K series oil sump baffle

[Terry Field]

Recently had a problem with the oil pump pick up becoming partially blocked probably by the oil sump baffle breaking up. Problem solved by Sevens and Classics with no residual damage fortunately.

I heard that there is an alternative gasket available in place of the baffle which, once installed, does not need replacing. That is all the info I have. Can anyone offer any further advice / info?

[Jonathan Kay]

I'm glad that there wasn't any consequent damage. And jealous.

Here's the modification, it's the same gasket but with additional holes:
https://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/k-series-18-sump-gasket
https://www.lotus7.club/forum/techtalk/modifying-sump-gasket

You can DIY or buy a modified one from DVA/oilyhands.

Jonathan

 

[Terry Field]

Thanks Jonathan, that is just what I was looking for

[Terry Field]

Just for clarity, I assume that the revised gasket does away completely with the foam baffle?

[Jonathan Kay]

Yes, no foam once that's done. 

But there may be different advice for serious track use. 

Full search of the archives.

Jonathan

[Wrightpayne]

The sump gasket in the K has always had a ledge. The addition of a couple of holes aids oil returning to the sump that was otherwise trapped on the ledge.

The foam, a Caterham specific part was there to help prevent the oil getting aerated IIRC. However, in some cases the foam broke down, clogged the pick up pipe and destroyed the engine. This was completely random - some engines ran many miles through several oil changes without problem or sign of disintegration. Others the foam broke up.

It was suggested that the foam be omitted (I think it has a 4 or 5 year service interval so not fit and forget anyway) as the risk of damage is too high. Its one of those topics that has been debated at length and its a personal choice whether you fit it or not. 
 

Prior to going dry sump I ran without the foam with no untoward effects. The Caterham specific sump gasket is just that (and is reuseable). The baffle is a separate part and whilst probably designed to work together with the sump gasket, the foam  doesn't have to be fitted.

Hope that helps explain the background.

Ian

[John Vine]

What Ian says.  I ditched the foam and modified the gasket on my old 1.8K, with no untoward effects at all.

JV

[Terry Field]

Ian,  Many thanks, that is what I wanted to know.

The background is that I had a major drop in oil pressure during a long run, and managed to limp to PGM in Sussex. From there it was collected by Sevens and Classics who were the suppliers of the car in February this year. S&C have confirmed that it was a partly blocked oil pipe, but thankfully no damage has been done.

I am collecting the car next week and, dependent on what repair S&C have carried out, I will remove the baffle and change the gasket the next time it is convenient.

I was lucky that the engine was not wrecked, and many thanks to PGM  and Sevens and Classics for both storing the car for a couple of weeks and carrying out the necessary investigations and repairs. 

Looking forward to picking the car up next week and a long blat from Brands Hatch to Somerset, complete with a new oil system and a flat floor courtesy of PGM.