Austin-Healey Sprite Mark III Driver's Handbook Manual

AUSTIN-HEALEY

SPRITE

MARK

III

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DRIVING

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PERFORMANCE

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CAR

HISTORY

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CLUB

NEWS

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AUSTIN-HEALEY

SPRITE

(Mark

ill)

(Including Supplement for

Mark

II)

DRIVER'S HANDBOOK

Published by

THE AUSTIN MOTOR CO. LTD.

L

ONGBRIDGE,

B~

G

HAM

BOX 41 G.P.O.

2

FOREWORD

I

N producing this book the object has been to confine the contents to infer­. mation essential to the proper running and operation of the vehicle. Never­theless, the oper

ator

will find all the guidance necessary to maintain the vehicle in

first-class condition

and

ensure trouble-free service. Every vehicle leaving the
Factory is capable of giving absolute satisfaction if the maintenance instructions
detailed in the following pages are carefully carried out. Remember that an
authorized Distributor

/D

ealer is better equipped to provide routine and repair

service than any other opera

tor

; he is at your service and should be consulted

if you encounter trouble. When emergency w

ork

has been undertaken by other
than a franchise holder the vehicle should be submitted to an authorized
Distributor

/De

aler for checking.

All

Warrant

y work must be carried out by an authorized Distributor/Dealer.

When communicating with your Distributor/Dealer always quote the

car

and

engine numbers; the registration number is of no use and is not required.

For

those wanting information of a more detailed

and

technical nature than is

contained in this

Handbo

ok a Workshop Manual is available at a reasonable

price from your Distributor/D ealer.

IDE

NTIFICA

TIO

Car

number. Stamped on a plate secured to the left-hand inner wheel arch,

under the bonnet.

Engine number. Stamped on a plate secured to the right-hand side

of

the

cylinder block.

Gearbox number. Stamped on the left-hand side

of

the gearbox casing.

Rear axle number. Stamped on the front of the left-h

and

rear axle tube near

the spring seating.

Ignition key number. To reduce the possibility of theft ignition switches on
later cars are not marked with a number. Owners are advised to make a note of
the number stamped on their ignition key in case of future loss.

NOTE.- References to right- or left-hand in this Ha ndbook are made when

viewing the car from the rear.

3

GENERAL DATA

Engine

Engine t

1J:>e
Bore
Stroke
Cubic capacity

Compr

ession ratio
Firing order
Valve rocker clearance (cold)
Idling setting
Oil pressure :

Norm

al (approx.)

Idling (approx.)

Ignition

Sparking plugs
Sparking plug gap
Static ignition timing

Cont

act bre

aker

gap

Fuel System

Carburetters
Carbu

rett

er needles

Spring

Pump

Wheels and Tyres

Wheel size
Tyre size . .
Tyre pressures :

All

conditions :

Fro

nt

Rear

. .

For

sustained speeds in excess
of 80-8 5 m.p.h. (129- 137
km.p.h.):
F

ron

t

Rear

. .

Transmission

Rear axle ratio

Overall gear ratios: First

With

{iC:

~d

synchromesh

Fourth
Reverse

4

WCC (4-cylinder overhead-valve)

2·543 in. (64'58 mm .)
3·296 in. (83'72 mm.)
67 cu. in. (1098 c.c.)
8·9 : I or 8·1 : 1

1

,3,4, 2

·012 in. ('305 mm.)

1,000

r.p

.m. (hot)

30 to 60 Ib.jsq. in. (2'1 to 4·2 kg.jcm.")
10 to 25 Ib.jsq . in. ('7 to 1·7

kg.jcrn.")

Champion N5 (14 mm.)

·024 to ·026 in. ('625 to ·660 mm.)
(H.C.) 5° B.T.D.C.
(L.C.) 3° to 5°

B.T

.D.C.

·014 to ·016 in. ('35 to ·40 mm.)

HS2
St

and

ard AN, Weak GG, Rich H6

Blue

S.U. (Electric) type

AUF

3·5D x 13
5'2

0-

13

18 lb.jsq, in. (1'27 kg.jcm.")
20

lb.jsq, in. (1'41 kg.jcrn.")

22 Ib./sq. in. (155 kg.jcm.")
24 lb.jsq. in. (1,69 kg.jcrn.")

4·22 : 1

13-504 : 1
8·085 : I
5·726 : 1
4·22 : 1
17·395 : 1

3 ft. 9* in. (1'16 m.) 3 ft. 9* in. (1'16 m.)

3 ft.

9i

in. (1'15 m.) 3 ft . 81 in. (1,14 m.)

32 ft.

It in. (9'79 m.)

31 ft. 2t in. (9'51

m.)

Parallel to t in. toe-in (0 to 3·2

mm

.)

6 ft. 8 in. (2'03

m.)

11 ft. 5f in. (3'49 m.)

4 ft. 5 in. (1'35 m.)
4

ft. Ii in. (1'25 m.)

5 in. (12'7 em.)

Dimensions

Track:Front

Rear

Tur

ning circle: Left lock

Right

lock

Fr

ont wheel ali

gnment
Wheelbase
Overall length
Overall width
Overall height
G

round

clearance

Wire wheels

GENERALDAT

A

Disc wheels

Weight

Dry weight 1,490 lb. (676 kg.)

Capacities

Fuel t

ank

Engine

sump

(including filter)

Gearbox

. .
Rear axle . .
Cooling system (without

hea

ter)

Heater

6 gallons (

7'2

U.S. gallons, 27·3 litres)

6!

pint

s (7'8 U.S. pints, 3-7 litres)

2i

pints (2'7 U.S.

pint

s, 1·3 litres)

It

pint

s (1'8 U.S. pints, ·85 litre)

10

pin

ts (12 U.S.

pint

s, 5·68 litres)

! pint ('6 U.S. pint, ·253 litre)

5

CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Hand brake

The hand-brake isofthe pull-up lever type, operating mechanically on the

rear wheels o nly. To release the h

and

brake, pull it upwards to take the load,
press the ratc het release button located in the end of the lever with the thumb and
push the lever down into the 'off' position. The hand brake is automatically

adjusted at the same time as the foot brake and requires no separate adju stmen t.

Pedals

The left-hand pedal operates the clutch, the centre pedal the brakes, and the
right-hand pedal the accelerator. Keep the foot clear of the clutch pedal except
when engagement or disengagement of any gear is intended, or when in heavy
traffic.

Dr

iving with the foot resting on the peda l will lead to rapid clutch wear.

Driving controls- right-hand drive

I. Hand brake.

2. Headlight dip switch.

3.

Horn

switch.

4. Clutch pedal.

5. Brake pedal.

6. Accelerator pedal.

7. Direction indicator.

8.

Gear

lever.

Gear lever

The gear positions

are

indicated on the lever knob; make certain that the lever

is in the neutral position before starting the engine. First

and

second gears are
selected by moving the lever to the left, and engaged by moving it forward into
first gear and backwards into second gear. Third and

fourth

gears are selected
by moving the lever to the right through the neutral position until resistance is
felt, then forward into third gear and backwards into fourth gear.

To engage reverse gear move the lever to the right in the neutral position until
resistance is felt, apply further side pressure to overcome the resistance and then
move it backwards to engage the gear. Synchromesh is provided on second,
third, and fourth gears.

Horn

switch

The horn is sounded by pressing the centre disc of the steering-wheel.

6

CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Ignition and starter switch

The ignition and

starter

are

both

contro

lled by a single switch

operate

d by

a remova ble key. To switch on

the

ignition

insert

the

key

andturn

it in a clock-

wise direction until a slight resistance is felt.

