CATERHAM R500

[keechy]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 24 January 2010 at 13:51

[keechy]

The initial message was deleted from this topic on 24 January 2010 at 13:58

[fergus]

keechy said:

AFTER BUYING MY FIRST CATERHAM ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO, PEOPLE TOLD ME I WOULD'NT BE DISAPPOINTED, AND THEY WERE RIGHT. IT IS TRULY AN AMAZING CAR, ALTHOUGH I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED WITH 2 VERY SMALL OIL LEAKS COMING FROM THE ENGINE AREA. THE CATERHAM I HAVE IS A K SERIES R500 AND IVE BEEN TOLD THAT IT IS PERFECTLY NORMAL TO HAVE OIL LEAKS WITH THIS CAR DUE TO THE EXPANSION AND CONTRACTION OF THE ENGINE. IT WOULD BE VERY MUCH APPRECIATED IF ANYBODY COULD SHED SOME LIGHT ON THE SUBJECT.

1) take off the caps lock plse
2) where are the oil leaks on the engine? Do they look like they're coming from a mating surface, i.e. could be a leaky gasket, or are they coming from a hose?

[keechy]

As I said, not too sure where they are coming from but when I looked into getting them sorted was told it is a consequence of that sort of engine. When the car has been out for a blat and warmed up it leaks, but once its cooled down it very nearly stops, and if it stands for a few weeks it appears to stop altogether.

[sfaulds]

It's not 'normal' - there's no reason why a K should leak. If you can't look under it yourself to see where it's leaking from, take it to someone who knows what they're looking at.

[croftsj]

The expansion/contraction story is pure myth, however my K R300 produces a thin film of oil around the catch tank, (nowt in the catch tank itself) & most R300 owners I've spoken to say the same, CC say TADTS & they see my car at least twice a year & have never shown any concern.

Get it to a 7 specialist or get under & around the car yourself & find the source, hoses & unions being the obvious place to start, being an R500 it's dry sumped I assume so check your tower & the dry sump gubbins.

[keechy]

Ok, many thanks,I will get minister or Caterham to take a look when it goes for it's service.

[Dave J]

I'd wager cam seals or tower cap

[keechy]

Living in Bedfordshire which is quite a distance from both Caterham service center, could anybody recommend a reputable service centre which carry out seven work. I am familiar with Dave Andrews but understand he only wants the engine as opposed to the car.

[fergus]

keechy said:

Living in Bedfordshire which is quite a distance from both Caterham service center, could anybody recommend a reputable service centre which carry out seven work. I am familiar with Dave Andrews but understand he only wants the engine as opposed to the car.

You are very close to Dave Andrews (Milton Keynes). Due to his knowledge, and the relatively low cost and high quality of his skills, I'd suggest getting someone to help you whip the engine out and then taking it to DVA.

[Dave J]

hope it isnt simply the cam seals or tower cap after you have taken the engine out

have you checked for holes in the side of block ?, thats worth taking the engine out for

[James.S]

Team Parker racing, McMillan motorsport, Caterham Midlands and Fauldsport.

[Hedgetrimmer]

Dry sump tower top is definitely the first place to look. Mine was leaking from there and also from the rear main bearing seal. The tower cap is a real pain to solve. The later spec R500 had a different cap and changing to this certainly reduced the problem but didn't eradicate it. Caterham sell the later part for around £40.

[keechy]

Hi,thanks for the reply, i'm not to bad at driving these things but a bit dum when it comes to understanding the workings, when you talk about the tower cap is this the cap with the short dip stick attached to it where you check the oil?

[fergus]

keechy said:

Hi,thanks for the reply, i'm not to bad at driving these things but a bit dum when it comes to understanding the workings, when you talk about the tower cap is this the cap with the short dip stick attached to it where you check the oil?

yes. Look at where this 'conning tower' is attached to the bellhousing.

[normalbloke]

When was the engine last refreshed?

[jackal]

keechy said:

Living in Bedfordshire which is quite a distance from both Caterham service center, could anybody recommend a reputable service centre which carry out seven work. I am familiar with Dave Andrews but understand he only wants the engine as opposed to the car.

http://www.fauldsport.com/

[keechy]

Not had an engine refresh yet as only done 10k and most of them road miles.