Lotus Emira 3.5L V6 Oil Change How-to Video

[sawdust]

To those that have already done a DIY oil change or dropped the panels, what degree of aluminum corrosion did you see?

For an Emira that was built in May 2025 and is now one year old, this is the corrosion on the topside of the panel.

Of course there's matching corrosion on the mating surfaces of the frame.

Is this amount of corrosion normal in just one year?

 

[netsinah]

Looks fine to me and still looks relatively new. Corrosion depends upon many factors, that don't necessarily relate to age: the main ones being (a) exposure to salt or other corrosive materials (ie. road salt or chemicals), (b) wet conditions, and (c) temperature fluctuations that impact both (a) and (b). Granted, the longer metal is exposed to those, the more corrosion you'll have. But I don't see any cause for concern, looking at your photos. I invite comments from others.

 

[netsinah]

I should have mentioned: what I see in the photos looks to be dirt and tiny rocks or wet spots that have attracted dust (all easily cleaned), as opposed to "rust". Try cleaning it next time to see what comes off. Whenever I change my oil/filter, I dump the road debris on the tray outside, and then use a rag to clean off the residue. Attached below is a photo I pulled off the Web of the engine bay in an older Lexus after it's been cleaned, showing corrosion (pitting right into the metal):




And another photo: this time showing a fair bit of undercarriage rust on an old vehicle (not an Emira):

 

[Anothernimbus]

Undertray debris from oil change pictured. It’s crazy how much accumulates in there. I also always wipe the panels down and sometimes all the undertrays while I’m under the car.

 

[bolson1983]

Great thread!

 

[cst]

Are u guys re-using the OEM drain plug with the new gasket? Anyone know the Toyota part number for the drain plug?

I've always replaced the drain plug for a new one with new crush washer for my 911.. not sure if it's necessary since the Toyota is steel?

 

[papadop88]

Are u guys re-using the OEM drain plug with the new gasket? Anyone know the Toyota part number for the drain plug?

I've always replaced the drain plug for a new one with new crush washer for my 911.. not sure if it's necessary since the Toyota is steel?

You absolutely don't need to get a new drain plug. Just use a new gasket.