Caterham pointers
Discussion
Im just looking at buying an ex Academy Car. Its done the Academy serious and then has had two years road use and done 6k miles +.
Any tips as to what to look for when driving (gearbox and engine related mainly)?
I realise some of these ex Academys have had a hard life but I really need to know the key things to look for?
For instance, with the engine running engaing and disengaging the clutch gives a different noise... I know lots of cars do this but is it anything to be worried about?
Many thanks in advance for all your help!
Any tips as to what to look for when driving (gearbox and engine related mainly)?
I realise some of these ex Academys have had a hard life but I really need to know the key things to look for?
For instance, with the engine running engaing and disengaging the clutch gives a different noise... I know lots of cars do this but is it anything to be worried about?
Many thanks in advance for all your help!
That noise you mention is normal, its just the layshaft rattling, all caterhams do it (as do lots of none caterhams, but its harder to hear)
If the engine runs without rattling or knocking then its probably fine, you could do a compression test if you want a bit more info/piece of mind. If its a k series car you should ensure the head gasket is ok by looking for milky oil, or overheating.
gearbox wise just check it goes into each gear without crunching, and that it doesnt whine (unless its straight cut , in that case its normal)
check for play in suspension/steering.
check for even braking.
check all lights/electrics work.
If the engine runs without rattling or knocking then its probably fine, you could do a compression test if you want a bit more info/piece of mind. If its a k series car you should ensure the head gasket is ok by looking for milky oil, or overheating.
gearbox wise just check it goes into each gear without crunching, and that it doesnt whine (unless its straight cut , in that case its normal)
check for play in suspension/steering.
check for even braking.
check all lights/electrics work.
Edited by julians on Tuesday 24th June 22:52
Edited by julians on Tuesday 24th June 22:53
The sound is far more likely to be a Clutch Release Bearing - if the noise DOESN'T disappear as soon as you put your foot on the clutch, it could be a gearbbox bearing. The CRB is pennies to buy but engine-out to replace. I wouldn't worry about it too much.
Out of interest, how much is the car and what year?
Out of interest, how much is the car and what year?
Two main things -
Cracked pistons - Make sure you have it leakdown tested as they are prone to this. Its not as bad as it sounds and wont damage the block, but it does knock a few bhp off of the engine. Two of mine were cracked at the end of the academy
Synchros - If you're brutal you can crack synchros or bend shift levers (i did both
) so make sure the box shifts cleanly and doesn't stick in gear or baulk or graunch too much.
If the noise you speak of is like a mid-low pitched rumbling sound that disappears when you put your foot on the clutch, it is indeed the layshaft, and is nothing to worry about
Cracked pistons - Make sure you have it leakdown tested as they are prone to this. Its not as bad as it sounds and wont damage the block, but it does knock a few bhp off of the engine. Two of mine were cracked at the end of the academy
Synchros - If you're brutal you can crack synchros or bend shift levers (i did both
) so make sure the box shifts cleanly and doesn't stick in gear or baulk or graunch too much.If the noise you speak of is like a mid-low pitched rumbling sound that disappears when you put your foot on the clutch, it is indeed the layshaft, and is nothing to worry about
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