Has anyone any idea about this scenario.
Upon removing the cone air filter from an Exige then looking into the opening into the airbox there was visible debris that appeared like a sandy texture gunky grime.
The airbox had been removed no less than 40 miles previously to adjust the throttle bodies and the air filter removed and cleaned around 100miles prior to that.
On full removal of the airbox there was visible gunky grime that had accumulated on the butterflies.
What is it ? Where did it come from? And could this cause any damage to the engine? And recommended actions to ensure the engine remains healthy?
Debris in air box
Re: Debris in air box
It sounds like the air filter oil has escaped from the air filter. When you clean the air filter, I assume you re-oiled it afterwards? I guess excess oil has gone into the airbox, and as it should, has collected dust and grit as it has been drawn into the system. The gunk on the butterfly sounds like excess oil from the filter and / or the air filter is not well sealed and allowing dust in. I would expect that a spray of "carb & air filter cleaner" would clear it up, and a check of the air filter fit. 
Last edited by Dominic on Mon Jun 20, 2016 1:38 pm, edited 1 time in total.
Re: Debris in air box
Pretty much as Dom describes it. The VHPD has an oil breather directly into the inlet plenum/airbox just before the throttle bodies and after the filter. The oil vapour into the inlet air can affect your engine performance so if your getting a lot of its not a good thing. The inlets do gather a bit of dust and debris, the airbox might have been off the car before and lying around for instance, so that coupled with the oil vapour and a bit of moisture may have created your gunk.
Worth checking the engine isn't overfilled. Its high up my mod list to fit an oil catch tank to take the risk of oil vapour away and also so I can monitor the output.
For the filter, they are available new from Hangar 111 or you can clean with soapy water and then re-oil with filter oil. That worked well for me. Remember they go in sock first! Something that the previous fitter of the airfilter had got wrong and I continued to do until I saw a manual page showing it the right way round.
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Worth checking the engine isn't overfilled. Its high up my mod list to fit an oil catch tank to take the risk of oil vapour away and also so I can monitor the output.
For the filter, they are available new from Hangar 111 or you can clean with soapy water and then re-oil with filter oil. That worked well for me. Remember they go in sock first! Something that the previous fitter of the airfilter had got wrong and I continued to do until I saw a manual page showing it the right way round.
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Re: Debris in air box
I've seen oil before and there are a few things to check:
If you don't have an oil catch tank fitted you will have a small hose line which can put oil into the airbox when used on track ie very hot running. That would explain oil, but not sand / grit
Check the foam seal between the airbox and the metal plate for damage and take care when refitting to tighten the bolts evenly.
I presume your cone filter is fitted directly into the airbox with a double jubilee clip arrangement, this can leak if its not well fitted, check the seal I has a good overlap all around, especially below.
Is your air hose connected to the side vent? If not you might want to consider it, my filter needed a lot less cleaning once I connected it direct to the side vent. There is a side vent adapter (lotus part, and you would need a longer hose - the exige.com chaps advised me on a suitable aerospace hose.
Ref the hanger 111 filter, I bought one and could not get it to fit, so I'd stick with the sock, unless you can find someone who has been more successful. If you want to try the hanger 111 version I have an unused one.
If you don't have an oil catch tank fitted you will have a small hose line which can put oil into the airbox when used on track ie very hot running. That would explain oil, but not sand / grit
Check the foam seal between the airbox and the metal plate for damage and take care when refitting to tighten the bolts evenly.
I presume your cone filter is fitted directly into the airbox with a double jubilee clip arrangement, this can leak if its not well fitted, check the seal I has a good overlap all around, especially below.
Is your air hose connected to the side vent? If not you might want to consider it, my filter needed a lot less cleaning once I connected it direct to the side vent. There is a side vent adapter (lotus part, and you would need a longer hose - the exige.com chaps advised me on a suitable aerospace hose.
Ref the hanger 111 filter, I bought one and could not get it to fit, so I'd stick with the sock, unless you can find someone who has been more successful. If you want to try the hanger 111 version I have an unused one.
Re: Debris in air box
Thanks for the ideas and pointers.
Ferg - the filter should be in sock first you say... I've taken a look at a diagram and you're quite right. And my filter was also in the wrong way...
New filter on order and I think new gasket at the airbag backplate also shall be ordered.
I think what has happened is the debris has been pulled from the filter being fitted the wrong way round...
I've no idea what way it was fitted before but it is wrong now. FFS, I though the experts knew this kinda basic stuff!
Ferg - the filter should be in sock first you say... I've taken a look at a diagram and you're quite right. And my filter was also in the wrong way...
New filter on order and I think new gasket at the airbag backplate also shall be ordered.
I think what has happened is the debris has been pulled from the filter being fitted the wrong way round...
I've no idea what way it was fitted before but it is wrong now. FFS, I though the experts knew this kinda basic stuff!
Re: Debris in air box
Maybe a daft question, but do you have the correct filter? I've never tried fitting it the wrong way around, but it's a bit odd, given that 1 side would have been clamped into the fibreglass transition ring.
Provided your filter is still intact, you could just get the cleaning kit and give it a good clean, then refit correctly.
Provided your filter is still intact, you could just get the cleaning kit and give it a good clean, then refit correctly.
Re: Debris in air box
Kerry did you have issue with the Pipercross one from Hangar111, or the previous paper k&n filter? Just opened my filter to find its split.
Piper
http://www.hangar111.com/shop/lotus-2-e ... ilter.html
Standard
http://www.hangar111.com/shop/lotus-340 ... ilter.html
I may just play safe and go std for now. I also like your idea of putting the pipe ducting direct to the scoop.
Piper
http://www.hangar111.com/shop/lotus-2-e ... ilter.html
Standard
http://www.hangar111.com/shop/lotus-340 ... ilter.html
I may just play safe and go std for now. I also like your idea of putting the pipe ducting direct to the scoop.