Further

movement in

the

same

direction will

opera

te the

starter

motor. Release the key immediately the engine

starts.

If

the engine fails to s

tart

first time wait until it has come to rest before

using the starter again.

Headlight beam dipping switch

The

headlight main beam dipping switch is located on the

toeboard

to the

left

of

the clutch pedal.

It

is

of

the single-acting repeating type, lowering the

be

ams

on

one

application and raising them on the next. A warning light on

the face

of

the speedometer will glow when the beams are in the raised position.

Driving controls- left-hand drive

I. Hand brake. 5. Brake pedal.

2. Headlight dip switch. 6. Accelerator pedal.

3. Hom switch. 7. Direction indicator.

4. Clutch pedal. 8. Gear lever.

Mixture control

To enrich the mixture and assist star ting when the engine is cold pull out

the kno b marked 'C'.

Th

e con trol, when t

urne

d half a t

urn

clockwise, will hold

in any position, giving a progressively richer mixt

ure

as it is pulled out.

On no account should the engine run for any length of time with the knob

pulled fully out.

It

should be

returne

d to the 'off' posit ion (pushed in) as soon as

possible as

the

engine warms up.

Th

e fi

rst

tin

. (6

mm.)minimum

of

movem

entopera

tes only the

throttl

e

c

ontrol.

This initial movement

can

be used to give a fast engine idling speed and

prevent stalling when driving at low speeds before the engine hasfully warmed up.
Heater

and demister control

Tills

control

pro

vides a m

eans

of

regulating the heating and demisting

system. Full operating instructions are given on page 11.

7

CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Ignition and lubrication warning lights

The ignition warning light serves the dual purpose of reminding the driver to

switch off the ignition, and

of

acting as a no-charge indicator. With the ignition

switched on the warning light should only be illuminated when the engine is

not

running, or is running at a very low speed. As the engine speed increases the

light should dim andthen go out at a fairly low engine speed.

Directly above the oil pressure/water temperature gauge is the lubrication

warning light. See page 51 for details .

Instruments and switches- right-hand drive

9. Windshield washer.

10. Mixture control.

11. Fuel gauge.

12. Panel light switch.

13. Headlight main-beam warning light.

14. Trip mileage resetting knob.

15. Ignition warning light.

16. Windshield wiper switch.

17. Lighting switch.

18. Lubrication warning light.

1. Speedometer.

2. Trip mileageindicator.

3. Total mileageindicator.

4. Direction indicator warning lights.

5. Tachometer.

6. Ignition and starter switch.

7. Oil pressure and water temperature
gauge.

8. Heater switch.

If

the light fails to go out until higher engine speeds are reached or remains

alight at alltimes, inspect the dynamo driving belt for correct tension or breakage.

If

the belt is in order the charging system must be overhauled by a Distributor

or

Deal

er.

Lighting switch

A lever-type switch. Move

the

lever downward to the half-way position for

the side and

taillig

hts, and into the fully down positionfor the headlights.

Panellight switch

This is a lever-type switch.

The

panel lights will only funct ion when the

sidelights

ar

e switched on.

Fuel gauge

When the ignition is switched on the fuel gauge will indicate the quantity

(a

ppro

x.) of fuel in the tank. An impor

tantnote

on filling up with fuel is given

on page 19.

8

CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Oil pressure and water temperature gauge

The pressure of the oil in the engine lubrication system may rise to over

60

lb.jsq, in. (4'2 kg.jcm.") when the engine is started up from cold. After the

oil has circulated

and

become warm the pressure should drop to between

30 and 60 lb.jsq. in. (2'1 and 4·2 kg.jcm."), with 10 to 25 lb./sq. in. ('7 to 1·7

kg.jcrn,") idling pressure. Should the gauge fail to register any pressure at all,

stop the engine immediately and investigate the cause.

The temperature gauge indicates the temperature of the coolant

leaving the

cylinder head. After the initial rise in temperature during the warming up period
any sudden upward change in the reading calls for immediate investigation.

Instruments and switches- left-hand drive

9. Windshield washer.

to. Mixture cont rol.

11. Fuel gauge.

12. Panel light switch.

13. Headlight main-beam warning light.

14. Trip mileage resetting knob.

15. Ignition warnin g light.

16. Windshield wiper switch.

17. Lighting switch.

J8. Lubricatio n warning light.

I. Speedometer.

2. Trip mileage indicator.

3. Total mileage indicator.

4. Direction indicator warning lights.

5. Tachometer.

6. Ignition and starter switch.

7. Oil pressure and water temperature
gauge.

8. Heater switch.

Direction indicators

The direction indicator switch is mounted on an arm on the steering-column
below the steering-wheel. The indicators will operate only when the ignition
is switched on, and the indicator warning lights in the instrument panel flash
when they are in use.

Speedometer

In

addition to recording the road speed this instrument also records the trip

and

tot

al distances. The trip recorder enables the length of a particular journey

to

be recorded, and can be set to zero by pushing upwards and turning the knob

located beneath the instrument.

9

CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Tachometer

This instrument indicates the revolutions per minute of the engine, and this
assists the driver to use the most effective engine speed range for maximum
performance in any gear.

Windshield wiper switch

The two windshield wiper blades are operated by a lever-type switch. Flick

down the switch to bring both wiper blades into operation. The blades will park

automatically when the knob is flicked up to switch off.

Windshield washer

To opera te the windshield washer press the control knob . When following
other vehicles, particularly under dirt y road conditions, the washer should be
operated before the wiper blades are set in motion.

In cold weather the reservo ir should be filled with a mixture of water and
recommended washer solvent to prevent the water freezing in the reservoir and
on the windshield.

Do not use radiator anti-freeze solution in the windshield-washing equipment.

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

The following items of equipment are available as optional extras:

Wire wheels. Cigar-lighter.

Locking petrol filler cap. Wing mirror.
White-walled tyres.

Hard

top.
Nylon cord tyres. Heater (fresh-air type).
Road Speed tyres. Heater (recirculatory) type.

Heavy-duty (6-ply rating) tyres. Tonneau cover .

Windscreen (laminated type). Twin horns.
Luggage grid. Wheel disc.

Fog lamp. Headlight flasher.

Oil cooler.

10

HEATING AND DEMISTING

The heating and demisting system is designed to prov ide heated fresh air

to the car interior at floor level and to the windshield for demisting and defrosting.

A valve controlling the flow of

hot

water through the heater un it is fitted at the
rear of the cylinder head. The valve is opened by turning in an anti-clockwise
direction when heating is required or shut off by turning clockwise when the
system is to be used for cool air ventilation.

The air blower switch; turn
the knob in the direction

of
the arrow to switch on the
motor. Switch

off

and pull

the control out to close the

air intake flap

The water valve on the
cylinder block ; turn the tap
in the direction

of

the arrow

to shut

off

the flow

of

hot

water

10 the healer

Air is drawn in through a forw

ard

-facing intake, and the ram effect caused

by the car's motion will provide air for the heater's requirements at speeds

above 25 m.p.h. (40 km.p.h.). A blower

motor

is provided for use at lower

speeds or when a greater quantity of air is required. The blower is switched on

by turning the control marked '

R'

on the fascia in a clockwise direction.

A shut-off valve is incorporated in the air intake to prevent fumes entering the

car in traffic

and

is closed by pulling

out

the

knob

marked 'R'. The blower motor

must be switched off before the valve is closed

andcannot

be switched on again

until the valve is returned to the open position.

