Couple of issues with newly collected R500 Duratec - Advice
Discussion
Hi,
Have taken ownership of a R500D this week and went to take it on its first blat this evening.
Couple of issues however:
1. The drivers seat is on runners and can be moved forward and backwards no problem using the release lever at the front. However the seat will not lock in to position if moved forward and as soon as I apply any pressure to the pedals the seat moves backwards until it locks in its furthest back position. This is a right PITA as my legs are then at full extension and i'm using my toes when I fully depress the pedals. Driving position is therefore far from comfortable. Any ideas why the seat wouldn't be engaging on the runners in the more forward positions?
2. The car was intermittently 'kangaroo-ing' violently at low speeds, (in 1st / 2nd gear primarily) and because of traffic and the fact that I couldn't really control the clutch and accelerator properly due to the seat issue, I returned home rather than push on. It wasn't my clutch control because this was happening when the clutch had engaged and the car was cruising, if you can call 20 -30 mph cruising!! Possibly then down to my difficulty feathering the throttle at full leg extension. The car is a very low mileage example (less than 1000 miles) but has not been used in some time so I'm wondering if she just needs a good run to 'clear the pipes' so to speak after which things will settle down No issue with fuel either as 30 litres are in the tank. For info I will be taking the car to Track and Road at the end of May for a mapping session anyway, just for peace of mind so I'm sure Steve will sort things out if the mapping is an issue or something else is amiss. In the meantime, any ideas are welcome.
Cheers,
Steve
Have taken ownership of a R500D this week and went to take it on its first blat this evening.
Couple of issues however:
1. The drivers seat is on runners and can be moved forward and backwards no problem using the release lever at the front. However the seat will not lock in to position if moved forward and as soon as I apply any pressure to the pedals the seat moves backwards until it locks in its furthest back position. This is a right PITA as my legs are then at full extension and i'm using my toes when I fully depress the pedals. Driving position is therefore far from comfortable. Any ideas why the seat wouldn't be engaging on the runners in the more forward positions?
2. The car was intermittently 'kangaroo-ing' violently at low speeds, (in 1st / 2nd gear primarily) and because of traffic and the fact that I couldn't really control the clutch and accelerator properly due to the seat issue, I returned home rather than push on. It wasn't my clutch control because this was happening when the clutch had engaged and the car was cruising, if you can call 20 -30 mph cruising!! Possibly then down to my difficulty feathering the throttle at full leg extension. The car is a very low mileage example (less than 1000 miles) but has not been used in some time so I'm wondering if she just needs a good run to 'clear the pipes' so to speak after which things will settle down No issue with fuel either as 30 litres are in the tank. For info I will be taking the car to Track and Road at the end of May for a mapping session anyway, just for peace of mind so I'm sure Steve will sort things out if the mapping is an issue or something else is amiss. In the meantime, any ideas are welcome.
Cheers,
Steve
Edited by JustCallMeMac on Tuesday 10th May 20:54
Can't speak about the seat, though it sounds like a simple mechanical issue.
As for the kangarooing and from my experience as the owner of an R400D, that's down to you. Very easy to lurch up and down the road, you need good control and don't try to roll along at very low revs; keep above 2000 or so and be steady with the throttle is my method.
As for the kangarooing and from my experience as the owner of an R400D, that's down to you. Very easy to lurch up and down the road, you need good control and don't try to roll along at very low revs; keep above 2000 or so and be steady with the throttle is my method.
Has it got lowered floors? The seat release lever contacts a floor cross member on mine which stops it from locking into position. It doesn't slip all the way back though, just as far back until the release lever clears the cross member. As for kangarooing, that seems a fairly common complaint (and my RBTB Duratec certainly does it). I think the standard map is pretty aggressive/poor but you can drive around it mostly
For the seats check under the sliders for small pebbles etc, they often get under there and jam it up. Worst case it's only a couple of bolts to lift the whole mechanism out and have a proper look.
As for the bunny hoping this is completely normal and is all down to the drive (sorry). Youll notice that if you give it some beans it stops imitately. Generally if your in traffic etc try staying in a gear one lower than you would in a normal car.
Hope your enjoying the car, now you just need to book it into some track days to really open the taps
As for the bunny hoping this is completely normal and is all down to the drive (sorry). Youll notice that if you give it some beans it stops imitately. Generally if your in traffic etc try staying in a gear one lower than you would in a normal car.
Hope your enjoying the car, now you just need to book it into some track days to really open the taps
R400d with RBTB owner here.
Can't say I have ever had any kangarooing. Quite surprised to see so many people saying it's normal. I can drive mine in 6th at 1.5 to 2k rpm just trundling along without problem.
Likewise in traffic I can pull away / drive as slow as I like without problem.
