How about the oil filter?

And what is the 4 inch hole for? Your hand? That sounds small even for my hands.

 

Is the tray really THAT difficult to remove??? Get the 1/4 turn kit and have the panel off in 3 minutes.

Q

 

Was as a local meeting of lotus people this past weekend, and someone there (I forget who) had some kind of very expensive oil filter that didn't need changing each time ($120 is the figure I remember) and he planned to change the oil by siphoning it out of the dipstick tube with some kind of pump designed for this purpose. He said, iirc, that current Mercedes were designed to have the oil changed this way as well.

Hearsay, so take it as such, but maybe someone else here knows more about what I'm talking about and can elaborate.

 

Removing and replacing the tray is likely the hardest/most time consuming part of the oil change but I don't think it is worth going to all those measures to avoid removing it. Just take out the dozen or so bolts, change the FILTER and oil, and reinstall. It really isn't that hard.

That said, I don't think a 4" access hole would create any "significant" airflow issues or even a marginal issue at normal speeds. Now if you are trying to set a land speed record that could be a different story. Also, I'm sure 3M makes some type of super sticky duct type tape that you could use to cover the hole if you are that concerned about airflow changes.

If you decide to cut the tray, post up some pics and your experience b/c other may also be interested.

 

This doesn't sound like a good idea. Just buy a creeper and remove the panels.

 

Oil extractor is very easy and no fuss. It certainly gets most of the oil out and don't forget a fair amount remins in the cooler lines.

If you do want to make it easy then get an oil filter remote adapter. This plugs into the existing filter location (like the sandwich plate) and has pipes to allow you to put the filter in a more accessible location.

 

If you are changing the oil frequently I assume it is due to track use and therefore think of removing the undertray as a reminder to have a general inspection of the car

 

^^^^ thats actually a damn good point.

 

I have the same valve and if just doing a quick oil change I just remove the right rear wheel and reach in with a hose.

 

Where do you get the '1/4' kit for the panel removal.

 

Quarter-Turn Quick Release Kit | Really Light Stuff

 

Where can I obtain the quick release "things" regarding the panel to make oil changes easier?

 

While performing an oil service, it is a good excuse to get under the car and check things like end links, possible leaks, etc. By avoiding removal of the undertray, you are taking the "easy way out" which is not always better. Just my 2 cents. I like your though process, but in this case I would go the extra mile and remove the undertray to get a peak at things.

Cheers,

Brian

 

I'm in the process of making a carbon under tray panel with a access panel for oil changes etc.

 

Get a cordless impact and you can get the undertray off and on in less than 5 mins each.

 

SKIL makes an excellent rechargable 1/4" ratchet that is fantasic for our cars. It is my favorite tool for the Lotus and my bikes. It is faster and quieter than the two air rachets I have and is perfect for removing the underpanels. Model is 2372.

 

I'm 6'3" so I have pretty long arms, and I'm not overly muscular. I can take off and install the undertray by myself with one arm while laying on the ground (from the side of the car, not under it). Just use the lip under the cabin as leverage and then install one of the big bolts in the middle.

Its quite easy once you get used to it. But ya its a little more time consuming then a "normal" car.