Two doors located forward, one at each side of the gearbox tunnel, control

distribution of air between screen and car interior. For heating open the doors.

For

defrosting (i.e.

boo

sting flow of hot air to screen) close the

door

s.

11

BODY DETAILS

Bonnetlock

Unlock the bonnet fro m the inside of the car by pulling the control knob

marked 'B' located below the fascia and on the left-hand side

of

the gearbox

tunnel. Insert a finger under the left-h

and

front edge of the bonnet

and

push

the
safety catch rearwards to release the bonnet and allow it to be lifted into the
open position.

Bonnet lock control and

safety catch

The seat-adjusting lever

Seat adjustment

The driver's and passenger's seats are mounted on slides

and

are easily

adjustable. Push the lever located beneath the front

of

the seat to the left to

unlock the driver's seat slide

and

to the right to unlock the passenger's seat slide;

hold the lever in this position while the seat is readjusted. The locking pin is

spring-loaded

and

will aut omatically relock the seat slide when the lever is

released.
12

BODY DETAILS

Doors

Both doors are provided with door-pulls.
A window regulator handle is fitted to the inside of each door.
A draughtproof ventilator panel adjacent to each window may be opened

after releasing the catch.

Luggage compartment

Turn

the handle in an anti-clockwise direction to release the catch. When

closed, turn the handle clockwise to secure.

The lid can be locked in the closed position with the key provided.

Turn the hal/die anti-clock-

wise to open the boot lid

The external and internal

door locks

Door locks

Both doors may be locked from the outside with the ignition key. The pas-

senger door may alternatively be locked from inside the

car

.

To lock the doors turn the key clockwise; to unlock the doors turn the key

anti-clockwise.

After locking or unlocking the doors return the key to the vertical position

and withdraw it.

The passenger d

oor

may be locked from inside the car by turning the locking

knob downwards. T

urn

the knob upwards to unlock the door.

13

BODY DETAILS

Hood

Erecting the hood

Remove the hood from its stowed position (see page 16).
Erect the collapsible frame and pull the front stick forward; leave the rear

stick in the collapsed position until the canopy is fitted.

Place the ends of the frame in the support sockets that are fitted one to each

rear quarter pa nel. The long stick faces forward.

The hood sticks fitted and

erected

E

xtend

the rear stick and
ensure that the links (one
shown arrowed) pass over
their centres, inset

is the

windshield toggle catches

Unfold the hood over the frame and engage the two locating sockets on the
lower rear edge of the canopy with the retaining plates on the rear tonneau
panel. Engage the fasteners around the rear of the canopy. Secure the hood

header rail to the windshield frame with the toggle lever catches and the two
fastener assemblies.

Extend the rear stick to tension the canopy and ensure that the connecting

Iinks pass over their centres.

14

BODY DETAILS

Removing the hood

Unlock the over-centre links on the rear stick to slacken the ca nopy.

Undo
the fasteners and release the toggle lever catches on the windshield. Release all
fasteners around the rear of the hood. Slide the

rearhood

rail backwards clear

of the two slotted fasteners on the tonneau panel, and lift the hood from the

frame.

Fold the quarter-lights in­wards, fo lding on a line
between thequarter-light and

back-light

Finally,

1'0 1/ the hood as

shown for storage

NO

TE.-

It

is most import

ant

that the instructions given should be followed
when folding and stowing the hood in order to avoid damage to the quarter- and
back-lights. Never fold the hood when it is wet or damp.

Folding the hood

Folding the hood

cor

rectly is of utmost importance; lay the hood on a flat

surface with the lining upw

ards.Fo

ld the hood in the way shown in the illustra-

tion and then roll it up carefully, avoiding kinking.

15

BODY DETAILS

Stowing the hood and hood sticks

Withdraw the frame from the support sockets, fold the sticks and separate
the two halves of the frame. Place the canopy and the frame in their respective
stowage bags

and

stow in the luggage compartment.

The hood may suffer damage

if

stowed without the protection of stowage bag.

The hood and hood sticks
stowed away in the luggage

compartment

To

nneau

cover

The location of the tonneau cover on the rear body decking is the same as that
of the hood. The front section is located on the press studs across thefascia. When
driving with only the tonneau cover fitted, the fron t section can be detached from
the top of the fascia and is located on the rear axle body scuttle.

16

COOLING SYSTEM

A pressurized cooling system is used on this vehicle and the pressure must be

released gradually when removing the radiator filler cap while the system is hot.

It

is advisable to protect the hands against escaping steam

and

then

turn

the cap
slowly anti-clockwise until the resistance of the safety stop is felt. Leave the cap
in this position until all pressure is released. Press the cap downwards against
the spring to clear the safety stops and continue turning until it can be lifted off.

The radiator drain tap on the
left-handside of the radiator
bottom tank. Turn in the
direction

of

the arrowto open

The cylinder block drain tap

is on the left-handside

of

the
block at the rear. Turn in the
direction

of

the arrowto open

Frost precautions

Water, when it freezes, expands, and if precautions are not taken there is
considerable risk of bursting the radiator, cylinder block, or heater (where fitted).
Such damage may be avoided by drain ing the cooling system when the vehicle
is left for any length of time in frosty weather, or by adding anti-freeze to the
water.

Warning

When a heater unit is fitted an anti-freeze solution must be added in the cooling

system since no provision is made for draining the heater.

Do not use radiator anti-freeze solution

in the windshield-washing equipment.

17

COOLING SYSTEM

Anti-freeze solutions

Anti-freeze can remain in the cooling system for two years provided that the

specific gravity of the coolant is checked periodically

and

anti-freeze added as
necessary. This operation should be carried out by an authorized D istributor
or Dealer.

After the second winter the system should be drained and refilled with fresh

water, and the appropriate amount of anti-freeze added when required.

Only anti-freeze of the ethylene glycol or glycerine type is suitable for use in
the cooling system. We recommend owners to use Bluecol Anti-freeze (non­corrosive) in order to protect the cooling system during frosty weather and

reduce corrosion to a minimum . We also approve the use of any anti-freeze

which conforms to Specification B.S.3151 or B.S.3152.

The correct quantities of anti-freeze for different degrees of frost pro tection
are:

- - -

Absolute Commences

safe limit freezing at

Solution

Quantity

of

anti-freeze required

o C.

OF.

0c.

o f .

(%)

- 19

- 3 - 9

16

20

2 pts. (2'4 U.S.

pts., 1·1 litres)

- 26

- 15

- 13 9 25

2! pts. (3'0 U.S.

pts., 1-42Iitres)

- 33 - 28 - 16

3 30

3 pts. (3,6 U.S. pts., 1·

71

litres)

I

I

Before adding anti-freeze mixture to the radiator it is advisable to clean

out the cooling system thoroughly by flushing

out

the passages with a hose

inserted in the filler cap while keeping the drain taps open.

Only top up when the cooling system is at its normal running temperature,

in order to avoid losing anti-freeze due to expansion.

Make sure t

hat

the cooling system is water-tight, examine all joints, and

replace any defective rubber hose with new.

Draining the cooling system

There are two drain taps provided, one on the radiator bottom tank and the
other on the left-hand side of the cylinder block. To drain the coolant stand the
car on level ground and open

both

taps.

When draining in freezing weather, do so when the engine is hot. Run the
engine slowly for one minute when the water has ceased flowing to clear any
water from the

pump

and other places where it might collect. Finally, leave a

reminder on the vehicle to the effect that the cooling system has been drained.

If

the system contains anti-freeze remember to collect it in a clean container

for future use.

