Focal 130 spkrs, Alpine PDX-5 Amp, Sector111 F&R Tow Hook, Fire Ext, HID Kit, Bootie and Bling, Lotus leather/alcantara interior, Braille Battery, LED Parking/Dome/License Lights, Bane's stealth bulbs, alex's 1/4 turn kit, Stan's shifter mod, jim-c's spkr rings, codymac's 1/4 turn kit, Lotus Cup roof w/fettled clam, Schroth 6pt harness, RAC's & R888's, ChaseCam

04-02-2008, 07:40 AM	#4 (permalink)
JUNGLISTluder High Roller Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 692 Images: 6	OMG! How many miles do you have? Maybe something just came apart? I really want to know what Criswell says. __________________ 06 Lotus Elise - AR/Blk, Touring, Premium, TC, HT, DRL Delete, X-Pel, TS Pro1 Exhaust, TS Pro1 Intake, BBmod, Saikou Michi OCC, 6000k HIDs, Stealth Bulbs, 07+ Letters, Re-grooved Bilsteins, LG Stone Guards, CR Engine Covers, S111 Folding Tow Hook, FF CF Spoiler, 17" PIAA FR-7s, CharlieX 06 ECU V2.0, Greddy/BOE Supercharger 88 BMW 528is - Blue/Llama Beige, M20 stroker motor, Alpina SW, 3.73 LSD, BavAuto Springs, Bilstein Sports, M3 SSK, 16x8 BBS, 225/245 tires, shadowline

04-02-2008, 08:06 AM	#6 (permalink)
tvacc Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Buffalo, NY Posts: 1,761	This does not sound good to me. First thing I would have them check are the rod bearings. Those are the first to go when you lose oil pressure. Been there and done that on other Lotus cars. Not the Elise..but an Elan. I doubt you toasted the engine, but you may have run the bearings down to the copper.... __________________ Tony Vaccaro 2005 Ardent Red, Touring, Hardtop, Driving Lights, HIDs, Rear Window Shield. www.lotusowners.com LOONY (Lotus Owners of New York) and the Church of the Holy Lotus Supplier of the Polycarbonate Shield for Rear Window and Sachs Coil Over Suspension Drive Fast Take Chances

04-02-2008, 08:13 AM	#7 (permalink)
ace10 -30- Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 4,449 Images: 35	GJS, i wish you "good luck" (inclusive of all its possible meanings) with your service adventure. __________________ 2007 Exige S, Storm Ti. Sport, Track and TC.Plus: Multivex Mirrors, S111 Deltabrace, Sparco 6Pt harnesses (w/Ti Dave's Antisub belt mount), I/O Port video mount, Snorkel delete, Shims out, Rearview Mirror delete, 2Bular 7X18, Pagid RS42's, Saiku Michi catch can and, of course, blingy carpet buttons. 08 Toyota Tundra SR5 5.7, 06 M-B E320 cdi, 02 Lexus LX470, 94 Toyota FZJ80 Landcruiser, 97 Bobcat 751C The Red Pill Ignore Me *Be sure too save your IL before browsing away

04-02-2008, 07:28 AM	#2 (permalink)
exarkun1178 Registered User Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: Point Pleasant Beach, NJ Posts: 3,624	not good. sorry to hear. best of luck...

04-02-2008, 07:51 AM	#5 (permalink)
gjsmith66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Woodbine, MD Posts: 53	The car crossed 20K the day before. I have had no issues with the car until this incident. It has run like a champ. No tell-tale oil leaks before hand, the hose/cooler just let go with no warning. Obviously I am worried the engine was harmed, but will still appear fine after they fix the cooler/hose and refill. Not looking forward to a prolonged warranty fight. Given the number of Elise's that have had similiar incidents, it is worrisome. I usually just worry about my tie-rods falling off while driving, I did not think I had to also worry about the oil cooler exploding! Yesterday was the first real warm day here also, so a bad time to not have the car running. Oh well...

04-02-2008, 08:28 AM	#8 (permalink)
gjsmith66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Woodbine, MD Posts: 53	Each misfortune you encounter will carry in it the seed of tomorrow's good luck... Thanks Ace, hopefully will be back on the road soon! Last edited by gjsmith66 : 04-02-2008 at 08:48 AM.

04-02-2008, 08:49 AM	#9 (permalink)
jordantech02 Registered User Join Date: Jan 2007 Posts: 93	Ill put money on the oil cooler hose pulled out of its crimp. new engine needed is a 50-50 chance. time to pull the pan and see whats in there.

