Reliant Kitten Estate, Workshop Manual

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otherwise oil leaks may result. refit the plug and screw in tightly.
Refill the sump via the oil filler cap with the recommended grade
of oil. A flushing oil can be used to advantage on engines which
have done a considerable mileage, particularly if the
recommended oil change intervals have not been adhered to.
Figure 2 Engine oil level dipstick
1. Dipstick
Renewing oil filter
This operation is best carried out when the engine is warm.
1. Place a suitable receptacle under the drain plug and
unscrew the plug slowly until the oil begins to escape. When the rate
of flow lessens, remove plug and allow oil to drain for a few minutes.
Clean and replace drain plug.
2 . Grasp the oil filter with both hands, turn in an anti-
clockwise direction, remove and discard. ( figure 4 )
3. Clean the cylinder block face. Fit a new filter and screw
firmly home.
4. Refill the sump via the oil filler cap with the recommended
grade of oil to the "full" mark on the dipstick.
5. Start engine and check for oil leaks between filter and
cylinder block face.
Oil Filler Cap
The cap is a push-pull fit. The oil filler cap contains a wire gauze
element and should be washed in clean paraffin. Dip the cap in clean
oil and wipe thoroughly before refitting.
The oil filler cap also acts as an engine ventilator and is connected via
a hose to the carburettor. It is important that the hose is maintained
in good condition and connected securely. air leaks will result in
misfiring and erratic running.
Check and top-up cooling system
Warning
: Do not remove radiator filler cap when the engine is hot.
1. Remove radiator filler cap.
2. If necessary, top up with water until the top header tank of
the radiator is approximately two thirds full. Some vehicles will have a
radiator that has a coolant level indicator visible in the filler neck.
Replace the filler cap.
Check leaks from cooling and heater system
1. Check hose connections and tightness of clips.
2. Check radiator drain plug (if fitted).
3. Check cylinder block drain plug.
4. Examine cylinder block core plugs
5. Examine heater water system for leaks
Figure 3 Sump and gearbox drain plugs
1. Sump drain plug
2. Gearbox drain plug
Check and top-up brake fluid reservoir
1. Wipe clean the reservoir cap and surrounding area and
remove the cap. Examine the fluid level and top up to the bottom of
the reservoir filler neck.
Use only new fluid of the correct specification, taken from a
sealed container for topping up. Never under any circumstances use
fluid that has been previously bled from a system to top up the master
cylinder reservoir as it may be aerated, have too much moisture
content or possibly be contaminated.
Note: Castrol Girling "Crimson" brake fluid has been used for initial
fill. If not available to top up use Castrol Girling "Universal" or a listed
alternative.
Check and top-up windscreen washer fluid reservoir
Examine the water level in the plastic windscreen washer
reservoir and if necessary top-up with clean water.
Caution: Do not use Glycol anti-freeze solutions or denatured
alcohol (methylated spirits). The use of these chemicals will
discolour the paintwork and will damage the wiper blades.
Check and top-up battery
1. Check the electrolyte level, which, when correct should just
cover the separators. Top-up if necessary using distilled water only.
2. Remove the battery connections, wipe clean and before
refitting, smear the terminal posts with petroleum jelly (vaseline).
3. Check the specific gravity of the electrolyte ( see section T )
Top-up carburettor piston damper
1. Unscrew and withdraw the plug and piston from the top of
the suction chamber ( figure 5 )
2. Note that the oil level, which, when correct, is 13 mm (½in)
above the top of the hollow piston rod. Top-up if necessary with clean