Calling S2 111s owners

[1st_petrolhead]

I have now done 600 miles but the engine sounds like a diesel. I know the VVC is reported a bit noisier that the std K series but heck this is noisier than R5 and thats got solid lifters.

I have done two videos, one inside the car and the other next to the engine.

have a listen and give me your thoughts.

Interior Noise - www.petrolhead.me.uk/temp/interior.wmv
Engine Bay Noise - www.petrolhead.me.uk/temp/engine_bay.wmv

[gooby]

Have you checked the oil?

If it has only done 600 miles then it is a warante problem?

[1st_petrolhead]

Oils fine but still on running in Mineral oil

[DPR]

Sounds a little rough. I'd say go back to the dealer, but I'm worried they'll say 'they all sound like that'. Does it drive OK?

Might be worth mentioning at the 1k first service.

[1st_petrolhead]

It drives fine and they have already said that but to me its crap.

I have a R500 with solid lifters and thats quieter.

I have also heard other VVC Caterhams and they never sounded like that

[sja]

I have an 05 111s.. I also think its sounds terrible when idling but again always been told "they all do that!" however not sure if its just amplified by your recording but mine not as bad as that.. Its a lot noisier.. Is that all the time or when cold etc?

[shangani]

That is DEFINITELY not a normal VVC engine noise - sounds more like a tractor! That clanking noise sounds deafening. No direct idea of what is causeing it - what part of the engine is it emanating from? Yu can put a screwdriver tip on parts of the engine and listen to the handle to see where it is the loudest - whether coming from low down near the crank, or from the head.

You are under warranty - don't let them fob you off with claims that that is characteristic! Sounds like a pick-up truck I had that was busy killing a big-end bearing. Good luck - mine is way quieter than that with a larini and an induction kit - actually you get no more than the sewing machine sound normally. Are you sure you didn't record a diesel u-boat - similar sound.

[sja]

Sorry Peter didn't look at your profile.. Im in Tyne & Wear as well (Boldon & Newcastle) . Mail me and if you want we can meet and compare tractor noises!!

[ChristianM]

As above,
mine has done 6k and it 'ticks' when cold but other than that it sounds like yours is louder and rougher. Take it back to lotus.

[tonyhetherington]

yeah mine has the whole 'ticking thing' going on too, but certainly not that noisy. My knowledge of the engine isn't that good to know if it will settle down or not.

I agree entirely with you, that does not sound right.

[cheekymonkey]

dude that sounds like a sick puppy! if i get chance i'll do a vid comparison of mine and post it up to see. deffo sounds like a diesel tho...

[RobM77]

I owned a VVC Caterham for four years and have just test driven an S2 111S demo car, and both sounded fine. Definately a problem there!

[1st_petrolhead]

Thanks sja for popping round. Seems as though its normal, if you call haveing a sports car sound like a diesel normal

[sja]

No probs.. Now you have me worried about mine

[trance-raver]

I'd say that engine doesn't sound right, it would be in your best interests to get an independant engineer's report to clarify the noise situation that your engine is making...and if there is a problem present the report to the dealership where the car was bought.

[sja]

The noise has always been an issue for me since buying the car, each time I have met another owner Its been asked, and its "TADTS"... 1st_Petrolhead keep me updated if F1 offer an advice.. You never know there could be a problem, we have both experienced the same rattling pipes in sills..

[shangani]

SJA - why don't you post a recording of your engine - I will post a recording of my 111s with the larini, but will record in the engine bay. I have no idea how to post the recoring though. I am sure you have heard other 111s cars. Maybe if a few folks do the same, you and 1st petrolhead will have some ammo to use with lotus if there is a problem. It is likely something minor with the vvc mechanism if it has not progressed. If it was a bottom end problem, you would likely know by now.

I have a bit of ?epoxy ?metal screw inside the left chassis which intermittently rolls around and drives me nuts. Lotus never bothered when the car was under warranty.

[sja]

Good Idea.. But again Im unsure how to post it? Only device I have is a nokia phone which takes video & sound.. So if someone can advise on posting I'll do two like 1st, one in bay one in car..

Shoudl be interesting..

[1st_petrolhead]

Re recordings

I have my own web site (www.petrolhead.me.uk). What you can do is record it using a digi camera and send it to me and I will host it.

Had a call this morning from F1. A Lotus guy is going to be up at Newcastle on the 18 Oct so I am booked in for then

[sja]

Thanks, I have just sorted myself some web space so will be posting soon. Aint got a digi camera so will just try the phone.. Be interested to see what the lotus bloke says, may call to F1 today to ask..