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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Should the fuel regulator pipe be left to atmosphere?
Yes. Also make sure the ECU is free from heat and vibration.
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Why should an up-rated 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.
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Why should an oil cooler be fitted?
Dynamometer tests show the engine operates best within a certain temperature range.
The oil cooler will assist in control of the high oil temperatures often seen in track use.
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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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Does a new R500 & R101 engine need running in?
To date all engines are run in on our Dynamometer before power-cycles are commenced.
However, we strongly recommend close observation of oil/coolant levels etc. in the early usage.
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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/5 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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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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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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Why should an air-box be fitted?
The engine charge (air/fuel mix) temperature is very important to be cool; therefore it is advantageous for the air
to be drawn in from outside the enclosed bonnet, as this will benefit performance.
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What is the required idle speed when engine temperatures are at the correct level?
The required idle speed should be 1000 RPM ± 100 RPM.
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e-mail: info@minister-power.com Tel: +44 (0)1634 682577 Fax: +44(0)1634 684674 Minister-Power Unit G, Altbarn Industrial Estate, 17 Revenge Road, Lordswood, Chatham, Kent ME5 8UD, United Kingdom. Co. Reg. No. 1854105 © 2025 Minister-Power |
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