How should I set the oil level in my dry sump oil tank?
The procedure to adopt is to warm the engine up to approximately 70°c water, then turn engine off, remove the oil filler cap, and with a clean steel rule measure from the bottom of the tank (avoiding any misleading castings!) a minimum of 9.5" (24cms) of oil is required. Replace oil filler cap. The advice is to slightly fill above this level and allow
the engine to find its own level by throwing some of the excess oil into the catch tank. Close monitoring of this excess oil being thrown out, will gradually indicate the oil level the system will hold. Ideally, the catch tank will have ½" to ¾" (1 to 2cms) of oil in the catch tank after a half hour test session. Check
oil level at least every half-hour track use.
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What Does EU2 and EU3 mean?
The EU2 and EU3 are product descriptions of the Rover K series engine. The two terms refer to the generation of engine that you may have. The EU2 engine is the earlier version and has a flattish cam cover with a narrow Spark Plug Cover (5cm) which is often cast aluminium on a Caterham car. The EU3 engine is the later version and has a plastic Sparkplug Cover which covers one side of the cam cover and also contains the Ignition Coils. The EU2 has its coil normally mounted on the side of the cylinder block. The engine management systems are not interchangeable. The internal specification of the two types of engine are not that different, the differences being mainly to accommodate the later engine management system.
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Why is my engine sealed up with wire and numbered tags?
The seals are put on at various points on the engine on behalf of the governing body of the race series. Minister-Power are authorized to fit the seals at designated points on your engine. They assist the scrutineer of the series and ultimately are the Series Eligibility Scrutineer's charge. Minister-Power will fit these seals on the scrutineer's behalf and update
the register of seals when an engine is rebuilt. The purpose of them is to ensure the engine has not been tampered with. At the scrutineer's request an engine can be inspected, it is your responsibility to ensure they are not damaged. It is sometimes advisable to bond them to the engine with a little silicone sealant to avoid any damage from vibration.
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How do I win more races?
First take note of the information in the Engine Running Data section of this site especially regarding temperatures for coolant and oil. Make sure that the air intake is getting clean fresh air. If you are not able to maintain the recommended temperatures then don't just ignore the situation, they are important to the performance and longevity of the engine. Consult our representative for further advice.
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Does the cooling system need to be bled?
Yes, stringent bleeding of the cooling system is vital to the performance and reliability of the engine.
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What is a 5AS Unit ?
The 5AS Unit is part of the Rover K series Engine Management System. It is a Rover part and is configured with your ECU to work as a security (anti theft) device. The ECU and 5AS Unit are security coded as a pair and so must be kept together. The 5AS Unit is often confused for the MFU (Multi Function Unit) as they look similar, both are black, and similar size.
The MFU is a switching unit with relays inside. It is often mounted with the ECU and has a taper to its shape. The 5AS unit is mounted behind the dashboard on a Caterham. The 5AS Unit is approximately 12 cm long, 8cm wide and 3.3cm deep. If we need to test your engine we must have the ECU and 5AS unit with its key fob to test your ECU. if there is still any doubt bring all three units with the engine.
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What is a Triple Pass Radiator?
This radiator was developed for high performance engines running in race conditions.
We recommend the Caterham Triple Pass Radiator as Standard fitment to any race or track day car. The water is pushed through the engine by the water pump to the top of the radiator where it works its way to the bottom by going across the face of the radiator core three times.
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Why should a triple pass radiator be fitted?
Use of the triple pass radiator in the Superlight R400 showed better water cooling and control to allow the engine to run at the optimum temperature range, therefore giving maximum performance. Check that it is allowed to be fitted in your series.
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When fitting a new or rebuilt engine should the oil system be cleaned?
Yes, it is very important to thoroughly clean the tank, pipes and oil cooler (if fitted) before the engine is fitted.
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How often should the oil level be checked?
The oil level should be checked when refueling.
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Does the oil level need to be checked more frequently if used on track?
Yes, it should be checked before every half-hour of use.
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Does the oil/filter need to be changed more frequently if on track?
The oil/filter should be changed before track use.
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Is there any particular oil I should use?
We recommend a 15w/50 good quality oil e.g. Caterham Motorsport oil.
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What is the required minimum oil temperature?
See Engine Running Data pages specific to your engine.
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What is the required maximum oil temperature?
See Engine Running Data pages specific to your engine.
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What is the required minimum water temperature?
See Engine Running Data pages specific to your engine.
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What is the required maximum water temperature?
See Engine Running Data pages specific to your engine.
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Should an antifreeze/corrosion inhibitor be included in the coolant?
Yes, it is very important to ensure the correct strength is used.
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Can the engine be used without an air filter?
No, it is important an air filter, in good condition, is used at all times.
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Should a Throttle Pedal stop be fitted?
To get the best driving position, you may need to adjust the throttle pedal, however you must ensure a throttle
pedal stop is used in order not to stretch the cable.
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