FML

[jackh707]

Today was going to be a good day. The first blat in a good while, it had stopped raining, the temperature was in the 7s and 8s, and most of the salt had been washed off the roads.
It was the first opportunity to try out the new to me Sparco race shoes that a friend had kindly donated after finding out they didn't fit him so well. They fitted me beautifully

I move the bikes out of the garage, pull the car out, start her up, and have to wait the usual 2 minutes or so for the engine to warm enough by feathering the throttle so it dosn't stall.

So there I am, making my way out through the frustrating 40mph dual carriageways to the 'good roads', chuckling to myself how dexterous and snug my feet feel compared to my previous shoe of choice, my faithful converse.
(which are exceptional for normal shoes)

Heel and toeing has never been a problem for me in the Caterham due to the delightfully sized and shaped pedal box, but these shoes made it even easier, dancing on the pedals blipping down into 1st as I crawl up to the roundabout in the heavy traffic, I imagine changing down for the shell oil corner at Oulton.

I notice the engine has been up to temperature for some time now and anticipate the arrival of the NSL markers, they finally peer into a view as the outside lane opens up in front of me.

I drop to 2nd, match the revs, bring up the clutch, and feed in the throttle smooth and hard.
The Webers gulp down the cold air with an eruption of warbling, the revs ferociously climb, the exhaust howls and I shoot past the traffic like it's standing still.

Simultaneously my grin is wiped off my face and replaced with a baffled look....
About 2-3 pints of steaming, scalding coolant water decide to erupt like an Icelandic geyser from my front left bonnet vent, covering the windscreen, leaving a cloud behind me.
I suddenly look like worlds fastest steam powered Caterham choo-chooing down the outside lane like some strange Brunel creation.

I pull over at the first opportunity to find the problem... wielding my foot long screw driver I remove the air filters, unhook the bonnet, lift it off and have a look...

I'd ovefilled?..


NO


I had forgotten to put the radiator cap back on

So now I sit parked up, outside the 'waste water recycling plant' awaiting rescue with water.
I am sufficiently bored and cold I may decide to put the roof on!

I am treating the smell as punishment for my idiocy.

[huwp]

Oh dear, but never mind. The way you were building up the expectation I was expecting a more catastrophic ending.

At least your new Sparcos worked well!

All will seem better by the time you have a cup pa in hand, or something stronger!

[jackh707]

Yes it was hardly anything serious. Although, probably the most exciting mechanical peoblem i've had with the car to date. I'm at home now, full of water. New radiator cap was £4 from local car place. Still might be time for a spin later once the roads are quiet.

[Mostro]

Haha. O/T, but what 'model' are the Sparco shoes?