Technical data

31
 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 oil is required it should be added via the oil filler
cap on the top of the engine and must be of the
correct specification for your engine type. (See
technical data).
 It is advisable to add a small amount at a time
and recheck by repeating above procedures until
the correct level is achieved.
 Care should be taken not to overfill the engine
with oil.
 Overfilling this system will result in oil being
blown out into the oil catch tank the next time the
vehicle is driven.
 Always take off the dipstick from the swirl tank
and make sure the oil filler cap and swirl tank cap
are fitted back in place before restarting the
engine.
NOTE: With this system the oil level must be
checked within one minute of the engine being
switched off otherwise the oil will start to drain
back into the engine and a false reading will be
obtained. Should this be the case restart the
engine again and let it run for approximately one
minute before repeating the checking procedure.
Engines with Dry Sump Tank (R400/R500)
Start the engine and run it until the normal operating
temperature achieved (90-100°C). Keep the engine
running, open the dry sump tank cap and look inside,
you will find two baffle levels with centre holes. In
normal condition the oil should run approximately 5mm
below the middle baffle level. Top up the oil if required
Coolant check & top-up
The coolant level should be checked weekly when the
system is cold and topped up with appropriate coolant
(see technical date). Top up to the ‘MAX’ mark shown
on the exterior of the reservoir. If the level falls
appreciably during a short period; suspect leakage or
overheating and arrange for Caterham Aftersales to
examine the vehicle.
Anti-freeze
The anti-freeze content of the coolant must be
maintained all the year round. Caterham use Comma
X-stream Red and Ford Superplus premium (ready
mixed), however, if a water/antifreeze mix is
substituted for any reason a minimum of 50%
antifreeze is required. To ensure that its anti-corrosion
properties are retained, the anti-freeze content should
be checked by Caterham Aftersales once a year. The
coolant should be completely renewed every four
years.
Figure 15: Coolant, Expansion bottle
WARNING!
 DO NOT use anti-freeze to any specification
other than that recommended (see technical
data).
 DO NOT add rust inhibitors or other additives to
the coolant – these may not be compatible with
the coolant or engine components.
 DO NOT remove the reservoir cap when the
cooling system is hot – escaping steam or water
could cause serious injury.
 Anti-freeze is poisonous and can be fatal if
swallowed. If accidental consumption of anti-
freeze is suspected, seek appropriate medical
attention immediately.
 Take precautions to prevent anti-freeze coming
in contact with the skin or eyes. If this should
happen, rinse immediately with plenty of water.
 Anti-freeze is inflammable. Take care not to spill
anti-freeze onto a hot engine – a fire may result.
 When topping up, avoid spillage onto painted
body panels – anti-freeze may damage painted
surfaces.
Brake/Clutch fluid check & top-up
Fluid level in the Brake/Clutch reservoir may fall slightly
during normal use, but should not drop below the lower
level mark. If there is any appreciable drop in level over
a short period, consult Caterham Aftersales.
Topping-up
Wipe the filler cap clean before removing to prevent
dirt from entering the reservoir and then top-up the
reservoir to the ‘MAX’ mark using a recommended
fluid: (See technical data)
For the clutch reservoir, ‘Max’ and ‘Min’ levels are
highlighted on the outer surface of the reservoir.