madmaninshed

Thanks ssheldon, I was speaking to George and then the MD answered an email, they seemed helpful at first, and did offer to swap the unit for one to match the Raceline flywheel, so that I had something I could at least sell on. It was expensive to do that, and I got nowhere with them on the technical side. I genuinely believe that they have got this product wrong, but the only way I can prove it is to measure a standard duratec motor and this one. Mine is back on the car, and doesn't need disturbing again. Cheers, Paul.

Thanks Chris. There is a Powerlite model for one of the Raceline compact flywheels too. It beats me that Powerlite cannot give me some dimensions to check. It would seem that either they have wrongly labelled this starter motor, or they have perhaps fitted the wrong pinion? If it was my business, I would want to check it out to ensure correct supply in the future, but despite politeness, there is no cooperation at all. I want to use the starter, but can't....and I have someone wanting to buy it for a standard duratec application.... but their standard motor has an 11 tooth pinion, and I don't want to cause them the same problem I've had....just want to find the answer.....off to the shed for another mad mad moment *mad*

Please put me out of my misery....the madman is going totally barking mad I purchased a new Powerlite geared starter motor from someone on this site a while back, which was sold to me to fit a duratec engine with standard Caterham flywheel. It was an RAC446 which the Powerlite literature states is for the standard duratec flywheel. It fitted to the Caterham duratec bellhousing and looked fine until 8 months later, when we tried to start the engine, it just went click and didn't engage. We thought it must be a flat (new) battery. It wasn't. Having made numerous enquiries with parts experts and Powerlite (who seemed helpful initially, but came up with no suggestions at all), I found out that the various Ford part numbers that the Powerlite RAC446 is supposed to be compatible with have an 11 tooth pinion. The RAC 446 has a 9 tooth pinion. The original Ford starter motor from my 2.0 duratec engine now fits my duratec Caterham and works fine. If the RAC446 is fully compatible with the Ford parts should it not have an 11 tooth pinion, and should it not fit both the FWD duratec and the Caterham please? Any thoughts much appreciated. Cheers, Paul.

Hi Mic, I hope you are well. The original Ford Cemax starter motor that came with my engine works fine with the standard Caterham bellhousing and flywheel you kindly helped me with. The geared RAC446 just clicked and wouldn't engage. When I asked Powerlite, they said that they only make one model for the Caterham duratec, and that is for the Raceline light flywheel (the RAC445). if the flywheels are the same, is there perhaps a difference in the position of the mounting points on the different bellhousings relative to the flywheel? I would like to use the geared motor if possible, but gave up and fitted the original starter motor - and it works fine. I just want to sell this one and not cause anybody the grief I had....Regards, Paul. ps the car is brilliant - engine mapped by the two Steve's. Sadly no work yet and forced to move again. The car may have to go ☹️ 😔 If I didn't have bad luck, I wouldn't have any luck at all....

Can anyone tell me what this starter motor will fit please? It is an RAC446 Powerlite geared starter motor for “Ford duratec with standard flywheel”. It is listed to replace the following original part numbers: 1120214 1140111 1218885 1369310 1465010 1S7U-11000-AB / AC / AD / AE / AF It has a 29 tooth pinion. I checked with Powerlite who were very helpful, but they could only tell me the part numbers above. An experienced parts man told me that it will fit a mondeo Mk 3 of a certain age but not a focus. It was sold to me in error for a Caterham 2.0 duratec with standard Caterham flywheel. It bolts on fine, but does not engage – it needs a standard 112 tooth duratec flywheel. I advertised it, and several people have enquired. I don’t want to sell it to someone to find that it is unsuitable for them. Powerlite have kindly offered to exchange it for a new one for a duratec engine with Raceline flywheel, which I could sell with the certainty that it will fit that setup, but it will be an expensive exercise. Sadly they don't make one for the Caterham flywheel. Any help much appreciated. Thanks, Paul. Edited by - madmaninshed on 28 Jan 2013 10:54:00

Carbon nose cone wanted for an imperial S3 please. Looking for something not too expensive. Will consider damaged repairable as can be fully refurbished and finished by a friend who is skilled with carbon. Thanks, Paul.

It turns out that it is a faulty sender, and the very nice people who supplied it will refund. We have decided to go mechanical. Thank you very much for all the help, which is much appreciated. Almost ready for the rolling road at last!!!!!

Thanks Paul, I measured between the 2 terminals and once the dial settles down it reads 0. I tried 3 different meters. The unit was completely disconnected.

Thanks for the replies. Sorry, I can't remember how to do a link....here is the item: http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/271093748262?ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1497.l2649

Hi, We have fitted an oil pressure sensor advertised as compatible with VDO gauges to an S3 with 2.0 duratec engine. The car has a VDO oil pressure gauge. We checked the wiring on the car and it is correct. We wired the sensor as per instructions supplied. When the ignition is turned on, the gauge reads high (over 10)and when the engine is running it moves from over 10 to 2 bar approx. Is the resistance the wrong way for our gauge please? We went for this sensor as the advert states "VDO". Thanks for any suggestions. Cheers, Paul.

