How should I set the oil level in my dry sump oil tank? (Pre 2008 Update Oil Tank)
The procedure
to adopt is to warm the engine up to approximately 70°C water, then
turn engine off, remove the cap, and with a clean steel rod 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. The oil level should be checked before
qualifying and before each race and before every half hour of use.
We suggest an initial fill of 5.25 Litres.
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Why should a radiator fan be fitted?
Temperature control is key to engine performance and reliability. The Engine Control
Unit (ECU) can enable the fan to operate at a specific temperature range,
therefore reducing the risk of the engine reaching higher detrimental
temperatures, whilst allowing the engine to reach and sustain good working
temperatures.
The ECU is programmed to back off the ignition and increase fuel if excessive
coolant temperatures are reached. This measure is taken to reduce engine
damage, but will inhibit the performance. The temperature these safety
values begin is 100 ºc.
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Why should there be cool air to the air filter?
The engine charge (air/fuel mix) temperature is very important to be cool; therefore
ensure filter is always in good condition and unrestricted.
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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 pipes and tank.
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How is the breather system connected?
See diagram 1 below.
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 and before qualifying
and before each race.
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Does the oil/filter need to be changed more frequently if on track?
The oil and filter should be changed before track use. Maximum interval between
oil change = 1000 miles.
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Is there any particular oil we should use?
Mobil 1 Motorsport 15W/50 or Caterham Motorsport 5W/50
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What is the required minimum oil temperature?
The oil temperature has to be at least 50°C before high RPM
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What is the recommended maximum oil temperature?.
The required
maximum oil temperature is 100°C.
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What is the required minimum water temperature?
The minimum
water temperature has to reach at least 70°C before high RPM.
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What is the required maximum water temperature?
The optimum operating water temperature should be:
Track use = 80°C
± 5°C ( without thermostat fitted)
Road use = 90°C ± 5°C (with thermostat fitted)
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Should an anti-freeze/corrosion inhibitor be included in the coolant?
Yes, it is very important to ensure the correct strength is used.
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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 the required idle speed when engine temperatures at correct level?
The required
idle speed should be 1000 RPM +/– 100 RPM.
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Does the engine need running in?
To date
all engines are run in before power-cycles are commenced. However, we
do strongly recommend close observation of oil/coolant levels etc. in
the early usage.
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Can the engine be used without the air filter?
No, it
is important an air filter, in good condition, is used at all times.
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Does the throttle cable need adjusting?
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 or strain the linkage.
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Where is maximum power?
The maximum
power is 7700 RPM. (Rev limiter set at 8200 RPM.)
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What is the oil pressure under load?
3000 4.1 BAR/60 PSI
5000 4.8 BAR/70 PSI
8000 4.1 BAR/60 PSI
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What coolant level should there be in the header tank?
Cold,
is 25mm above the moulded joint line.
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24.06.10
