tillson Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I've recently changed the oil in my 1.6 K series (No Apollo Tank. I have re-filled it with 4.5 litres of the prescribed Comma Oil. I've heard varying quantities mentioned from as little as 4 litres to a max of 4.5. Anyway, Ive put 4.5 in. Now when I accelerate the oil P dips to virtually nothing for a second or so and then recovers to about 4.5 bar. Same when cornering only it stays low until I'm going straigh again and is accompanied by a rattle which I assume is lack of oil to the tappets? This didn't happen before the oil change. The dipstick is showing about 20% short of Max (Oil hot, engine running). Are the above syptoms those of too little oil in the sump? Is it safe to put in more oil than the 4.5 litres I already have in there? I'm not using it until I get this sorted for fear of engine damage. Thanks for any advice. Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Allen Payne Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 How much oil came out? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tillson Posted June 8, 2003 Author Share Posted June 8, 2003 Didn't measure it.......Doh Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HACker Posted June 8, 2003 Share Posted June 8, 2003 I assume you replaced the filter - did you pre-fill it with oil? could you have an air lock? Not sure if that would show up like this though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tillson Posted June 8, 2003 Author Share Posted June 8, 2003 Yes, I replaced the filter although I din't pre-fill it. I just put 4.5 litres into the sump via the oil filler. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Prisoner66 Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 It does sound like insufficient oil. From my experience sump capacity assumes that the filter and pump are full of oil. If your filter was dry then you are likely to be a fair bit short in the sump. I would estimate 250ml additional oil to safely bring you very close to full on the dipstick. You should always fill the filter if possible, this reduces the risk of running the engine dry on first startup. Something I have always done after draining an engine is to disconnect the ignition and use the starter motor only to crank the engine until oil pressure is seen to register. The engine is then guaranteed working pressure when you start it up for real regardless. Still seeking number 1! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Carmichael Posted June 10, 2003 Share Posted June 10, 2003 The sump and pickup are different in the Caterham installation. This means that the nominal oil capacity is just that - nominal. Measure oil level on the dipstick according to caterham's instructions and all will be well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tillson Posted June 10, 2003 Author Share Posted June 10, 2003 Thanks chaps! I've added another 250ml which brings the hot running level up to the top of the dipstick and all seem well now. I may consider an Apollo tank as the standard wet sump set up seems a bit fudge by Caterham to make the thing work. Thanks again Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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