Good news David, glad it worked ok. We are still having fun...The brand new starter motor doesn't work, so the plenum and fuel rail etc had to come off again. After a strip down, the starter now works, and all is being put back. We also have some issues with USB to RS232 leads and software...2 steps forward and 3 back!! Cheers, Paul.

Hi DJBS, I'm Paul but will happily answer to Mad....cos I'm barking!! Not sure of your name either? There is a foam sleeve with the kit, and we weren't sure if it was just packaging, or if it was a fuel resistant sleeve to hold the pump. It turned out to be the latter, and made fitting easy. The car should be fired up for the first time next week - can't wait It has been a total nut and bolt rebuild and conversion over 13 months.... Good luck with the kit.

Hi DJBS, It is now fitted, and it was a very easy job. The suppliers were very helpful, and all went well. We are about to rolling road the car, so cannot confirm performance yet, but all looks good at the moment.

Thanks guys

Hi, does anyone know roughly how much coolant a 2.0 duratec engined car with standard S3 rad is likely to hold please? I plan to use Inugel and am unsure how much to order.... thanks, Paul.

Just received mine....it is superb....beautifully made. Many thanks Richard. Edited by - madmaninshed on 15 Nov 2012 07:12:55

Nor have I...... Edited by - madmaninshed on 14 Nov 2012 21:38:35

hi Richcat7, did you receive a BM from me please as no reply yet? Regards, Paul. Edited by - madmaninshed on 15 Nov 2012 07:11:40

Hi, I'll take one please.YHBM. Edited by - madmaninshed on 14 Nov 2012 21:35:48

After 10 happy and successful years with my present employer, changing markets mean 20% redundancies - mainly in the sales department. With this looming I am looking for a home based position soon (currently working 3 days a week, but flexible). Home office, computer, vehicle insured for business use can be provided. Sales experience in various areas of Electronics, Photo-Masks, Large Format Graphics, Software and much more.... would also love to be involved with motor sport or anything exciting. I am based in West Sussex with a highly successful track record and references. ps (the important bit) I need another job to help fund my ever more expensive Caterham project and wondered if someone on here might know of any opportunities please? Cheers, Paul

Thanks for the kind advice. It is an engine that has done 2000 miles in an automatic Ford C-Max before the rear of the car suffered from fire/smoke damage. The whole front was untouched - and no impact. It has new R400 valve springs and new cam shafts. I am so lucky to have a friend who is a former race mechanic. He did the work, and applied some sort of lubricating paste to help with initial fire-up. Hopefully the engine should be run in except for cams etc. The valve springs were changed with the head on using an American tool called Valvemaster, which worked superbly if anyone needs to do this. After a very long time working on this car, that was supposed to have been totally rebuilt by "experts" in the kit car industry, we ended up virtually re-doing everything. We found countless dangerous incorrect fasteners, wrong size washers, wiring problems, completely shot (supposedly reconditioned) shocks, trapped bolts under the fuel tank straps (an explosion waiting to happen!!), even the 4 point harnesses were fitted incorrectly. The steering column top bush was a roll of insulating tape . Several well documented features were also not on the car. After 12 months of head scratching, plus nearly double the budget, it is almost there... ...well nearly almost

Thanks 7 Wonders - thats brilliant, I've got a new 5 litre bottle. Sadly the oil pressure gauge is the CC one ☹️.

Hi, After nearly 12 months of fun and games , we are getting close to cranking over a 2.0 duratec conversion. Does anyone know approximately how many litres of engine oil it will need with no oil cooler, and a Raceline wet sump please? Thanks, Paul.

Hi, does anyone know the spring rates of the original R400 front and rear shocks please? I have an idea that they may be 250lb but unsure. I have decided to fit some after market adjustable shocks for a softer ride when touring and a firmer ride when on a track day. Gaz look fairly reasonable and well made at first glance, and they do a set for an R400 (the ad doesn't say if K Series or Duratec)....can anybody comment on them please? Thanks, Paul.

Mirror fronted double wardrobe with two plinth lights. Light oak finish. Bought recently from the Range (Ruby model at £349 odd). We bought two, but sadly only one will fit in our new home. It is in great condition and is stored dismantled indoors with full instructions etc. Also brand new Ikea Alve corner workstation - still in boxes. Never assembled, and now we have nowhere to put it. Would like £175 for the wardrobe and £50 for the workstation, but need the space, so will consider sensible offers or swaps for small lathe/milling machine (or what have you) with cash adjustment... Both items are heavy, and collection would be best. I have a van, so could deliver locally from Worthing West Sussex. cheers, Paul.