Turbo oil return pipe - smoke!?

[Steve_P]

When the engine gets up to temperature I notice smoke in the engine compartment rising from the area of the TURBO heat shield.
I'm wondering if oil might be dripping on the exhaust if an oil return pipe is leaking on the underside?? Not having ever removed the Turbo
and not being able to find any pictures of the underside has anyone had a similar problem? Is an oil return pipe accessible from underneath
or is it likely to be major surgery?

Any advice greatly appreciated as always.

[esprit888]

I would first make sure that it is from the turbo (drain/return line) and not the CAS O ring or plug O ring. They are infamous for leaking and the hot oil can run down a variety of sources, including the block, and drip on to the hot exhaust. It can be difficult to see when the oil is clean and hot, so clean the area down thoroughly first.

[lotusflasherman]

Take the heatshield off and inspect using a mirror to look under the oil pipes and other likely causes..

[Steve_P]

Thanks guys. I replaced the O rings only a couple of years ago but will check again - looks like I'll have to brave
taking the heat shields off and borrowing the wife's vanity mirror I did find a drawing in the manual that shows
an oil drain return underneath so hopefully it's something accessible if leaking!

[lotusflasherman]

and borrowing the wife's vanity mirror

These are worth having in the toolkit if you own a Lotus...www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rolson-60515-Two-LED-Telescopic-Inspec-Mirror/302186451578

My local shop sells them cheaper than that so I've got one in the garage tools, another in the travelling toolkit.