04-04-2008, 09:59 AM	#10 (permalink)
JUNGLISTluder High Roller Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Alexandria, VA Posts: 692 Images: 6	Any updates? __________________ 06 Lotus Elise - AR/Blk, Touring, Premium, TC, HT, DRL Delete, X-Pel, TS Pro1 Exhaust, TS Pro1 Intake, BBmod, Saikou Michi OCC, 6000k HIDs, Stealth Bulbs, 07+ Letters, Re-grooved Bilsteins, LG Stone Guards, CR Engine Covers, S111 Folding Tow Hook, FF CF Spoiler, 17" PIAA FR-7s, CharlieX 06 ECU V2.0, Greddy/BOE Supercharger 88 BMW 528is - Blue/Llama Beige, M20 stroker motor, Alpina SW, 3.73 LSD, BavAuto Springs, Bilstein Sports, M3 SSK, 16x8 BBS, 225/245 tires, shadowline

04-04-2008, 12:24 PM	#11 (permalink)
Dragon Hydrocarbons Rule Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Okinawa Japan Posts: 648	I would talk to them about giving you an extra year or so warranty on the engine due to possible damage/wear that may not rear it's ugly head for some time. __________________ 06 Exige; BWR Supercharger, Adj Sway Bar, Ohlins 2-way Suspension, BSK Oil Catch Can, Moroso Oil Pan, ORC Super Single Clutch, Arqray Single Tip, Work Emotion CR-Kai's w/ RT615's, 2 piece rotors, Pagid Blue pads, BSK Wet Carbon (Side Skirts, Front Lip Spoiler, Gas Cap Cover, Center Console, Door Pannels), Dry Carbon rear Diffuser, Harness Bar, HKS Boost and Oil Temp Gauges, BWR Gauge Mount, Sabelt Harness, JVC Head Unit, Alpine Sub Woofer, Polk Audio speakers, OMP Superquadro steering wheel.

04-04-2008, 12:39 PM	#12 (permalink)
gjsmith66 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Woodbine, MD Posts: 53	Just heard from Criswell. As Jordan guessed, hose pulled out of crimp. Had it shipped back to Lotus, supposedly this has been happening more often and it sounds like they are starting to get concerned about it. Criswell says engine is fine, started up and no noises. Wow, what a detailed analysis. I will go get it tomorrow and see if I agree. If running well, I will perform routine oil analysis on it. Interestingly, Lotus warranty wants me to provide detailed records of my oil changes... I would assume so that they can try and build a case against me in case the engine takes a crap. Luckly I have changed oil and filters every 3K miles.

04-04-2008, 03:04 PM	#14 (permalink)
CamMan CamMan Join Date: Dec 2007 Posts: 2	The tow truck driver let me drive it up the flat bed instead of using the tow ring. It worked great and I had no trouble getting out or worries this way. __________________

04-04-2008, 03:37 PM	#15 (permalink)
Notorious L.R.G. Oh, NOW I get it! Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Georgia, U.S.A. Posts: 348	Wow, an oil pressure gage would be a good thing. Did the light come on?

04-04-2008, 06:49 PM	#16 (permalink)
lotusforsale Registered User Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Maryland Posts: 1,400 Images: 8	Are there any preventative steps to be taken to make sure the oil line doesn't pop off?

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04-06-2008, 07:43 PM	#18 (permalink)
lt0302 Registered User Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Glendale, AZ Posts: 112	New Engine The same thing happened to me at 13K however I developed a slight ticking and Lotus replaced the engine. I have 7k on the new one. So far so good! Make sure you listen to the engine carefully any change in "sound" take it in and have it documented. __________________ 05 Lotus Elise R/K Supercharger, Moroso Oil Pan, RTD Brace, High Volume All Aluminum Radiator, Stainless Steel Break Lines, Oil Catch Can, ACT Clutch, HID, Carbon Fiber Spliter, Reverie Side Scoops, Methanol Injection...

04-06-2008, 08:08 PM	#19 (permalink)
infernoflo Registered User Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 104	that's crzy, i'd definitely like to know what happened on this one, keep us posted.

04-06-2008, 11:18 PM	#20 (permalink)
Cardinal Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Metro North Boston Posts: 2,995 Images: 5	Is there a way to check the crimps on the oil coolers to make sure the lines are tight enough? It sounds like this may be something that preventable with a check now and then. Hope your car turns out OK. __________________ '05 SY Elise TP, HT, LSS, Arqray singletip, #307