Newbie...looking for some tech advice please.

[Cardo]

Hello all.recently took the plunge and got myself a Caterham...It's a 2005 1.6K ex Academy car and the best thing I've ever bought
It had an engine refresh by Minister before it went back to Caterham to be sold and is still wearing the MSA engine seals.
Judging by the length of time the previous owners had the car for it must be due a timing belt by now.
I'm happy to do this myself,however,is there a preferred method of locking the flywheel to remove the crank pulley?
I see that there are tools suitable for PG1 fwd gearboxes but guess that these will not work with the type 9 bellhousing starter hole.... Is it just a case of putting it in gear and having an assistant stand on the brakes while I crack the bolt?
I would usually change a waterpump at the same time as doing a belt,is this the case with the K series and if so is there a preferred manufacturer for the pump,belt and tensioner? Or is any OEM kit suitable?
The car runs the Apollo oil tank set up,does it need to be removed completely for access or just the lower hoses slackened to allow the belt off and on? Also,is there a definite capacity for refilling the system afterwards if I have to drain it to break it down?
.........Finally....the car seems to run quite cool on the temperature gauge,55/60 degrees rising to around 80 when stationary.
Would this suggest no thermostat fitted? Or just a pessimistic gauge?
Thanks in advance,
cardo

Edited by Cardo on Thursday 9th October 12:58

[petery]

A minister rebuilt k-series won't have a thermostat fitted

[Cardo]

petery said:

A minister rebuilt k-series won't have a thermostat fitted

Ah,ok....Thanks for the info.
Would you suggest leaving it without one fitted? The car will be used predominantly on the road with a few track days.

Cheers

[elan_fan]

Big screwdriver in the exposed teeth of the flywheel in the exposed area below the starter motor. Also you need the pulley locking tool available for a few pounds on ebay or borrow one.