Problem: Squealing at startup; battery warning light flickers. Manual Solution: The manual shows the unique belt routing (which also drives the water pump and cooling fan). It provides the deflection measurement (10–12mm with moderate thumb pressure) and the correct tensioner release procedure—essential because the engine bay is extremely tight on a Solo SR.
Because Optare acted as a bodybuilder and integrator (chassis builder) rather than just an engine manufacturer, the manual is often split into specific volumes focusing on different aspects of the bus. optare solo workshop manual