Filling the cooling system

To avoid wastage by overflow add

just

sufficient cool

ant

to cover the bottom

of the header tank .

Run

the engine until it is

hot

and add sufficient coolant
to bring the surface to the level of the indicator positioned inside the header
tank below the filler neck.

18

RUNNING INSTRUCTIONS

Starting

Before starting the engine ensure that the gear lever is in neutral and the

hand brake applied.Ifthe engine is cold pull

out

the mixture control knob.

Switch on the ignition , ensure

that

the ignition warning light glows and that
the fuel gauge registers, then operate the starter. Release it if the engine fails
to st

art

within five or six seconds, wait for the crankshaft to stop rotating,

and then operatethe starter again.

Should the engine fail to start after a reasonable number of attempts check

for possible causes.

The

continued use of the starter when the engine fails to st

art

will not only

discharge the battery

but

also dam age the starter.

If

the pinion fails to disengage when the engine starts the starter will emit a

high-pitched whine

and

the engine must be stopped immediately.

As soon as the engine starts, release the starter and warm up the engine at a
fairly fast idling speed. Should the oil gauge fail to register any pressure or if the
pressure isvery low, stop the engine immediately

and

investigate the cause. Failure

to do so may result in serious damage to the engine. Also check

that

the ignition

warning light goes

out

when the engine is running above idling speed; failure

of the light to behave in this fashion indicates a broken fan belt or other fault in

the system.

Push in the mixture control knob completely as soon as the engine will run
evenly without its use.

Warming up

Research has proved that the

pra

ctice of warming up an engine by allowing it
to idle slowly is definitely harmful. The correct procedure is to let the engine run
fairly fast, approximatel y 1,000 r.p.m., corresponding to a speed of

about

15

m.p.h. (24 km.p.h.) in top gear, so

that

it attains its correct working tempera­ture as quickly as possible. Allowing the engine to work slowly in a cold state
leads to excessive cylinder wear, and far less damage is done by driving the car
straight on the road from cold than by letting the engine idle slowly in the garage .

Wet brakes

When the vehicle is being washed or driven through water the brake linings
may become wet. To dry them, apply the brakes several times with the vehicle
moving slowly. Driving with wet brakes can be dange rous .

Filling up with fuel

When filling up with fuel avoid filling the

tank

until fuel is visible in the filler
intake tube. Should this be done and the car left in the sun, there will be a
considerable risk of fuel leakage due to expansion ,

and

consequent danger from

exposed fuel.

If

inadvertently overfilled, take care to park the car in the shade

with the fillerintake as high as possible.

Running in

The treatment given to a new car will have an

important

bearing on its subse-

quent life,

and

engine speeds during this early period must be limited. The

following instructions should be strictly adhered to.

19

RUNNING INSTRUCTIONS

During the first 500 miles (800 km.)

DO NOT exceed 45 m.p.h. (72 km.p.h.).

DO NOT operate at full throttle in any gear.

DO

NOT

allow the engine to labour in any gear.

Towing eyes

When it is necessary to tow a vehicle, use the towing eyes if

fitted .

High-compression engine (8'9 : 1)

This engine is a highly developed unit and it is essential that you should know

something about the specialized maintenance it requires if you are to maintain

it at the peak of its mechanical efficiency. Special recommendations on the

sparking plugs, ignition settings, and fuel to be used are given by the manu-

facturers, and it is stressed that failures are bound to occur

if

these are not
strictly adhered to. Particular care is needed with this engine owing to its high
compression ratio , which makes it extremely sensitive to variations in fuel,

ignition timing, and the heat range of the sparking plugs.

In

lower-compression engines a much wider range of fuels can be tolerated

with

out

causing serious damage to the engine, and ignition settings will stand

variations of a reasonable amount. Also, even if the incorrect sparking plugs

are used, no more damage may be incurred than burnt-

out

plugs or leaky valves.

But with an engine having a very

high compression ratio the range of fuels,

sparking plugs, and ignition settings is much narrower and it is essential that the
mixture

should always be correct, and particularly never overweak at maximum

load or power.

High compression engines are very sensitive to variations in spark advance

(over-advance) and to fuel/air ratio (mixture). Variations in these settings will

increase the combustion temperature, and

if

the variation is excessive pre-

ignition will cause high shock waves, resulting

in damage to the engine.

The engine should be decarbonized at regular intervals as excessive deposits
of ash from the combustion of lubricating oil and fuel can cause pre-ignition
difficulties.

Choice of

fuel

When fitt ed with H .C. engine (compression ratio 8·9 : 1)

The octane number of a motor fuel is an indication given by the fuel tech­nicians of its knock resistance. High-octane fuels have been produced to im­prove the efficiency of engines by allowing them to operate on high compression
ratios, resulting in better fuel economy and greater power. Owing to the high
compression ratio of the engine, fuels with an octane rating below

98 are not

suitable;

should it be necessary to use a fuel with a lower octane number, the

car must be used very carefully until the correct fuel can be obtained.

It

is necessary to use Super grade fuels in the 100-octane rangeunless Premium

fuels of minimum 98-octane (Research method) are available.

When fitted with L.c. engine (compression ratio 8·1 : 1)

Premium fuels of minimum 93-octane (Research method) up to 97 octane are

required, with preference to 95/97.

Super grade fuels in the 100-octane range can be used

if

preferred.

20

IGNITION

Static ignition timing

The point where ignition should start is given in 'GENERAL DATA'. With
the crankshaft stationary at this position the contact breaker points should be
just beginning to open. When the engine is running timing is varied by a centri­fugal advancemechanismand a vacuum control.

Checking static ignition timing

The information given below describes a method of checking the ignition
timing ; it does

not

detail the resetting of the timing when the distributor has

been removed from the engine.

Check that the contact points are set to the correct gap when on the peak of
the distributor cam (see page 46).

The rim of the crankshaft pulley has a small groove which will correspond
with the long pointer on the timing cover when Nos.

land

4 pistons are at

T.D .C.; the other two pointers indicate

50 and 100 B.T.D.C. To turn the pulley

The knurled nut on the

distributor illustrated to­gether with the crankshaft
pulley groove and timing

cover pointers

to the required position, remove the sparking plugs, engage top gear,

and

push
the car forward until the groove in the pulley is in the correct position (see
'GENERAL DATA').

With the cr

ank

shaft in this position the contact points should be just about to

open.

If

the points are open, turn the knurled

nut

towards 'R' until they are

closed; if they are closed, turn the nut towards 'A'.

In

both cases turn the

nut

until the points are just

par

ting.

A simple electrical method may be used to ensure an accurate check. Connect

a 12-volt bulb between the low-tension terminal on the side of the distributor

and a good e

arth

point on the engine. Switch on the ignition.

If

the bulb

lights, turn the knurled

nut

towards 'R'until the light goes out and then back

towards

'A'

until it just lights. This will give the correct static timing.

If

this adjustment cannot be made with the knurled nut, consult your Distri-

butor/Dealer.

21

ELECTRICAL

Battery

The battery electrolyte must be maintained at the correct level.
Remove the manifold weekly and examine the level

of

the electrolyte in each

cell.

If

necessary, add sufficient distilled water until the perforated separator
guard in each cell is just covered. Do not overfill. More frequent topping up
may be necessary in hot climates or if long daily runs are made.

