420r Skid Plate - Fixed.

[AlastairA]

Hi,

I'm having trouble fitting the machined plastic component which I believe is a skid plate, under the dry sump. It is triangular in shape with the thicker end covering a gap between the bell housing and the sump. There are two holes from the bell housing which I believe are supposed to allow cap head bolts to be screwed into the skid plate - however the sump partially obscures these holes and will not allow the supplied bolts to pass through properly. 
 

The second issue is that the skid plate does not match the bell housing / sump very well.

im assuming this is critical because, without it, the bell housing is open to the elements and the fly wheel is exposed.

Any comments / thoughts gratefully accepted!

Alastair

[Jonathan Kay]

Discussion of alignment and fitting.

Jonathan

[ChrisC]

For reference, new out the packet they can be difficult to fit.  I found getting the shoulder bolts started first worked.  They get easier with time because they're shape adapts with engine heat.  That previous thread the wedge was fitted by the dry sump installer when they refitted the sump after endless oil leaks.

[AlastairA]

Thanks Chris - I managed to get one of the shoulder bolts in but it was a VERY tight fit. The second won't go in at all and on closer inspection it looks like either the sump or the bell housing will require modification - which I'll ask Caterham to undertake in the PBC. A bit frustrating!

[BrettJ]

I used an electric sander and took off about 1.5mm off the face which comes into contact with the sump, so the holes could line up.

[AlastairA]

Thanks - I spoke to Caterham who advised that on many cars the shoulder bolts will not fit through the bell housing. They sent me some standard cap head bolts which fit perfectly. Makes you wonder why these are not standard issue!