Jeremyr

Dash with new gauge New sump plug Edited by - Jeremyr on 11 Feb 2014 18:59:21 Edited by - Jeremyr on 11 Feb 2014 19:00:22

So, quick update on my weekend of work in order to close the thread. I purchased the items which I had referenced before (m thx for all the help on this). The sensor was a good fit and the tapered thread ensured a snug fit into the sump plug. The new sump plug came with a washer so I used what I was given. I jacked the front off-side of the car up fairly high to ensure I could get access to the sump plug. The existing released with easy and, using a drip tray, did a quick swap from old to new. I lost about half cupful of oil and job done..... and no leaks. I ran a single cable to the Oil Temp wires in the loom (which were close to the battery). Used the Black/yellow for the sensor wire and left the black (earth) unused as the sensor had a natural earth return. Under the dash I located, tucked around the back of the fuse box, the corresponding end to the black/yellow wire and a green wire. I established the green was a live which became active when the ignition was on. I ran a separate new earth lead from near the wiper motor. So I had all three main power sources. I cut a new hole in the dash (I had an existing small hole from a previous power switch to the left of the dash) using a template, a 5mm drill and some patience I cut a hole in the dash and filed until I had a perfect 52mm hole. The aluminium is easy to work and it took about an hour to get the perfect size hole. I decided to move the fuel gauge to the new hole so that the two temperature gauges are next two each other. The wires were long enough to facilitate this. I then removed the spade connectors on the small red/white and black wires for the backlight of the fuel gauge and added in two spur wires for the new oil gauge. An hour of wiring and crimping and all was good to go. Did a full test this morning and everything works perfectly and the dash looks a thousand times neater with more information to hand. As I used a Caterham oil temp gauge and I managed to get the new hole in a perfect straight line with the other gauges (it's worth spending the time) it looks like it was always meant to be this way So. very happy and a rewarding weekend of work. Thanks again for all the guidance.

Scoops. This is good guidance. I see no reason why this shouldn't run with just a single sender connection. I'm assuming I'd need a new cooper washer on the drain plug (need to make sure I don't miss that whilst trying to avoid an oil slick!!) Cheers

Thanks.....

Scoops. This is really helpful. I wish Caterham gave some better information so you could figure this stuff out for yourself. Some more indepth and useful description on the parts on their online store would also be good!! So, looks like my plan is use this sender from CC here which should have a 1/8 NPT and then use the drain plug you suggest from demon tweeks here selecting the M14 x 1.5m and 1/8 NPT option. I actually plan to run this to a new oil temperature gauge as I already have a hole in my dash which I want to reuse, so I intend to get this gauge from CC here. I've found the wiring under the dash and in the engine bay so I think I should be good to go. Have I missed anything? Many thanks

Really appreciate all the advice. I've located the wiring it's just the oil temp sender I need to get sorted. I'd still prefer to use the drain plug if possible but current guidance looks like I need to put in a separate boss in the sump. The R400 link is useful however I need to understand the thread size of the Sigma drain plug to see if this is, by any chance, the same as the R400. Jeremy

Any reason why you chose not to use the sump plug? J

I'm keen to fit an oil temperature sensor and gauge in my 140 Sigma Roadsport. It looks like the best approach is to replace the sump plug with a new one which can take the sensor. I plan on using the standard gauge obtainable from CC parts however I want to ensure I get the right sump plug and a compatible sender and currently I'm struggling with this. I also need the correct wiring although I understand there should be some tails available for in the front left hand part of the engine bay, and based on the wiring diagram there should be the corresponding wires under the dash. I've had a good look through Tech Talk but can't see this subject raised. Would appreciate any assistance. Thanks Jeremy

Just fitted a DRE to my 2009 Sigma today. Following the instructions from this chat. The details in "wiring in shift light" thread were perfect and the install was very straight forward. Appreciate your help. Jeremy

Having taken final advice from Caterham Cars, yesterday I superglued the sensor ring on the shaft and ensured the sensor was well positioned around 1mm away. Took the car for a good run today and the speedo is now perfect with not a flicker on the dial. Much appreciate all the advice and guidance from club members. Jeremy

On the basis that this is not taking any force (other than through torque created with th wheel spinning) I wonder if I can just araldite this in position. J

So I've had a good look at the sensor, the bracket, the sensor ring and the wiring connector. The sensor is fitted to the new type bracket and even with the ARB it looks pretty solid. The air gap could be slightly less but it's not far out. I think the problem I have is with the sensor ring. It appeared to have some movement and would rock a little on the shaft and I've now managed to get it to a position where it moves freely on the shaft and you can spin it around with your fingers!! Looking at the original build manual for the car it appears this is pre-attached to the shaft. No idea what's meant to keep it in position as there are no obvious grub screws etc. Loctite? Any thoughts, solutions or simlilar experiences? Thx Jeremy

Really appreciate all this help. Looks like the sensor is my next action - clean, adjust and ensure the bracket isn't flexing. May take me a couple of days. Will report back. THX Jeremy

Appeciate th guidance. Is that an easy process? How do I know what the gap should be? M thx

I've just acquired a Roadsport SV with a Sigma 150. The speedo works and then keeps dropping down to zero and then returns to the right speed. This happens at different speeds. I've taken a look at the speedo gauge and done a simple unplug/plug but no change. Do I have a doggy speedo or is the problem at the sender unit or elsewhere? M thx Jeremy