Do not use tap-water and do not use a naked light when examining the con-

dition of the cells. Wipe away all dirt and moisture from the top of the battery.
Checking the specific gravity

Check the condition

of

the battery by taking hydrometer readings of the

specific gravity of the electrolyte in each

of

the cells. Readings should

not

be

taken immediately after topping up the cells. The hydrometer must be held

Taking hydrometer readings

vertically and the readings taken at eye-level. Check that the float is free and
take care

not

to draw in too much electrolyte. The specific gravity readings and

their indications are as follows:

Battery fully charged
Battery about half-charged
Battery fully discharged . .

For climates below

26·6° C. (80° F.)

1·270 to 1·290
1-190 to 1·210

1.110 to 1·130

For climates above

26·6° C. (80° F.)

1·210 to 1·230
1·130 to 1·150
1·050 to 1·070

These figures are given assuming that the temperatu re of the solution is about

16°

C. (60° F.).

If

the temper

atur

e of the electrolyte exceeds 16° C. (60° F.)

'002 must be added to the hydrometer reading for each 3°

C. (5° F.) rise to give

the true specific gravity. Similarly, ·002 must be subtracted from the hydrometer
reading for every 3°

C. (5°

F.)

below 16° C. (60° F.). The readings for all cells

should be approximately the same.

If

one cell gives a reading very different from

the rest the b

att

ery should be examined by an authorized Distributor or Dealer.

Never leave the battery in a discharged condition for any length of time.
Have it fully charged, and every fortni ght give it a short refreshing charge to
prevent any tendency for the plates to become permanently sulphated.

22

ELECTRICAL

Voltage regulator

This is a sealed unit, located on the right-hand side

of

the engine bulkhead

under the bonnet, c

ont

rolling the charging rate of the dynamo in accordance
with the needs of the battery. The regulator requires no attention and should
not be disturbed.

Fuses

The fuses are housed in a separate fuse block on the engine bulkhead.
The fuse connect ing terminals 'AI' and 'A2' protects the accessories that

operate irrespective of whether the ignition is on or off.

The fuse connecting terminals

'A3' and 'A4' protects the accessories that

operate only when the ignition is switched on (stop lights, direction indicators,
etc.).

Regula/or and fu se block

I. Regulator cover .

2

AUX

.IGN

.fuse (35-amp.).

3. Fu se block.

4.

AUX. fuse (35-amp.).

5. Spare fuses.

Blown fuses

The units which are protected by the fuses can readily be identified on the

wiring diagram.

A blown fuse is indicated by the failure of all the units protected

by it, and is confirmed by examination of the fuse when withdrawn.

Before renewing a blown fuse inspect the wiring of the units that have failed

for evidence of a short circuit or

oth

er fault.

Spare fuses are provided and it is important to use only the correct replace-

ment fuse. The fusing value is marked on a coloured paper slip inside the glass

tube of the fuse.

Fuel pump

Fuel is delivered to the car buretters by an S.U. electric fuel pump. The pump

is situated bene

ath

the luggage compar tment on the right-hand side.

Coil

The coil requires no attention beyond keeping its exterior clean, particularly

between the terminals,

and

occasionally checking

that

the terminal connections

are quite tight.

If

the high-tension cable needs renewal it must be replaced by the correct type.

Bare the end of the cable for

t in. (6 mrn.), pass it through its moulded terminal

and washer, and spread

out

the str

and

s to ensure good contact.

4 23

ELECTRICAL

Jammed

starter

pinion

In the event of the starter pinion becoming jammed in mesh with the flywheel ,
it can usually be freed by turning the starter armature with a spanner applied
to the shaft extension at the commutator end.

Windshield wiper

Should it be necessary to reposition a wiper arm on the spindle, the arm can be

withdrawn when the small spring clip is held clear of the retaining groove.

Replace the arm in the required position and push it hard down onto the spindle

until it is secured in position by the retaining clip.

The headlamp light unit
removed, showing the bulb
holder and back-shell, etc.,

with the European-type lamp

inset

To adjust a wiperblade raise
the retaining clip

(1) and

withdraw the arm. Refit in
the desired position on the

splined shaft (2)

Headlamps (except European and sealed-beam types)

To renew the headlamp bulb, remove the screw from beneath the headlamp

and withdraw the rim; push the lamp reflector and glassassembly inwards against

-the springs, turn it anti-clockwise until the locating screws register with the

enlarged ends

of

the slots, and withdraw the light unit. Depress the back-shell
and turn it to release the bulb. When replacing the bulb ensure that the slot in
the bulb flange engages the keyway in the holder.

24

ELECTRICAL

Refit the light unit by positioning it so that the heads of the adjusting screws

pass thro ugh the slotted holes in the flange, press the unit inwards, and

tum

it

clockwise as far as it will go.

Replace the dust-excluding rubber

and

refit the rim, locking it in position

with the retaining screw.
Headlamps (European type)

The head lamps are fitted with special lenses and bulbs giving an asymmetrical

light beam.

The lamp rims are fitted with rubber dust excluders and rim retaining

screws. These rims can be removed by releasing the retaining screw at the

bottom

of

the lamp rim. The bulb is released from the reflector by withdrawing
the three-pin socket and pinching the two ends of the wire retaining clip to clear
the bulb flange. When replacing the bulb care must

be taken to see that the

rectangular pip on the bulb flange engages the slot in the reflector seating. Re­place the spring clip with its coils resting in the base of the bulb flange and en-

gaging the two retaining lugs on the reflector seating for the bulb.

~~

~"'"

"7T!i.

1

7114

0

Wh

1ll&

VFr

""'--

-

""

The U.K. sealed-beam head­lamp with the beam-adjust-

ing screws indicated by the

arrows

A4 7

548

Headlamps (U.K. sealed-beam type)

To change a sealed-beam light unit remove the lamp rim by releasing the rim­retaining screw at the bottom of the rim assembly. Remove the three retaining
screws securing the inner light rim and remove the rim assembly. Pull the unit
forward and disconnect the

thr

ee-pin socket to release it from the back-shell.

Headlamps (North American sealed-beam type)

To change a sealed-beam light unit remove the retaining screw from the bottom
face of the lamp rim, lift the bottom of the rim forwards and upwards, and detach
the rim. Slacken the three Phillips screws securing the light unit retaining rim

and

tum

the rim anti-clockwise to remove, supporting the lens of the light unit

at the same time. Pull off the three-pin plug from the rear of the light unit.

The light unit must be renewed when necessary as a complete assembly.

Setting the headlight beams

The headlight beams must be set so that the main driving beams are straight

ahead and parallel with the road surface and with each other, or in accorda nce

25

ELECTRICAL

with the local regulation s. To adjust, remove the lamp rim and set each lamp
to the correct position in the vertical plane by turning the adjusting screw at the
top of the light unit in a clockwise direction to raise and anti-clockwise to
lower the beam.

Hor

izontal adjustment is made by turning the adjustment screw
on each side of the light unit. On the sealed-beam type of light unit there is
only one horizontal adjustment screw.

Remember that the setting

of

the beams is affected by the load on the car
and the consequent spring deflection. The lamps should therefore always be
set with the normal load on the car.

Avoid setting the main beams above horizontal ; they will dazzle oncoming

traffic and give inferior road illumination.

The stop, tail, and direction

indicator lamp

The side and direction indi-

cator lamp

J. Sidelarnp bulb.

2.

Dir

ection indicator bulb.

3. Amber direction indicator
bulb cove r.

Checking and resetting should be carried out at the beginning of each winter.
This work is best entrusted to a Distributor/Dealer, who will have specialist
equipment available for this purpose.

Side and direction indicator lamps

Extract the two retaining screws to release the plated rim and the lens to gain
access to both the light and direction indicator bulbs. An amber cover is fitted
over the direction indicator bulb when the vehicle is operating in countries
where the lighting regulations require amber flashing indicators.

