[silver02]

As title states. Looking to do a cam belt job and I would prefer to buy in the states.

 

[ESPREE]

JAE in California is the go-to source for many of us:
JAE - Vintage and late model Lotus car parts specialists

Be aware that their website is Flash-based, so use a desktop browser or the app "Photon" if you have an iOS device.

 

[silver02]

Great. Thanks.

 

[MidLifeZ]

IMHO.. just pick up phone and call them, much faster IMHO... great guys to work with and they know their Esprit's too!

 

[silver02]

Anyone wanna get me the number since I'm on my iPhone?

 

[maxvelocity]

805-967-6183 better hurry for toady I think Fri is 1/2 day

 

[LotusGuy48]

Definitely Jeff at JAE. I was talking to him last week about getting some parts and they always seem to have them in stock which is great. I understand he is retiring later this year and that will be a huge loss for the Lotus community.

 

[E5PR1T]

I recommend that you replace the tensioners & idler pulleys at the same time while doing the cambelt job. Pricey but should do it if you haven't replace them in the past 4 years. You will also need to "rent" the tools from JAE to do the cambelt job if you don't have it.

 

[mpesik]

I recommend that you replace the tensioners & idler pulleys at the same time while doing the cambelt job. Pricey but should do it if you haven't replace them in the past 4 years. You will also need to "rent" the tools from JAE to do the cambelt job if you don't have it.

Hi.
What sort of special tools are we talking about?

 

[carbuff]

Hi.
What sort of special tools are we talking about?

This Topic is about V8s, Mike.

For the 4-cyl, all you need is a grinder (to make your present tools fit), maybe a hacksaw (EG, for the Allen bolt on your vacuum pump)

Oh yeah, you either need a timing belt tensioning tool, or alternately, a smartphone app for measuring it's tension by the frequency method.

 

[mpesik]

This Topic is about V8s, Mike.

For the 4-cyl, all you need is a grinder (to make your present tools fit), maybe a hacksaw (EG, for the Allen bolt on your vacuum pump)

Oh yeah, you either need a timing belt tensioning tool, or alternately, a smartphone app for measuring it's tension by the frequency method.

Whew!
But!
The belt tensioning tool is probably as attainable over hear as the parts of the crashed ufo
From Roswell!!!!!!!!!
Using the smart phone app. is from the same craft that crashed!
But Ill try it!
What about the twist method: Forefinger and Thumb method?
I feel like a Neanderthal. :facepalm

 

[carbuff]

What about the twist method: Forefinger and Thumb method?

That works, but it takes YEARS of finger calibration to be effective.

 

[silver02]

If my car was changed 6 years ago with the Gates belts and only had 3k miles driven since then, should I bother changing them IF they get a clean inspection and are within spec for slack?

 

[mpesik]

If my car was changed 6 years ago with the Gates belts and only had 3k miles driven since then, should I bother changing them IF they get a clean inspection and are within spec for slack?

Hi.
You and I are in the same turmoil.

 

[DaveS4s]

It depends on if you feel LUCKY. When I got my Esprit S4s ,its belt was pushing 4&1/2 yrs. with only 10k miles on it. the old belt ,when I got it off looked like it could another 4 yrs. , but I changed it because I wanted to sleep at night. Dave

 

[Beerman]

If my car was changed 6 years ago with the Gates belts and only had 3k miles driven since then, should I bother changing them IF they get a clean inspection and are within spec for slack?

Is your car a V8 or four banger?

If you mean you had the Gates blue belt installed, you should be good for quite a while still.......

 

[silver02]

What's the app called?

 

[petemon]

What's the app called?

I used Speedy Spectrum (Android)...
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.electronchaos.SpeedySpectrumAnalyzer

Worked great once I realized it was picking up 60Hz noise from the fluorescent lights in the garage.

I suppose any frequency analyzer app would work, there must be a myriad of them out there.

 

[amanda11270]

When I did my belt 4 yrs ago, the belt that was originally on it was physically shot, it looked old, worn and brittle. I did the belt at that time, then changed it after two years, then just did it again. Everytime I've changed it in the two year interval I feel it could go longer. Its a gamble I know, but I think garage keeping the car (in a heated garage), and not driving it as a regular vehicle much would lengthen the belt change intervals.

I went crazy this past winter when I did the belt, and used that guitar tuning software, however I can do it without it im pretty confident as I did it the first time around.

I think its best to spread the project over the off season (at least in the northeast) when you arent rushed, can take your time, order parts you may need, etc. (belt tension bearing, other belts, etc.) Rather than do it in the midst of when you might really really want to drive the car, like when its nice weather. I never thought I could have that kinda patience on a project, but this car has sorta taught me that you have to wait for proper parts sometimes.