kiloromeo

Just to update those who replied to my posts, and others interested in the issue I had earlier this year... Caterham had the car in to inspect and in the end the engine came out and they discovered an oil seal on the gearbox had been pinched in manufacture, and allowing oil to pass (presumably when hot), so new gearbox oil seal fitted, engine back in, all covered under warranty (despite it being a kit build and in it's 2nd year). So a big thanks and thumbs up to Caterham for doing the right thing.

When I built mine with BMW diff (2018/19) the build manual stated 0.8L. As the general thinking was 'fill it til it runs out' , I actually put the supplied 1L in and it would have taken more (perhaps 1.2L ?). So I checked with Derek at Caterham and he said leave it at 1L.

Thanks again for the varied suggestions, to answer the questions as best I can… -As the car is in warranty period I can’t drill holes in the bellhousing, but will keep an eye on clutch fluid level anyway. -I’ve checked all around the cam cover, block and bellhousing for signs of oil, but nothing seen. All clean. -No signs of the fluid on the floor or rear end, it just seems to trail back under the gearbox a bit. The quantity leaking can only be a small amount. -The feel of the leaking oil to me, is similar to the browny engine oil (taken from the filler cap this time). I can’t tell a difference. It’s not like clutch fluid though. -I asked my other half to sniff the oil and describe it, and she says it smells oily. I asked if it smell like cats pee ? - no. -Today I ran the car stationary for ages as suggested, and no signs of the leak. Took it for a good run (to check my eyesight ), and after cooling down for a few hours, a trace of the light coloured fluid on the bellhousing join. (The exhaust was cold but the bellhousing was still bl**dy hot, that caught me out). Great advice from everyone, thanks a lot. I’ve emailed Caterham to explain the issue and will see what happens.

Well I've checked the brake and clutch fluid levels and they seem ok. Clutch fluid looks dirty though I can't smell very well right now due to hay fever, but I dripped a little engine oil from the dipstick next to the leaking oil patches for comparison, the 2 light coloured spots are the leaking oil, the dark brownish drop is off the dipstick....

Thanks for the replies. Car is 1 yr old kit built, approx 2,800 miles. The gearbox and engine were prefilled with the supplied kit, so not sure whats in the gearbox. Will check brake and clutch fluid levels, then fire an email off to see whats what.

Hello everyone, hope you don't mind me asking the experienced owners on here for an opinion before contacting Caterham... Car is a just over a year old, 270S (Sigma/mazda gearbox), less than 3000 miles. Kit built, engine arrived prefilled with oil. When mating the gearbox/bellhousing to the engine, I don't recall a gasket and in fact there is a small gap at one point (like a O mating to a D) Last year I noticed that the garage floor looked like it had a wet patch, and put some cardboard down to try and find if it was oil or water. It seemed to be oily, so checked oil was ok (it was above the min, but topped up a little anyway.). No more signs of a leak. After the first proper blat out this year I put some cardboard down, and hey ho the following day another wet patch appeared and a dribble of brown oil. Which oil, engine, gearbox, clutch fluid? See pic... Looks to me like it it comes from the bellhousing to engine joint during? and after driving, but cooled down and sitting in the garage it doesn't leak?

Very nice. Do they remove the existing leather, or just trim over the top so its a bit fatter?

Did you fill yours when you built it , kiloromeo ? The gearbox came prefilled.

My 2019 270S, Sigma/Mazda box, has a similar 'chatter' when I lift off the throttle to slow down. It is very noisy at for example 50mph in 4th gear. I have had a funny look from a couple of passengers who know I've assembled it and think I've left something off! Also when sitting stationary in neutral, a clutch/gearbox whine, but as soon as I depress the clutch pedal to engage a gear, the whine stops. I was told by Caterham that both noises are normal, but I suspect that not all cars do it. I'd be interested to know what you find your gearbox oil level to be. And if anyone else has resolved either of these noises?

Thanks for the replies and info everyone. Further research required!

Hello Perhaps a question for the regular circuit drivers... Thinking of doing my first track day with my 7, possibly Cadwell or Blyton, but I don't want to drive it up through France (where we are), to Lincolnshire, then drive all the way back down to France again! So thinking of trailering. Are there any known nearby hotel/bnb with car parks that are trailer friendly, and secure? I'm assuming the experienced drivers don't all drive up on the morning of the event. I think for me this will decide whether or not I'll do one, so hoping for some guidance. Thanks in advance. ps. I do have the track day roll bar.

I put 20 all round in, but Caterham may have changed that as they took it to the test.

Good luck on friday mark. As advised by Caterham, I printed off a load of photos that my other half took of me holding parts/spanners/engine hoist etc. The front bonnet catch IVA cover does just seem to hook on. Put it on when you arrive otherwise it may jump off on the way!

You may have oil pressure, but it takes a while for it to register on the gauge (assuming the gauge is working). On my recent build, it took something like 3 times 10 seconds of turning over before it actually registered.

Scott, Caterham obviously agree with you as the current manual does exactly as you have done, so the historic 'earth lead to rubber mount' is no longer needed ! Although the bolts that go from rubber mount to chassis are still the same (i.e one is still longer for the earth lead thats no longer needed). Chris - you will find that one of the caphead bolts that Jim mentions above, sits in a slot in the engine mount. The manual shows a spring washer, but that will not fit in the slot ! Derek told me to leave it off.