26

ELECTRICAL

Stop, tail, and direction indicator lamps

Extract the one retaining screw from the bottom of the lamp and slide the lens

upwards to release it from the retaining tongue at the top of the lamp.

Number-plate lamp

The number-plate light is switched on with the sidelights and taillights. Access

to the bulbs is

obt

ained by unscrewing the one slotted screw and removing the

domed cover and glass.

Rear number-plate lamp

I. Bulbs.

2. Glass.

3. Cover.

Panel and warning lights

The panel and warning lights are located in the position shown in the illus­tration above. All the bulb holders are a push fit in the sockets and can be pulled
from their fixings at the back of the instrument panel to enable a defective bulb
to be replaced.

B.M .C.

Replacement bulbs

Volts Watts

Part No.

Headlamp, L.H.D. (except

Nor

th America

and Europe)

.. 12

50/40

BFS415

Headlamps (Europe except

Fra

nce)

. . 12

45/40 BFS410

Headlamp (France only)

12

45/40

BFS411

Sidelamp

12 6

BFS989

Sidelamp, direction indicator (North America

and Italy)

12

6/21

BFS380

Direction indicator, f

ront

12 21 BFS382

Direction indic

ator

, rear 12

21 BFS382

Tail and stop lamp

12

6/21

BFS380

Number-plate illumination lamp

12 6 BFS989

Panel and warning lights

12

2·2

BFS987

27

28

WIRING DIAGRAM

KEY TO WIRING DIAGRAM

1. Dynamo.

2. Control box.

3. Battery (I2-volt).

4. Starter solenoid.

5. Starter motor.

6. Lighting switch.

7. Headlight dip switch.

8.

R.H

. headlamp .

9. L.H. headlamp.

10. Main-beam warning light.

11. R.H. sidelamp.

12. L.H. sidelamp.

13. Panel lights switch.

14. Panel lights.

15. Number-pla te lamp.

16. R.H. stop and tail lamp.

17. L.l-I. stop and tail lamp.

18. Stop light switch.

19. Fuse unit (35 amps.).

23.

Horn

(twin horns when fitted).

24. Horn-push.

25. Flasher unit.

26. Direction indicator switch.

27. Direction indicator warning light.

28. R.H. front flasher.

29. L.H. front flasher.

30. R.H. rear flasher.

31. L.H . rear flasher.

32. Heater or fresh-air motor switch
(when fitted).

33. Heater or fresh-air motor (when
fitted).

34. Fuel gauge.

35. Fuel gauge tank unit.

36. Windshield wiper switch.

37. Windshield wiper motor.

38. Ignition/starter switch.

39. Ignition coil.

40. Distributor.

41. Fuel pump.

43.

Oil pressure gauge.

44. Ignition warni ng light.

45. Speedometer.

57. Cigar-lighter (illuminated).

60. Radio.

94.

Oil filter switch (when fitted

-l

ater

cars only).

95. Tachometer (impulse- later cars
only).

105. Lubrication warning light (when
fitted).

N. Brown.

U. Blue.

R. Red.

CABLE COLOUR CO DE

P. Purple.

G.

Green.

L.G.

Light Green.

W. Wh ite.
Y. Yello w.

B. Black.

When a cab le has two

colo

ur code letters the first denotes the main

colour and the second denotes the tracer colour.

29

30

WHEELS AND TYRES

.Jacking up the car

The jack is designed to lift one side of the car at a time. Apply the h

and

brake,
and if the car is on an incline, it is advisable to scotch one of the wheels on the
opposite side of the car to the one being jacked.

Remove the plug from the jacking socket located in the door sill panel and

insert the lifting arm of the

jack

into the socket. Remove the hub cover and

slacken the road wheel nuts.

Mak

e certain that the jack lifting arm is pushed
fully into the socket and that the base of the jack is on firm ground. The jack
should lean slightly outwards at the top to allow for the radial movement of

the car as it is raised.

Jacking position

/

Removing a wheel disc

Asa0 4

Jack

maintenance

If

the jack is neglected it may be di

ffi

cult to use in a roadside emergency.
Examine it occasionally, clean off accumulated dust, and lightly oil the thread
to prevent the formation of rust.

Removing the wheel discs (pressed-steel wheels)

Insert the wheel disc lever in the recess provided in the road wheel and lever

off the disc, using a sideways mot ion.

To refit the hub disc, place the rim over two

of

the buttons on the wheel

centre and give the outer face a s

harp

blow with the han d over the third button.

31

WHEELS AND TYRES

Removing and replacing the wheels (pressed type)

Slacken the four

nut

s securing the

road

wheel to the

hub;

turn

anti-clock-

wise to loosen

and

clockwise to tighten. Raise the

car

with the

jack

(page 31)

to lift the wheel clear

of

the ground

and

remove the nuts. Withdraw the

road

wheel from the hub. When refitting the

road

wheel locate the wheel on the

hub

,

lightly tighten the nuts with the wheel

nut

spanner (securing nuts must be fitted

with the taper side towards the wheel),

and

lower the jack. Fully tighten the wheel

nuts, tightening them diagonally and progressively, at the same time avoid
over-tightening.

Replace the

hub

cover and jack socket plug.

Removing and replacing the wheels (wire type)

Use the mallet to slacken the winged

hub

nut

or the spanner to slacken the

octagonal

hub

nut

used.

Left

Turn the winged hub nuts
clockwise to unscrew on the
right-hand side

of

the car

and anti-clockwise

011 the

left-hand side

Right

Removing the road wheel

securing nuts (pressed type)

Care of wire wheels

(1) When the car is new, after the first long

run

or after 50 miles (80 krn.)

of short runs,

jack

up the wheels

and

hammer the nuts to make sure that

they

are

tight.

(2) Always

jack

up a wheel before using the hammer, and always hammer

the nuts tight.

(3) Locknuts are marked

'LEFT'

or

'RIGHT'

to show to which side of the

car they must be fitted, and also with the word

'UNDO'

and

an arrow.

(4) Before replacing a wheel wipe all serrations, threads,

and

cones

of

the

wheel and

hub

and

then lightly coat them with grease.Ifa forced change

is made on the road, remove, clean,

and

grease as soon as convenient.

(5) Once a year remove the wheels for examination

and

regreasing.

32

WHEELS AND TYRES

Tyee maintenance

To obtain the best tyre mileage and to suppress the development of irregular
wear on the tyres the wheels can be interchanged diagonally, bringing the spare
wheel into use.

Excessive local distortion as a result of striking a kerb, a loose brick, a deep
pot-hole, etc., may cause the casing cords to fracture.

Tyres must be maintained at the pressures recommended on page 4; check
with an accurate tyre gauge at least once a week, and regulate as necessary. Pres­sures should be checked when the tyres are cold; do not reduce the pressure in
warm tyres where the increase above the normal pressure is due to temperature.

Regular attention must also be given to the spare wheel.

See that the valve caps are screwed down firmly by hand. The cap prevents
the entry of dirt into the valve mechanism and forms an additional seal on the
valve, preventing any leakage if the valve core is damaged .

Flints and other sharp objects should be removed with a penknife or similar
tool.

If

neglected, they may work through the cover.

A section through a tubeless

tyre , showing

(I)

the air
retaining liner, (2) the rubber
air seal,

(3) the rubber-

sealed valve

..,9618

Any oil or grease which may get onto the tyres should be cleaned off by using

fuel sparingly. Do not use paraffin (kerosene), which has a detrimental effect

on rubber.

