Bluestreak

Paul & Steve - thanks; good point, mystery solved...

I carried out an oil and filter change on my Caterham Classic 1600 Vauxhall (wet sump) and the dipstick is showing oil app 10mm higher than the max mark. This is a little curious particularly as I had only put app 3.5 litres in the engine which is less than the 4 litres that the Caterham Owner's Manual states is required. I left the old oil draining till it was just the odd drip so I'm sure all of the oil was removed. I then took the car for a short run and the oil level is still the same on the dipstick. Has this happened to others? Is there something I haven't carried out correctly? Any suggestions welcome.

Thanks for your replies; looks like silicone wins 4-0! I've asked Caterham to let me know when new stock arrives and in the meantime will keep an eye on the cracked hoses....

I'm a little late jumping on to this thread but some of the points are relevant to my question. I have a 1600 Vauxhall Caterham Classic (carbs not injection) and during recent MOT the bottom radiator hose was seen to have a few cracks. Close inspection of top hose also shows some cracking so intend to replace both. From a quick trawl of the internet I couldn't find replacement rubber hoses but noted lots of references to silicone hoses. Apart from 'lasting longer' and initially 'looking prettier', I couldn't see much benefit of silicone hoses; it seems there may be a couple of negatives such as larger diam - therefore needing different clips - and possibly having to top up the cooling system more frequently. Does anyone have any views re pros and cons of silicone vs rubber cooling system hoses? Also, if rubber wins the day, does anyone know where I can buy them from? I look forward to your advice.

Thanks Gents - good advice; the cable tie mounts with pop rivets are a much better idea.

Thanks Gents - good advice; I'll change the cam belt.

Some of the adhesive pads that should hold the wiring loom in place in the tunnel above the prop shaft have come off. The loom has dropped slightly but isn't touching the prop shaft but could do if another couple of the adhesive pads become unstuck. Access is a bit of a pain and may mean dropping the prop shaft to be able to get at the wiring loom to secure it. I could simply buy some more adhesive pads and replace them but I wondered if anyone has come up with a better way of securing the wiring loom; any ideas welcome.

I have owned a Caterham (1600 Vauxhall engine; Registered 1997) for approx 3 years and have recently been advised that the cam belt should be changed every 4 years. I've checked the Owners Manual that came with the car when I bought it but there is no mention of the cam belt needing to be changed. I would appreciate it if anyone has any advice to let me know when the cam belt should be changed. Thanks in advance.