Cam Carrier leak.

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kenmac
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Cam Carrier leak.

Post by kenmac »

Hi,have a small leak from the cam carrier into one of the spark plug wells.I saw athread where some one modified the carrier to prevent this,but can't find a "how to guide" or any pictures of what was done! Does anyone have any info on this? I would probably carry this out myself,but due to work commitments,may not have the time!! so any Lotus engine specialists anyone know of in Scotland? Cheers.

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by Hawaiis0 »

Re Scotland, there are a few owners that way. Modify your profile to give your area and they be local and able to help
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kenmac
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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by kenmac »

Thanks,thought I had,have now!! Cheers

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by AndyC »

Is this the flat type cam covers (flat mating surface as compared to saddle shaped mating surface )? If so, do you know where the leak is, since these were the re-design and were to solve the leak problems?

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by kenmac »

The leak is from the cam carrier assembly to cylinder head, not the covers,they are dry! Thanks anyway.

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by Tanz »

If it is between the cam housing and the head - i don't know of any modification. I think it is a matter of removing the cam housing and re-sealing. If the leak is minor then wait until the next cam belt change and check valve clearances while you are there. There is not a gasket there but you can use high temperature sealant. That's what I used8 years ago and still leak free.
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kenmac
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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by kenmac »

Thanks,only a small leak,just usually wipe it clean before I go out to play!! I was on QED motorsport website a wee while ago and they list a cam carrier to head gasket for these engines,which I thought strange as it hasn't been mentioned on here?

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by Hawaiis0 »

kenmac wrote:
Fri Jan 08, 2021 21:13
Thanks,only a small leak,just usually wipe it clean before I go out to play!! I was on QED motorsport website a wee while ago and they list a cam carrier to head gasket for these engines,which I thought strange as it hasn't been mentioned on here?
You are right QED do have a CAM to Head gasket for cam carriers. It is probably their own as I cant see it in the parts book.
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kenmac
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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by kenmac »

Yes,I wonder if it will cure this issue or cause others!! Mind you at that price might be worth trying!!

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by AndyC »

Early 907 engines used a gasket but later changed to zero thickness sealant (As far as I know, to better achieve consistency on valve).
https://www.sjsportscars.com/parts-and- ... E0203Z.htm

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by MetBlue »

. Early 907 engines used a gasket but later changed
I think that's correct. I read this post thinking "sure mines got a gasket".
Obvious to point out, but if adding gasket to engine previously set up without, all valve shims will need changing to thicker ones.

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kenmac
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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by kenmac »

Thanks for all the information,what these forums are all about !! I will just keep wiping it clean till I need a cam belt change! ,still like to know of any Lotus friendly garages up in this neck of the woods.

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by AndyC »

if you clean the area really well (try can of brake cleaner after wiping with tissue etc) then you could paint the joint with some silver engine paint. It's not going to hold back oil under pressure but could block any leaks that are just capillary action.

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kenmac
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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by kenmac »

Thanks ,might try that!! The leak does seem to be a weep,as after a run nothing there,but next day maybe a few ml gathered in plug well.

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Re: Cam Carrier leak.

Post by bash »

When mine did this a quite a few few years ago and I found a couple of loose fixing bolts and when I took the carriers off the threads had stripped, I dont know why or if a P.O. had overtorqued them but a couple of helicoils sorted the threads and new gasket sealant stopped the leak. I did have to undo the offside engine mount to slide the engine over towards the drivers side to allow room to get the drill in though.
Bash
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I was a using the car everyday at that time as it was my only car and it was doing this for quite a few weeks until I had the time to sort it and as it was only leaking into the spark plug hole I was using a syringe every few days to get the oil out while it was warm. Lazy get eh !!
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