With tubeless tyres penetration does not normally result

in deflation and

the tyres should be repaired when convenient. Penetrations by objects of small
diameter can be repaired with the tyre manufacturer's plugging kit, whilemore
extensive damage requires the removal of the tyre for vulcanizing.

When repairing tubes, havepunctures or injuries vulcanized. Ordinary patches

should only be used for emergencies.

Vulcanizing is absolutely essential in the case

of

tubes manufactured from

synthetic rub ber.

33

WHEELS AND TYRES

Tyre removal and refitting

Removal and replacement procedure for tubeless tyres is similar to that used

for tyres with inner tubes.

Remove the valve interior to deflate the tyre completely and push both cover

edges into the base of the rim at the point diametrically opposite to the valve,

then lever the cover edge near the valve over the rim edge. Continue round
the tyre until the bead on one side is completely free. Stand the tyre and wheel

The cover bead must be

pushed into the well-base

of

the wheel rim, as indicated by

the arrow

"'The cover edge must be

levered over the rim close to
the valve to remove or refit

the

lyr

e

upright, keeping the remaining bead in the well-base of the wheel rim. Lever
the tyre bead at the top of the wheel over the rim flange,

and

at the same time

push the wheel away from the cover with the other hand.

A similar technique has to be employed when replacing the tyre, keeping the

beaded edge in the well-base of the wheel rim and carefully levering the tyre
edge over the wheel rim on the opposi te side. Great care must be exercised to
avoid damage to the tyre bead and the tyre levers used must be in good condition .

Initial inflation can be carried out with a foot

pump

, using a rope tourniquet
around the periphery of the tyre to obtain a seal between the tyre edge and the
wheel rim, but it is more easily accomplished with a compressed-air line.

34

CARBURETTER ADJUSTMENTS

Slow-running adjustment and synchronization

When the engine is fully run in the slow running may require adjustment. This

must only be

carr

ied out when the engine has reached its

nor

mal running tem-

per

atur

e.

As the needle size is determined during engine development, tuning of the

carburetters is confined to correct idling setting. Slacken the actuating arms on

the thro ttle spindle interconnection. Close both t

hrot

tles fully by unscrewing

the throttle adjusting screws, then open each throttle by screwing down each

idling adjustment screw one turn.

Remove the suction chamber and piston assemblies, marking each to ensure

replacement in their original positions, remove air cleaners and disconn ect the

mixture control cable. Screw the jet adjusting nuts until each

jet

is flush with

the bridge of its carburetter, or as near to this as possible (both jets being

in the same relative position to the bridge

of

their respective carburetters).
Replace the pistons and suction chamber assemblies, and check that the pistons
fall freely onto the bridge of the carburet ters (by means of the piston lifting

pins). Turn down each jet adjusting nut two complete turns (12 flats).

The Type

HS2

carburetter,

showing;

I. Throttle adjusting screw.

2. Butterfly operating fork.

3. Fast-idle adjusting screw.

4. Jet link securing screw.

5. Jet head.

6. Float-chamber securing
nut.

7. Jet adjusting nut.

Restart the engine, and tum the throttle adjusting screws to give the desired
idling speed by moving each screw an equal amount. By listening to the hiss in
the intakes, adjust the throttle adjusting screws until the intensity of the hiss is

similar on

both

intakes. This will sync

hro

nize the throttles.

When this is satisfactory, the mixture should be adjusted by screwing each

Jet adjusting nut, up to weaken, or down to enrich by the same amount until the

fastest idling speed consistent with even firing is obtained.

Du

ring this adjust­ment it is necessary to press the jets upwards and ensure that they are in contact
with the adjusting nuts.

As the mixture is adjusted the engine will

probablyrun

faster and it may

therefore be necessary to uncrew the throttle adjusting screws a little, each by

the same amount, to reduce the speed.

Now check the mixture strength by lifting the piston of the front carburetter

by approximately

3\ in. (-75 mm .) when :

(1)

If

the engine speed increases, the mixture strength of the front carb uretter

is too rich.

35

CARBURETIER ADJUSTMENTS

(2)Ifthe engine speed immediately decreases, the mixture strength of the

front

car

buretter is too weak.

(3) IT the engine speed momentarily increases very slightly, the mixture

strength of the front carburetter is correct.

Repeat the operat ion at the rear car buretter, and after adjustment re-check

the fr

ont

carburetter, since both carburetters are interdependent.

When the mixture is correct the exhaust note should be regular and even.

If it is irregular, with a splashy type

of

misfire and colourless exhaust, the

mixture is too weak.

If

there is a regular or rhythmical type

of

misfire in the

exhaust beat, together with a blackish exhaust, then the mixture is too rich.

The f eeler between the
throttle shaf t stop and the

carburetter heat shield

Throttle linkage

Each

thr

ottle is operated by a lever and pin, with the pin working in a forked
lever attached to the throttlespindle. A clearance exists between the pin and fork
which must be maintained when the throttle is closed and the engine idling to

prevent any load from the accelerator linkage being transferred to the throttle
butterfly and spindle.

To set this clearance, with the throttle shaft levers free on the throttle shaft, put

a '012 in. ('305

0101.) feeler between the throttle shaft stop at the top and the

carburetter heat shield. Move the thro ttle shaft lever downwards until the lever

pin rests lightly on the lower arm of the f

ork

in the carburetter throttle lever.

Tighten the clamp bolt

of

the throttle shaft lever at this position . When both
carburetters have been dealt with, remove the feeler. The pins on the throttle
shaft should then have clearance in the forks.

Reconnect the mixture cont rol cable, ensuring that the jet heads return

against the lower face

of

the jet adjusting nuts when the mixture control is

pushed fully in. Pull

out

the mixture control knob on the dash panel until the

linkage is

about

to move the carbu retter jets (a minimum

of

t in. or 6

0101.

)

and adjust the fast idle cam screws to give an engine speedofabou

t 1,000 r. p.m.

when hot.

36

LUBRICATION DIAGRAM

KEY TO LUBRICATION DIAGRAM

DAIL

Y

(I

) E

NGI

NE.

Inspect the oil level, and

top

up if necessary with oil to

Ref. A.

EVERY 3,000

MILES

(5000

KID

.)

(2)

STE

ERING

TIE-ROD

BAL

L

JOINTS

(2 nipples). Give three or

four s

tro

kes of a gun filled with

grease to

Ref

. C.

(3)

SWIVEL

AXLES

AND

SUS-

PENS

IONLOWERJOINTS

(6

nipples). Give three or

four

strokes

of

a gun filled with grease to

Ref

. C.

(4)

PROPELLERSHAFf(2nipp

les).

Give three or

four

strokes of a gun

filled with grease to

Ref

. C.

(5)

HAND

BRAKE

CABL

E (I nip-

ple). Give three or four strokes

of

a gun filled with grease to Ref. C.

(6)

HAN

D

BRAKE

COMPE

N-

SATOR

LEVER(Inipple). Give

three or

four

strokes of a gun filled

with grease to Ref.

C.

(7)

CARBURETfERS.Topupdam­per assembly reser voirs with oil to

Ref. A.

EVERY

6,000

MILES

(10000

KID.)

(8)

ENGINE.Dr

ain off the old oil

and

refill with fresh oil to

Ref

. A.

(9)

GEARBOX.Top

up if necessary

to

the

filler plug level with oil to

Ref. A.

(10)

REAR

AXLE. Top upifnecessary

to the filler plug level with oil to

Ref. B.