Can't say I have ever had any kangarooing. Quite surprised to see so many people saying it's normal. I can drive mine in 6th at 1.5 to 2k rpm just trundling along without problem.
Likewise in traffic I can pull away / drive as slow as I like without problem.
Tomiam said:
R400d with RBTB owner here.
Can't say I have ever had any kangarooing. Quite surprised to see so many people saying it's normal. I can drive mine in 6th at 1.5 to 2k rpm just trundling along without problem.
Likewise in traffic I can pull away / drive as slow as I like without problem.
In my sigma on throttle bodies I found it kangarooed a little but only in first gear. Best thing to do is either come off the throttle or plant the throttle when it happens (depending on what you have space to do!)Can't say I have ever had any kangarooing. Quite surprised to see so many people saying it's normal. I can drive mine in 6th at 1.5 to 2k rpm just trundling along without problem.
Likewise in traffic I can pull away / drive as slow as I like without problem.
Probably some stones in the seat runners. Whip the seats out and give them a good clean. People often put grease on them but this only makes it worse by trapping the stones in the places you dont want them. Leave the seat runners dry (no grease or oil) and they will run smoothly.
The kangarooing is normal to an extent. Its part of the character of the car. You'll find that it runs beautifully when the throttle is pinned and up above 1/2 max revs (how its designed to be used). But it will be quite grumpy when driven slowly or in traffic. Also, modern cars have electronically actuated throttles with software that damp out jumpy or excessive throttle applications - your caterham simply has a cable attaching your right foot to the throttle bodies. As mentioned above, you'll learn to drive around it by by bracing your foot more and being super smooth especially as you come on and off the throttle in low gears and low rpm.
Having said that, there are some things that can make the kangarooing worse.. Check that the throttle bodies are all in balance. Try changing the tension on the throttle cable - sometimes too much slack can cause a jump as the slack is taken up. Conversely, lowering the tension can provide a bit of damping (providing it is fairly tight to begin with). Consider oiling/greasing the throttle linkage, cable housing and pedal pivot. This will make the pedal feel smoother allowing more accurate applications, but may have the opposite effect of making the pedal feel too 'free'.
The kangarooing is normal to an extent. Its part of the character of the car. You'll find that it runs beautifully when the throttle is pinned and up above 1/2 max revs (how its designed to be used). But it will be quite grumpy when driven slowly or in traffic. Also, modern cars have electronically actuated throttles with software that damp out jumpy or excessive throttle applications - your caterham simply has a cable attaching your right foot to the throttle bodies. As mentioned above, you'll learn to drive around it by by bracing your foot more and being super smooth especially as you come on and off the throttle in low gears and low rpm.
Having said that, there are some things that can make the kangarooing worse.. Check that the throttle bodies are all in balance. Try changing the tension on the throttle cable - sometimes too much slack can cause a jump as the slack is taken up. Conversely, lowering the tension can provide a bit of damping (providing it is fairly tight to begin with). Consider oiling/greasing the throttle linkage, cable housing and pedal pivot. This will make the pedal feel smoother allowing more accurate applications, but may have the opposite effect of making the pedal feel too 'free'.
Edited by mharris on Tuesday 10th May 16:07
ON my 21 with a VVC on RB I have the same problem between 1750 and 2000 rpm, when I use thick sole shoes.
As soon as I fit thin sole shoes I can control the throttle so much better that the kangaroo-ing disappear.
I was told a long time ago, the kangaroo-ing is aslo due to how the air goes into the engine on roller barrel.
Jack
As soon as I fit thin sole shoes I can control the throttle so much better that the kangaroo-ing disappear.
I was told a long time ago, the kangaroo-ing is aslo due to how the air goes into the engine on roller barrel.
Jack
Firstly, many thanks to everyone who has replied. Much appreciated.
Secondly a quick update to say that all is now good!
Seating position fixed by placing a light but heavy-duty airbag between the curvature of the seat and rear bulkhead and inflating enough to fill the space and prevent the seat moving back from my preferred position. Worked an absolute treat and avoided a potentially tricky and frustrating removal and re-installation of the seat & runners etc, especially as I just wanted to drive the thing! Maybe a job for another day.
Having the correct seating position immediately cured the 'kangarooing' as I was no longer having to control the throttle at full leg extension with the tips of my toes! Still a little bit lumpy at very low speeds but no great shakes at all and seems to be a characteristic based on comments above!
The end result....an absolutely brilliant blat in the sunshine last Sunday and all I can say is what an epic car, not just in terms of the sheer pace but also because of the wonderfully dynamic chassis. We've had high-powered and well set up Sevens in the past but both me and my lad could tell within 5 minutes of 'bum dyno' testing alone that the Caterham is in a different league.
