John B Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 I'm thinking about bringing my Caterham to NJMP for a member day either Sunday 5/22 or Monday 5/23 to shake off the cobwebs. Anyone else interested? Simon, Croc, Tom? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted May 18, 2022 Share Posted May 18, 2022 Hi John I am signed up both days but will be testing the Batmobile and Holden this weekend to make progress on their state of reliability - fuel flow in the Devil section for the Bimmer and general handling waywardness cure for the Holden. Tom will be there - not sure if if he is running yellow or orange? I understand Simon is overseas and will not make it back in time. cheers mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share Posted May 20, 2022 Crapola!! I just picked my Caterham up out of storage and the safety harnesses are expired. I don't think NJMP gives any slack on harnesses as the State Police come and do occasional inspections. I'll order up a new set, but I'm out for Sunday Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted May 20, 2022 Author Share Posted May 20, 2022 Update: Pegasus Racing is sending a set for Saturday delivery. I'm back in! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted May 21, 2022 Share Posted May 21, 2022 I’ll have Orange there. Still on old tires but I did find a new supply and ordered two sets as I think Michelin is discontinuing their 13 inch slicks. 😡 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John B Posted May 24, 2022 Author Share Posted May 24, 2022 (edited) Update: As Croc and Tom know, I left early Monday as my engine was running rough and I was down about 20mph on the front straight. I left hoping for a bad coil or crank trigger, but feared a ventilated piston. I did a compression test today and got (1-4) 170, 210, 210, 210. That ruled out a holed piston, but left a lingering low compression issue that pointed to valves. I checked the valve lash and all were in spec (0.10"), which ruled out a bent or dropped valve. #1 cylinder was cold, not firing as indicated by a pyrometer on the header. I then checked spark and found no spark in #1, but 2,3 & 4 were good. Swapping coils around revealed it wasn't a bad coil as the #1 coil sparked on the #2 lead & the #2 coil was dead on the #1 lead. Closer inspection revealed a broken wire at the connector to the coil. That was a very good sign! I was still concerned about the low compression and my engine builder Paul Hasselgren suggested that driving with no spark in #1 washed the cylinder dry with unignited fuel and that I should put a little oil in #1 and re-run the compression test. Voila!! It shot well over 210 so I'm a happy camper and am now enjoying a celebratory beer!! Edited May 24, 2022 by John B 1 1 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yellowss7 Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 Great news John! I’m going to have an old fashioned to help you celebrate 🥃 Tom Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Croc Posted May 24, 2022 Share Posted May 24, 2022 That is a relief - I'd take that as good news. Vibrations on our cars are a frequent cause of gremlins. Cheers with a glass of red wine from me! It was great to see everyone. It was a successful weekend for me. The CSL got down to a best of 1m34.9 on old tires so carved 4 seconds out of it with a LOT more time left in it once I sort the fueling issues in high G corners. The Holden was not as scary as expected but definitely more oily. Plus I came home with an expensive work list of items to fix on two cars. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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