Garth

Sorted thanks - evidently an issue with some internal gears - looked like it was working under no load. Found a very helpful local man who has been rebuilding alternators and starter motors for 48 years! £98 and an hour later all sorted. Now just to put it back in the car...

I think this starter has a clutch drive to turn the drive gear - perhaps this is gone?

Thanks Jonathan Did not check the voltage on the battery as I assumed that putting it in parallel with my other car's battery (and keeping it running) would ensure there was enough juice? Have cleaned and remade all the positive and solenoid connections. Thinking it must be a problem with the starter - that even though it appears to be working, when it is under load something is 'slipping'? I tried moving the flywheel slightly by moving it in gear - the starter did still not appear to engage (unless is is engaging but then not driving (as the drive gear is slipping on the spindle (or whatever drives it?) Thanks Garth

Towards the end of a track day last week my starter motor stopped working. It was making a high pitched whirring sound but no engagement with the flywheel. Thought the drive gear might be a bit sticky and a tap on the side of the unit got it working until the next time it was needed! I have since done the following; 1. Earthed the block separately to make sure it is not a poor earth 2. Removed the starter motor, gave it a good clean (but it was not too dirty anyway!) 3. Tested it out of the car - it appears to work - drive gear shoots forward and spins 4. Put it back in, same problem! 5. Battery seems fine but hooked up to my tintop battery just to be sure. Same problem! I know of a local man who rebuilds starter motors, but wondered if there was any wisdom from within before I seek him out? I have been told that modern starter motors do not like being tapped on the side - it does not help and is more likely to break them? Thanks in advance. Garth

Just read through your saga Alan - Pleased it is all sorted and hope you have a smooth run today.

Hi Jack did mine a few years back - could send you some pics if that would help? Send me your email address if you would like them. Garth

Thanks Alan - will give you a call

Engine has been reworked to about 200bhp but we'll run in! Everyone appears to have different views! The last people to work on it and set it up on the rolling road recommended Millers CFS! i am fairly confident an equivalent somewhere in the 5 to 10w 40 to 50 will be fine!?

Caterham do not appear to have any on their website Alan. 5w50 could be ok me thinks - is it synthetic?

Usually run my Sigma on Millers CFS 10w40. Ordered some from OPI oils earlier this week, but it has not arrived! Have already drained my engine in preparation and am at Dunsfold tomorrow! There are no Millers stockists nearby so will have to find something to use if even only for tomorrow. Am assuming as long as I get a similar synthetic 10w40 it will be ok? Thanks in advance. Garth

HI Ian Have sent you a private mail about the KN wheels.. Garth

Thanks Alan - will have a word...

Looking for a pair of inexpensive rims to use for the supercar event I help at. I will put old cheap tyres on and then burn them down to the canvas! Condition not important as long as they hold air! 13" by 6" for Dedion rear. Thanks - in the Wimbledon area

Have now responded.. Thanks. Garth

Hi Steve Do you know if the silencer is the same on the SV - will need to measure mine. Could you send me some pics? Thanks - Garth

Forgot to say earlier that Williams Caterham in Bristol do a very good Omex Upgrade on the Sigma too. They were claiming 204bhp - it looked beautifully done.

Double double post - sorry!

Double post!

Hi Mossy7 I spent a good deal of time with Stuart at Premier - he was very helpful and from the work of his I have seen I think it is excellent - I could not afford Stuart at the time so went with Jeff at HWR who was highly recommended by several other members as a great engine builder. I think Stuart has more experience with the Sigma engine and his upgrades are also desiged for the Caterham so his overall package is tidier than what HWR did for me. I love the high revving nature of my upgraded Sigma, but no match for the Duratec when it comes to torques! I also changed the ratios on my 5 speed type 9 for a much longer first and slightly longer second. It has made my car much better on the track as I always felt first was far to short and with more power you really do have to snatch for second too soon? Makes getting off the mark quickly more difficult though and slow stop start traffic is also a pain! Be very happy to chat about my experiences. Garth

Alan I am sure it must have been a faulty hand brake switch - no other explanation!

Hi Phil Are there any of the polished rear light blocks left? I would love a set (with rubber please) - bit late to this thread! I would also be interested in polished stainless steel fog/reversing unit if you decide to go ahead with them. Thanks Garth

Hi Andy - I have a spare hood lurking in the garage - will dig it out and check it over - bought it to replace mine after my son broke the zip on the original but I then had the zip fixed!

Another vote for Andy.... good luck.

Very neat!

Be sure to post some pics of the finished product Kensboats7