Only other comments I would make from that 'first drive' are that firstly I need to move the brake pedal away from the clutch pedal a little as, even with narrow footwear, I had a couple of 'interesting moments' and secondly that phew, the tunnel area can get a bit toasty can't it!? My left thigh felt like it was starting to cook a little at times, albeit I was wearing shorts!
Steve
Secondly a quick update to say that all is now good!
Seating position fixed by placing a light but heavy-duty airbag between the curvature of the seat and rear bulkhead and inflating enough to fill the space and prevent the seat moving back from my preferred position. Worked an absolute treat and avoided a potentially tricky and frustrating removal and re-installation of the seat & runners etc, especially as I just wanted to drive the thing! Maybe a job for another day.
Having the correct seating position immediately cured the 'kangarooing' as I was no longer having to control the throttle at full leg extension with the tips of my toes! Still a little bit lumpy at very low speeds but no great shakes at all and seems to be a characteristic based on comments above!
The end result....an absolutely brilliant blat in the sunshine last Sunday and all I can say is what an epic car, not just in terms of the sheer pace but also because of the wonderfully dynamic chassis. We've had high-powered and well set up Sevens in the past but both me and my lad could tell within 5 minutes of 'bum dyno' testing alone that the Caterham is in a different league.
Only other comments I would make from that 'first drive' are that firstly I need to move the brake pedal away from the clutch pedal a little as, even with narrow footwear, I had a couple of 'interesting moments' and secondly that phew, the tunnel area can get a bit toasty can't it!? My left thigh felt like it was starting to cook a little at times, albeit I was wearing shorts!
Steve
JustCallMeMac said:
Firstly, many thanks to everyone who has replied. Much appreciated.
Secondly a quick update to say that all is now good!
Seating position fixed by placing a light but heavy-duty airbag between the curvature of the seat and rear bulkhead and inflating enough to fill the space and prevent the seat moving back from my preferred position. Worked an absolute treat and avoided a potentially tricky and frustrating removal and re-installation of the seat & runners etc, especially as I just wanted to drive the thing! Maybe a job for another day.
Having the correct seating position immediately cured the 'kangarooing' as I was no longer having to control the throttle at full leg extension with the tips of my toes! Still a little bit lumpy at very low speeds but no great shakes at all and seems to be a characteristic based on comments above!
The end result....an absolutely brilliant blat in the sunshine last Sunday and all I can say is what an epic car, not just in terms of the sheer pace but also because of the wonderfully dynamic chassis. We've had high-powered and well set up Sevens in the past but both me and my lad could tell within 5 minutes of 'bum dyno' testing alone that the Caterham is in a different league.
Only other comments I would make from that 'first drive' are that firstly I need to move the brake pedal away from the clutch pedal a little as, even with narrow footwear, I had a couple of 'interesting moments' and secondly that phew, the tunnel area can get a bit toasty can't it!? My left thigh felt like it was starting to cook a little at times, albeit I was wearing shorts!
Steve
I wouldn't be too happy with that seat arrangement. Presumably the only thing stopping the seat sliding forward is your leg on the brake pedal?Secondly a quick update to say that all is now good!
Seating position fixed by placing a light but heavy-duty airbag between the curvature of the seat and rear bulkhead and inflating enough to fill the space and prevent the seat moving back from my preferred position. Worked an absolute treat and avoided a potentially tricky and frustrating removal and re-installation of the seat & runners etc, especially as I just wanted to drive the thing! Maybe a job for another day.
Having the correct seating position immediately cured the 'kangarooing' as I was no longer having to control the throttle at full leg extension with the tips of my toes! Still a little bit lumpy at very low speeds but no great shakes at all and seems to be a characteristic based on comments above!
The end result....an absolutely brilliant blat in the sunshine last Sunday and all I can say is what an epic car, not just in terms of the sheer pace but also because of the wonderfully dynamic chassis. We've had high-powered and well set up Sevens in the past but both me and my lad could tell within 5 minutes of 'bum dyno' testing alone that the Caterham is in a different league.
Only other comments I would make from that 'first drive' are that firstly I need to move the brake pedal away from the clutch pedal a little as, even with narrow footwear, I had a couple of 'interesting moments' and secondly that phew, the tunnel area can get a bit toasty can't it!? My left thigh felt like it was starting to cook a little at times, albeit I was wearing shorts!
Steve
Removing the seats is a bit messy but not that hard to do; it would be best done properly in my opinion.
Edited to add that I've realised that the harness will stop you sliding forward!! (Would still fix it properly!)
Edited by anonymous-user on Tuesday 10th May 21:42
As per the advice above, I've improved my kangarooing to a large extent via throttle cable tension. When I checked the cable tension I did so at the pedal and at the throttle body, all looked and felt fine. I subsequently had the pedal box cover off and it was immediately clear that there was lots of slack in the cable. Taking this slack out has made it far less grumpy on a light throttle, though it's certainly still not 'modern car' docile.
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