Poisonous Liquids; Used Engine Oil; Checking Fluid Levels; Engine Oil Levels - Caterham Seven Owner's Handbook Manual

Poisonous liquids

Most liquids used in motor vehicles are poisonous
and should not be consumed or brought into
contact with open wounds (these substances
include; battery acid, anti-freeze, brake fluid, petrol,
oil and windscreen washer additives).
Obey all instructions printed on labels and
containers!

Used engine oil

Prolonged contact with engine oil may cause
serious skin disorders, including dermatitis and
cancer of the skin. Wash thoroughly after contact.

Checking fluid levels

Due to the nature of the Caterham Seven with its
high revving engines and extreme cornering
speeds it is vitally important that the correct engine
oil level is maintained at all times.

Engine oil levels

These cannot be checked too often
We recommend that it be checked at least every
500 miles and before any long journey or before
every session at a track day.
There are several different oil systems fitted to the
Seven, each of which requires a different means for
checking the level. It is important that you are clear
on the correct procedure for the system fitted to
your car.
•
Standard wet sump arrangements & engines
fitted with oil/air separator tank
•
Engines with dry sump bell tank and swirl
tower.

Engines with standard wet sump arrangement

•
Start the engine and run until the normal
operating temperature is achieved (90-100°C)
•
Stop the engine and remove the dipstick from
its tube and wipe clean before re-dipping,
please leave the dipstick in place for 30sec
this will ensure that the correct indication is
achieved
•
The oil should be at the maximum level at all
times. (As a guide the difference between min
and max is approximately 1/2 litre)
•
If required, oil should be added via the oil
filler cap on the top of the engine and must
be of the correct specification of oil for your
engine type. (See technical data)
•
It is advisable to add a small amount at a
time and recheck by repeating the above
procedures until the correct level is achieved
•
Care should be taken not to overfill the
engine with oil.
Figure 15: Wet sump dipstick level indicator
•
Always make sure the oil filler cap and
dipstick are fitted back in place before
restarting the engine
•
Any spilt oil should be wiped up immediately.
Figure 16: Dry sump tank cap and level
indicator for 360/420/485 only
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