arukum17

Beautiful boat but unfortunately I need a 10 rater or a Marblehead conversion to a 10 rater (thats what my local club races unfortunately)]]

It's a long shot but was curious wether anyone had one of these available or new someone who did... Thanks!

UKP 12K should buy you a lot of Caterham in this market. Don't go Q plate you wont be able to sell it on without offering sexual favours. Do go for a second hand, particularly one owned by a known enthusiast (e.g. long time blatchat member etc). 12K should get you a very nice 1.6 K series.

toilet paper for hillclimbs?

You should find quite a few at this time of the year... so don't rush and make sure you bargain... in case you didn't know already, it's a buyer market ...and once your in Jan 05 then that's when the aluminium bottom may fall out

The advantage of the Caterham you can have fun at well under legal limit speeds, so you are tempted to speed less often then in another car... Also most other drivers will notice you... Thefts and accident are a rare thing in the specialty British car market

When it rains I put a storm cover on (a small version of car cover) keep water out of the bonnet vents

How to you wash the bonnet without wetting the engine?

Den It's a Zetec

Some coolant topping up questions: (1) OK to top up with household tap water? (2) If I buy antifreeze what ratio is good? 50/50? (3) Can I top up directly with antifreeze? (4) I normally top up from radiator, can I top up into the overflow reservoir directly? (5) What is the correct level of coolant in the overflow reservoir - roughly speaking. (6) Is rust brownish colour a problem in the coolant? Many thanks for any suggestions to my long laundry list of queries Go Kerry!

Thanks Norman and the others BCs, So as the water boils out does this impact/damage the engine components and/or engine oil in any way? When I get home tonight I'm going to give my plugs a nice ****

Sounds good. Being an automotively challenged individual (who nevertheless loves little English sportscars and their quirks) I was worried because I had heard the terms "Head Gasket Failure" and "Engine Seizure" caused by low level of water coolant - so that got me worried.

Brent, I am in Central London The problem seems to be getting better, but like you said, it's a confidence thing.

Just an update (1) I noticed the coolant level was low so I topped it up. (The internal temperature gauge was at normal levels) (2) The oil level was OK in the dipstick, although the colour was slightly "black-ier" than normal. My oil is 1 year old. (3) I also added 20 litres of fuel (it was slightly low though still 10-20% tank full) Result of the above (1) Runs better but still slightly hint of "hesistation" and 1 backfire "phat" sound at 4rth gear and above 30mph (2) As always starts A-OK and idles at 10,000 rpm as normal (3) Drives OK without any hiccups or jerks at lower < 30 mph speeds (4) Slight hiccups and occasional backfire at > 30 mph My basic questions (1) Is this serious enough to take to the garage. I have a service due in 1 month and I could bring that forward if required. Will make the decision tomorrow, so any suggestions would be welcome (2) Is my poor little engine OK? Your previous suggestions have been great. Please keep them flowing in. Thanks

Was checking the engine oil dipstick and noticed it was blacker than normal Is this a problem? My oil is 11 months old and about 2,000 miles