Starting The Engine; Starting In Cold Climates; Warming Up; Running-In - Caterham SEVEN Owner's Handbook Manual

Starting the engine

WARNING!
Before starting the engine, ensure you are familiar
with the procedures below. Catalytic converters are
easily damaged through improper use, particularly
if the wrong fuel is used or if an engine misfire
occurs – before starting the engine you should be
aware of the precautions detailed in the 'Catalytic
converter' section.
Never start or leave the engine running in an
unventilated building
poisonous and contain carbon monoxide which can
cause unconsciousness and may even be fatal.
1) Check that the handbrake is on and that the gear
lever is in neutral.
2) Switch off all unnecessary electrical equipment.
3) Turn the ignition switch to position 'II' and
release the key as soon as the engine has started.
NOTE: For cars fitted with a push button start, turn
the ignition switch to position 'II' and press the red
push button and release the button as soon as the
engine starts.
WARNING!
DO NOT press the accelerator pedal while starting
and DO NOT operate the starter for more than 15
seconds at a time. If the engine fails to start switch
off, wait for at least 10 seconds before trying again.
NOTE: When the battery is in a low state of charge,
depress the clutch before starting and hold it down
until the engine is running.

Starting in cold climates

In freezing conditions, fully depress the clutch pedal
while starting and hold it down until the engine is
running. Note that engine cranking times will
increase and that the battery charging light may
take several seconds to extinguish.

Warming up

In the interest of fuel economy, it is advisable to
drive the car soon after starting, remembering that
harsh acceleration or labouring the engine before
the normal operating temperature has been
reached can damage the engine.

Running-In

The engine, gearbox, brakes and tyres need time to
'bed-in' and adjust to the demands of everyday
motoring. During the first 500 miles (1,000 km) it is
essential that you drive with consideration for the
running-in process and heed the following advice:
–
exhaust gases are

DO NOT allow the engine to exceed 4,000
rev/min in any gear.

DO NOT operate at full throttle in any gear.

DO NOT allow the engine to labour in any
gear.

AVOID heavy braking.
After the running-in distance has been completed,
engine speeds may be gradually increased.

Catalytic converter

The exhaust system on your car incorporates a
catalytic converter, which converts poisonous
exhaust emissions
environmentally less
reducing atmospheric pollution.
WARNING!
The catalytic converter can be easily damaged
through improper use, particularly if the wrong fuel
is used. For this reason, it is VERY IMPORTANT
that you heed the following precautions:

Filling up with fuel:

Use ONLY fuel recommended for your Caterham
model (see 'Technical Data').
Starting the engine:
WARNING!
DO NOT continue operating the starter if the engine
fails to start after a few attempts (unburnt fuel may
be drawn into the exhaust system, thereby
damaging a catalyst) – seek qualified assistance.
If a misfire is suspected when starting, DO NOT
drive the car or attempt to clear the misfire by
pressing the accelerator pedal. DO NOT attempt to
push or tow start the car. Instead, turn the ignition
switch off immediately
assistance from Caterham.

Driving the car:

Provided the engine has reached its normal
operating temperature, if a misfire is suspected or
the car lacks power while driving, it may be driven
SLOWLY (at risk of catalyst damage) to Caterham
for assistance.
Never allow the car to run out of fuel (the resultant
misfire could destroy a catalyst).
An engine burning excessive oil (blue smoke from
the exhaust), will progressively reduce catalyst
efficiency.
Do not overload the engine.

Switching off:

DO NOT switch off the engine whilst the car is in
motion, with a forward or reverse drive gear
selected.
from the engine into
harmful gases, thereby
and seek qualified
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