Noob Questions

[caterham_lad]

Morning, I just picked up a my first 2nd hand Caterham 7, it was a bit of fun in the wet!!

It is a 2015 Ex academy car, got a few noob questions

1) The speedo ficks around a bit and sometimes stops working briefly, then kicks into life Where are the connections that I can check to see if any are loose?

2) Does anyone recommend any Vynal wrap company in the Essex / London borders area? And can this me done on Bare aluminium body?

Thanks

Edited by caterham_lad on Sunday 5th February 10:22

[BigCol]

Check the speedo sensor gap; it's by the offside rear hub.

With car jacked up, wheel off, ignition on, rotate the hub and the end of the sensor should light each time a tooth passes. If it doesn't, the gap is too big or too small and is easily adjusted. Seem to recall recommendation is about 1mm.

Difficult to check for higher speeds though (mine used to be OK to 50mph but would go haywire as you describe above that) so might take a couple of goes.

[griggsy2]

Hey,

Re speedo, IIRC it will be rear right wheel where there should be a speed sensor. On my first Caterham the clearance had to be spot on otherwise it would not get a steady reading. Easy enough to check and correct if this is where yours is.

My current has the sensor in the gearbox ( below the reverse light switch).

Cheers,
Lee

[sundance002]

caterham_lad said:

Morning, I just picked up a my first 2nd hand Caterham 7, it was a bit of fun in the wet!!

It is a 2015 Ex academy car, got a few noob questions

1) The speedo ficks around a bit and sometimes stops working briefly, then kicks into life Where are the connections that I can check to see if any are loose?

2) Does anyone recommend any Vynal wrap company in the Essex / London borders area? And can this me done on Bare aluminium body?

Thanks

Edited by caterham_lad on Sunday 5th February 10:22

Vinyl rapping, the best place I know is Viscount graphics in South Woodford London E18
https://g.co/kgs/5FNc3i

[caterham_lad]

Many Thanks for the speedy replies.... I have have a play next weekend.

South woodford, just down the road

cheers all

[rubystone]

We used to order our race cars in bare ali (Caterham charge for paint) and had a mobile wrapping guy come to us. When we sold the cars on, hairdryer out, wrap off. Problem is that inevitably dirt, oil, grease find their way into the nooks and crannies and the wrap can trap moisture. Any aluminium left exposed will also corrode. I sold off a batch of ex series cars and it was hell on Earth to polish the aluminium back. I'd never do that again!

[Boult]

If speedo sensor makes no difference, then try and find a different and better earth for the rev counter. I had the same problem and the mechanic at Caterham Midlands knew exactly what the issue was - the earthing of the rev counter.

[Boult]

oops - meant to say better earth for the speedo ....... doh

[KN02LEY]

There's a Caterham Workshop Notice ("WRNOT Speedometer sensor ground wire installation 572") which explains how to fix the earth but my 2014 car had it done by Caterham on delivery, so your's probably has it already.

[BigCol]

KN02LEY said:

There's a Caterham Workshop Notice ("WRNOT Speedometer sensor ground wire installation 572") which explains how to fix the earth but my 2014 car had it done by Caterham on delivery, so your's probably has it already.

Given the age of the car, I assumed that would've been done as part of the factory build... but we all know what happens when you assume - make an ass of u and me and all that...

[caterham_lad]

All good advice.

Has anyone found any aftermarket headlight bulbs that will make a difference? The interweb siggests these are good. But never used them


http://www.autoexpress.co.uk/accessories-tyres/767...

[one eyed mick]

If they are H4 fitment buy some 100/80's around 8 /10£ a pair ! on the bay

[caterham_lad]

one eyed mick said:

If they are H4 fitment buy some 100/80's around 8 /10£ a pair ! on the bay

As in 100/80 watts? Will that not burn out the loom?

[one eyed mick]

caterham_lad said:

As in 100/80 watts? Will that not burn out the loom?

I have run them for years in various vehicles with no problems but all wiring connectors mest be good/perfect also all earths must be sound But officaly they are Illegal

[caterham_lad]

one eyed mick said:

caterham_lad said:

As in 100/80 watts? Will that not burn out the loom?

I have run them for years in various vehicles with no problems but all wiring connectors mest be good/perfect also all earths must be sound But officaly they are Illegal

Thanks