Stig McNasty

All sorted now, and MOT duly passed, thank you all for your advice. As expected, there was no wear/deterioration in the rear arb bushes I cut off! I left them on the passenger see for the tester to see :)

Thanks Rockin', I did try to find some Powerflex locally, but the nearest distributor (Eurocarparts), sounded confused and bewildred when I mentioned they were for a Caterham.

I could definitely be interested in the p/w CR500s. Do drop me a message when you have returned from Aladdin's Cave! I'll change the bushes anyway. Sparkling new orange rubber should keep Mr MOT man happy.

Having got the wheels off, and about to undo the arb bush clamps (ready for the bushes to turn up tomorrow), I can see that the bushes do not look damaged. There is lateral play in the arb, but is that to be expected? The MOT guy put down 'Anti-roll bar rubber bush deteriorated resulting in excessive movement. rear (both) [2.4.G.2]'.The bush certainly hasn't deteriorated, there is just that lateral play (maybe a 1/4"). Being a great believer in 'if it ain't broke don't fix it', I don't want to go replacing bits that don't need it. Any thoughts? Thanks.

I had a '66 Midget that had no wing mirrors, just the central rear-view one, which never caused a problem at MOT time.

Hi Ian, thanks for those. I've use S&C before, and PGM were recommended for flat-flooring. I was hoping there may be somewhere a tad closer. However… Caterham have just phoned back. One of the parts guys was in Crawley HQ, found a couple in the parts bin, and Michaela is putting them in the post for me. As the yoof may say #excellentservice :) Now all I need is a pair of CR500s (or part used set!) - due to nicks in the sidewalls, probably caused by our bumpy stone lane. Grrrr.

Tried that, and HQ. It being a Saturday (as no-one works on their cars over a weekend), the spares dept. is shut.

I need to replace the rear arb bushes (orange'uns) on my 7 for t'MOT. Unfortunately Caterham have them listed as 'out of stock'. Can anyone point me at a possible supplier in the Hastings/East Sussex/West Kent area?

All sorted now. The culprit was a slight knick in the inner gasket where it had been caught by obe of the retaining bolts. Thanks again for all your help.

Hi - I've messaged you re the half hood. Will try to text tomorrow if it doesn't get through to you. Thanks.

It is somewhat inclement! I'm taking it to the people who serviced it. I was worried that if I removed the cam cover to check the gasket it might be a case of 'well, it was ok when it left here'.

Thank you all for your ideas and guidance. I'd be surprised if it was a big spillage during filling as there seemed to be no signs of oil or deposits immediately around the filler. I'll have a closer inspection tomorrow.

Possibly. However each plug recess (into which the lead and cap/rubber 'bung' go) are full to the brim with oil. There was only a small amount visible on top, when I removed the cover, and that was mopped up with just a couple of kitchen towel sheets. It wasn't until I removed the plug cap and saw the oil that I got concerned. Do you know if the cam cover is removed during a Sigma cam belt change?

It's a 150 Tom, and the cam belt/second annual service was by a well known specialist. The cover bolts seem to be tight, and there is no external seepage around the cam cover rubber seal/gasket line. What (little) oil I saw outside probably blew back from what had seeped out of the plug bungs.

Possibly. However each plug recess (into which the lead and cap/rubber 'bung' go) are full to the brim with oil. There was only a small amount visible on top, when I removed the cover, and that was mopped up with just a couple of kitchen towel sheets. It wasn't until I removed the plug cap and saw the oil that I got concerned. Do you know if the cam cover is removed during a Sigma cam belt change?