Jonathan Kay

Thanks for the information from Comma. (I'd buy the cheaper.) Jonathan

That sounded more likely than an unprovoked fuse failure. "Cigar lighter" plugs and sockets often have problems making reliable physical contact. It's a pity there isn't a standardised alternative. If you need to change the socket consider something with built-in USB charging ports. Jonathan

The earliest diagram I have with a factory power socket is 10A fuse in position O. (Starts from the top with A.) How much access to the back of the socket and the nearby wiring do you have? Jonathan

Factory fitted? Which model and year? Jonathan PS: Does the position of the ignition switch matter?

You could also have a light on for the unusual condition. How do people use the switch... nearly always on Water and a quick occasional look at Oil? Would spring-loading to the normal condition ± delay on the display be helpful? Pointing to something else to do with oil is good, labels can be good... but remember the single most famous example of poor design. Jonathan

Agreed. The Red was in quotes because of how others refer to it in the K world/ forums. That ambiguity is why I put the correct title, part number and hyperlink. :-) But is it the right stuff for Sigma engines? (And at least "Sigma" is unambiguous, unlike "Zetec" and "Duratec"!) Jonathan

Ah... now I understand your question. In the K world we established (1,2) that: Comma Xstream "Red" is Comma Xstream G30, XSM5L. It's the right stuff. The cheapest source of ready mixed was Amazon UK.Jonathan

Sigma engines The Owner's Handbook says: Engine Coolant CSR/R400: Comma X-stream Red OAT Ford Sigma: Ford Super Plus Anti-frezz The Caterham website says: Miller "Alpine Antifreeze" 5L, "will need to be mixed with water", and the label says "Red" But the term "Red" is not used consistently across manufacturers. I'd go to Halfords and check their table of equivalent products for that Ford branded stuff mentioned in the Handbook. (NB Club discount.) What does everyone else use in Sigma engines, please? Jonathan

Is there space in the case to take the head of a bolt which would go through the back and screw into the boss? If there isn't I'd make a plastic spacer out of something, probably by cutting a box down. Bolt though that to the boss and glue it to the case using either Araldite Rapid or cyanoacrylate. Jonathan

Is Comma G30 the same as Xstream Red as I only get offered the G30 when I ask for the Red? What engine do you want to cool? Jonathan

Agree it's about looks. It also interacts with the decision to use LED or incandescent bulbs. I tried to accumulate all the information and experiences about those in one place but failed. It might be worth trying again. Jonathan

Welcome. You're already reading others' experiences and found the forum. Have you found your Area Representative? There's a new Club Register of tools etc that are available to borrow. Have fun. Jonathan

I'd buy a collection of mixed sizes from Halfords or through eBay. Jonathan

They're a bit small. (And I can never adjust the size of images served here.) Can you enlarge them, or describe the wire colours and what the instructions say about each of them. Finding a switched live feed behind the dash won't be difficult. Jonathan

Can you tell us any more about the unit: model, photos, instructions? If you don't have any of those or the instructions aren't clear I suggest playing with it on the bench with a battery and multimeter before going near the car. That would test the wiring logic and that it's working correctly. Jonathan

I'll have a look for a better description... how about Post #8 in this thread, not the method in the first few posts before that. More words and no pictures. Jonathan

"A friend" writes: I assembled my 7 but have very little mechanical experience. Changing the cam belt is the precise point at which I've chickened out and got someone else to do it. I strongly suspect I'm not alone. The effects of getting it wrong just seem too expensive. I've watched the video and read lots of advice on BlatChat. But I'm not sure I'd fix the crank adequately with a screwdriver. I'd be more prepared to use a crank locking tool even if it meant taking the starter off. What could tip the balance for me (and others)? Someone standing next to me while I do mine Practising on another engine. Is it ever covered with a chance to do one at a GTKY7 session? What I am not looking for, and wouldn't tip the balance: Further instructions Being told how easy it is.A man's got to know his limitations. Harry

They are. But do you get the approach from the verbal description? Jonathan

I'm now back with my 7 and have checked the colours: LHS: Black to Blue RHS: Green/Pink to BlackJonathan PS: I didn't suggest that theory before because I didn't want to mislead you...

I get my nipples greased when it's up on the ramp for the MoT inspection. And maintain the right to bare arms. Jonathan

interesting ergonomic question. Are you planning to use any labelling? Jonathan

Welcome. Haven't got time to check those articles at the moment. Track rod gaiter: Have you found Stu's trick of unscrewing the rod and counting the turns rather than splitting the joint? (The links in that thread are broken, it isn't you.) Jonathan

There's a long answer and a short answer. Medium/ Blue. Clean it off: I use a wire bush on a Dremel.Jonathan

Are both ends of Green/Pink connected to switches... one was already and then you took the free end and connected that... Jonathan

What sort of washer? Hope it's fixed. If it's dry now how about dropping the sump and cleaning and checking the thread next time you want to change the oil? Jonathan