Dials Fogging and Weird Speedo

[JasonNT]

Hi Folks,

Literally just got the car and loving it 

My first Caterham and its brill. But I do have some questions:

1. Is it normal for the speedo to basically go nuts above a certain speed. Its fine for lower down speeds but when you get to motorway speeds it basically flop abouts like a fish out of water.

2. Gauges steaming up, condensation on the inside of the dials, is this normal (something you live with) or something that should not happen?

3. What is the Oil pressure that should be obtained when the engine is hot (Duratec 2.0 175)?

4. Anyone put Evans waterless coolant in them before? If so what were the running temps?

Thanks all 

J

 

[Jonathan Kay]

Welcome. Where are you?

1. Is it normal for the speedo to basically go nuts above a certain speed. Its fine for lower down speeds but when you get to motorway speeds it basically flop abouts like a fish out of water.

No, and it can be fixed. First you need to find out which sort you have: mechanical from the gearbox, electronic from the gearbox, or electronic from a wheel. 

2. Gauges steaming up, condensation on the inside of the dials, is this normal (something you live with) or something that should not happen?

Quite common. One solution is to cut a small slot in the side. It's recommended not to drill because of the risk of overpenetration.

4. Anyone put Evans waterless coolant in them before? If so what were the running temps?

I suggest starting here. Other threads are available.

Jonathan

[SM25T]

I suspect your speedo sensor is looking at something on the offside rear wheel. The sensor to something gap needs adjusting. Look for red light on sensor as you turn the wheel by hand.

[JasonNT]

Hey Jonathan, 

Thanks for the info! Interesting reading on the threads :) I had Evans in my R35 it worked well.

When you mean slot do you mean cut through with a Stanley knife? I take it its just to get the moisture out? Are these not sealed units?

I'm in Surrey, near Woking.

Jason

[JasonNT]

Thanks SM25T I'll take a look for the something .

 

The car is under warranty, so think will just get the garage to fix it. 

 

J

[Jonathan Kay]

When you mean slot do you mean cut through with a Stanley knife?

I haven't had to do mine. I'd use a Dremel cutting disc but a hacksaw should be OK.

Jonathan

[SM25T]

Junior hacksaw. On the big gauges you can remove a rubber grommet on the rear. It's all about equalising temperature inside and outside each gauge. They all do it in winter.

[John Vine]

Welcome to the mad world of 7s.  Woking eh?  I bought my first house in St Johns, many years ago.

To answer your questions:

1.  No, it isn't normal.  The two usual culprits are the sensor air gap and the sensor earth.  Have a look at posts 1-4 here.
2.  TADTS. Just follow the advice above.  Personally, I've learnt to live with it.  Do you have a heater?
3.  Do you have the standard gauge or a mechanical one?  If standard, 4.5 to 5 bar at 4K rpm hot and 2 bar idling hot.  If mechanical, 70-75 psi at 4K rpm hot and 30 psi idling hot.  More info here.
4. Study JK's link for starters.  There's a deal of history, a lot of it inconclusive.  Personally, I can see no advantage in a 7, and several disadvantages.

JV

[JNC]

@ Evans , l tried it in my Roadsport D and found it not to work it ran hotter the fan was on most of the time  so went back to antifreeze, I have tried water wetter ! With some benefit . I also changed the thermostat to a 82c so the engine can start cooling earlier. Are you going to any of the Surrey meet's ? I normally do the summer months or visits .

I have also done the speedo mod , ( earth ) and replacement and adjustments of the sensor 

[colindavies56]

There is a hole  already drilled  in the clock body.just put your lights on for 10mins.