Mcalvert

Without wanting to state the obvious, buy yourself a multi meter. Easy to use & not expensive and I can pretty much guarantee that this this will not be the only time it will come in useful! Something like this here

Also worth looking for alternator reconditioning places (see Yellow Pages) - they will normally test a unit to diagnose the problem for free and repair is cheaper than new....

Michael

Edited by - Mcalvert on 7 Aug 2014 11:14:03

A SLOW "speed" event is probably just what I need, so I'm up for it

Michael

Yup - that was me. I was busy being rather proud of our 4 year old Alistair who piped up with "Daddy, who's that in the Caterham?" I though I had a pretty decent "Caterham Radar" but his is obviously more highly tuned than mine! I was going to wind the window down and say hello, but missed the opportunity...

Enjoy your trial flight, but beware, gliding can be nearly as addictive as Sevening (and at least as weather dependant!)

All the best - Michael.

Another Caterham Club member at Lasham or just visiting? Either way, great day for low and high flying.

Michael

Edited by - Mcalvert on 15 Apr 2014 16:24:01

That would be fabulous - thanks! Do you want to BM me your phone number and we'll have a chat over the weekend?

Michael.

Hi All,

Does anyone attending this rolling road session fancy playing reporter for the day and collecting material for an article in LF? I think that the comparison between cars would make for a really interesting piece.

I would come along myself, but unfortunately, it conflicts with the CTI visit.

If anyone is able to help, I'd really appreciate it. I'll happily turn rough notes into a finished article - it would just need someone to take some pictures and details down.

Many thanks Michael.

Don't worry - there are a few of us "old timers" here - Xflow in my case. Those with new-fangled cars do deign to admit that there's something to be said for the noise (and flames) from the "pre-sanitised" engines...

Besides, it never does any harm to remind them that there was live before the K series came along

Michael.

The Calverts x2

Michael.

Oliver - I've just checked back to early photos of my Alloy head and confirmed that I originally had a heater running off of it. I can only assume that the head design has changed, as I believe I had one of the first in the country?

Michael

It definitely had a stripe, and a Lotus 7 Club plaque on the dashboard...

Good to see, whoever's it is

Michael.

Are you a member at the gliding club?

Michael

Edited by - Mcalvert on 12 Jul 2013 09:55:34

Tam and I will be ther even if we haven't been competing this year

Michael.

I know that the weather wasn't great, but did anyone take any?

Thanks,

Michael.

Edited by - Mcalvert on 21 Jun 2013 19:39:52

Chris has agreed to do a write up for LF, so we have imposed a gagging order on him

Michael.

Elie You have mail...

Michael.

Many Thanks for your suggestions.

Paul - with your suggestion to run without, would you do without the whole thing, or just the lower part?

Elie - if you could check, that would be fantastic. It's only the bottom small bit that I am missing, so it could be posted easily if you do have it. Happy to make a contribution for it and to pay for postage etc.

All the best,

Michael.

The Xflow has a dust shield between it and the bell housing. In the Caterham application, this is cut into two so that the sump can be removed with the engine in situ. Somehow, the small lower part on mine has disappeared, as I noticed when I took the engine out last year. Unfortunately, despite some promises, I have been unable to locate a replacement.

The engine builder tells me that it was not uncommon to run without this part fitted, but I'd appreciate any thoughts... It effectively means that the 2 bottom bolts between the engine and gearbox will not be going through the dust shield layer. I guess I could find some washers to pad out the depth (it's only 1.5 mm) and maybe run a bead of silicon in between? Is there anything I have missed?

Michael

Hi Daz,

you might be better posting this on ChitChat You might also want to drop a mail to Geoff Picken who is the Club trackday coordinator - (geoff.pickin@lotus7club.com) who I am sure will be happy to advise.

You're wise to take tuition - always a good idea, whatever your level of experience Have fun whichever event you choose...

Michael.

Shaun - you may already know but Think Automotive are in the Club discount directory offering 10%-15% discount. With the amount of stuff I've bought from them over the years, I wish I'd noticed before...

Michael.

Can't believe how quiet it has been on here since the weekend. Are the heads still sore

A great event indeed. Photos of the award presentations are here

If anyone wants a high resolution copy, drop me a BM!

All the best Michael

Edited by - Mcalvert on 13 Nov 2012 15:48:12

I'm pleased to say that Alistair (aged 2 until next week) still says - "that's David Nelson's car. He forgot to do his wheels up, and they fell off" every time he sees a blue Seven 😬

Anyway, have a BTTT on me!

Michael.

Thanks for the offer Rob but I think I'm sorted thanks.

Michael.

Did anyone take any photos at Shelsley Walsh this year? Could do with some for LF if anyone could please share?

All the best Michael

Well, somewhat as expected, it's a cracked block. There is a tiny crack low down on bore no 4 which was allowing water through (seemingly only when the engine was cold and only when the piston had stopped dead bottom). This explains the intermittent nature of the problem at least...

However, I have actually been very lucky. Upon investigation, bore no 1 shows far worse cracks which have not shown any symptoms, but which would have probably landed me with a totally blown engine very soon...

Can I please ask that no mention be made of bike derived engines for the next few months please

Michael

Edited by - Mcalvert on 14 Aug 2012 09:11:05

Cheers Guys - head should be coming off in the next few days to determine if it's just a head gasket, or a cracked head or block as I rather fear...

Ah, the joys of retro motoring

Michael.