(I

I)

DISTRIB

UTOR

. Lubricate all

parts as necessary.

(12)

OIL

FILT

ER. Wash the bowl in

fuel and fit a new element.

(13)

DYNAMO

. Add a few

drops

of

oil to

Ref

. A

through

the oil hole

in the commutator ' end bearing.

EVE

RY 12,000

MILES

(20000

KID.)

(14) ST

EERING-RA

CK . Apply the
grease gun filled with oil to Ref. B
to the nipple on the steering rack
and give 10 strokes only.

(15)

WATERPUMP.

Remove the plug

and

add

grease to Ref. C; replace

the plug.

N

OTE.-Oil

and grease references are

to be found on page 70.

NOTE.-The

engine oil change periodsare those recommended when a multigrade oil is

used. Mo nograde or single viscosity oil should

be changed at 3,000 mile intervals.

LUBRICATION DIAGRAM

PERIODICAL MAINTENANCE

37

DAILY

Radiator

Check the water level in the radiator and top up if necessary.

Engine

Check the level of the oil in the engine sump, and top up if necessary to the

•

MAX

'

or

'F

ULL ' mark on the dipstick.

Clean, fresh oil is essential, and the use of an oil to Ref.

A (page 70) is recom-

mended.

The oil filler cap on the

forward end

of

the cylinder
head cover. Turn the cap
anti-clockwise to release it

The engine oil dipstick with
the level markings shown

inset

WEEKLY

Tyres

Check all tyre pressures (see page 33), and inflate if necessary to the recom-

mended pressures. See page 4 for correct pressures.

Battery

Remove the filler plugs and examine the level

of

the electrolyte in each cell

(see page 22).

38

EVERY 3,000

MIL

ES (5000 Km.)

Carburetters

Each damper reservoir must be topped up periodically with thin engine oil to
Ref. A (page 70). Under no circumstances should heavy-bodied lubricant be used.
Unscrew the damper cap, withdraw the damper, and top up the reservoir until the

oil levelis t in. (12 mm.) belowthe top of the hollow piston rod. Push the damper
assembly back into position and screw the cap firmly into the reservoir.

Lubricating the carburetter

piston dampers

1.93-46

Front suspension and steering

connection lubricating points

Swivelaxle pins

Two nipples each si

de-sever

al strokes of the gun filled with lubricant to

Ref. C (page 70)

-this

operation is best carried out with the vehicle partly jacked

up to allow the lubricant to penetrate properly around the bushes.
Front suspension outer fulcrum pins

One nipple each side- several strokes of the gun filled with lubricant to Ref. C

(page 70).
Steering connections

One nipple each side located on the tie-rod ball joint- several strokes of the

gun filled with lubricant to Ref. C (page 70).

39

EVERY 3,000 MILES (5000 Km.)

Propeller shaft universal joints

One nipple at each end of the shaft. Lift the floor covering and remo ve the
rubber plug in the propeller shaft tunnel to gain access to the nipple on the for­ward end of the shaft. The nipple on the rear universal

joint

is accessible from
beneath the car. Move the vehicle to gain access to the nipples (use grease to
Ref. C [page 70]).

The rear brake balance lever

lubricating nipple

Propeller shaf t front univer­sal joint nipple accessible

when the rubber plug is

removed from the propeller

shaf t tunnel

Handbrake cablelubricating

nipple

Brakes

One nipple

Oil

the balance lever mounted on the rear axle

and

one on _thJ'

cable located

just

forward of the axle (use grease to Ref. C [page 70]).

40

EVERY 3,000

MILES

(5000 Km.)

Brake and clutch master cylinder

Check the fluid level in the hydraulic brake and clutch master cylinder and

replenish if necessary with LOCKH

EED

DISC BRAKE F

LUID

(Series II).

Do not use any substitute as this will seriously affect the working of the

system.

The level of the fluid in the
hydraulic brake and clutch
master cylinder should be
maintained a

t!

in. (6'5 mm.)

below the bottom

of

thefiller

neck

One square-headed brake

adjusting bolt

is provided on

each rear brake-plate

Rear brakes

Check the operation of the brakes;

if necessary, adjust as follows.

Chock the wheels remaining in contact with the ground to prevent the car

rolling, and use the special jack provided to ra ise each side of the car in turn .

The square-headed bolt on the brake-plate adjusts both brake-shoes. To

move the shoes nearer to the drums

turn

the adjusting bolt in a clockwise

direction (viewed from the centre of the car) a quarter of a turn at a time.

Turn

the b

olt

until a definite resistance is felt, and then slacken back a qua rter

of

a

turn or mor e until the wheel rotates wit

hout

binding.

For the complete summary of attention to be given every

3,000 miles (5000 kID.)

refer to page 54.

41

EVERY 6,000 MILES (10000

KIn.)

Gearbox

Check the oil level, and top up if necessary. To reach the combined filler and

level plug lift the floor covering on the left-hand side

of

the gearbox and remove
the rubber plug from the side of the gearbox cover. Clean around the filler plug
before removing it. Top up to the bottom of the threads in the filler plug aperture
with oil to

Ref

. A (page 70).

The gearbox combined oil

filler and level plug

The rear a

xl

e filler and level

plug

Rear axle

Check the level, and top up if necessary with oil to Ref. B (page 70). The filler

plug is located on the rear of the axle and also serves as an oil level indicator.

After topp ing up allow time for any surplus oil to run

out

if too much has
been injected. This is most important, as if the axle is overfilled the lubricant
may leak through to the brake linings and i

mpa

ir their efficiency.

42

EVERY 6,000 MILES (10000

Km

.)

Draining the engine sump

The sump should be drained to clear it of any impurities t

hat

may have

accumulated and then refilled with the app

ropr

iate gradeoflubricant. Do this
immediately the car returns from a journey, while the oil is still warm and fluid.
The

drain plug will be found at the rear right-hand extremityofthe sump. and

care should be taken to ensure that no dirt or grit enters the sump while the plug

is removed or when it is being refitted. The plug must be cleaned thoroughly
before fitting and screwed up tightly.

Refill the sump with fresh oil to Ref. A (page 70).

The oil drain plug situated

on the right-hand side

of

the

engine sump

5579B

Thefourpoints of adjustment

for the dynamo, all

of

which

must be slackened for belt

adjustment

Fan belt

Inspect the fan belt, and adjust if necessary to take up any slackness. Care

should be taken to avoid overtightening the belt,

oth

erwise undue strain will
be thrown on the dynamo bearings. The belt tension is adjusted by slackening
the bolts

of

the dynamo cradle

and

moving the dynamo the required amount by

hand. Tighten up the bolts thoroughly.

43

EVERY 6,000

MILES

(10000 Km.)

Front brakes

Inspect brake pads: if worn unequally, change over their operating positions.

This work should be carried

out

by an authorized Distributor/Dealer.

Sparking plugs

Remove the plugs and clean off all carbon deposit from the electrodes and

plug threads with a stiff brush dipped in paraffin (kerosene).

Check the plug gaps,

and

resetifnecessary to the recom mended clearance

(see

'GENERAL

DATA'). When resetting bend the side electrode only

-never

bend the centre electrode as this may split the insulator tip.

Use a Champion sparking

plug gauge and setting tool.

Move the side and never the

centre electrode

A9139

When refitting the plugs, make sun.

that

the copper washers are not defective

in any way.

If

they have become worn

and

flattened, fit new ones to ensure

a gastight joint. Screw the plug down by h

and

as far as possible, then use a

spanner for tightening only. Always use a

tubu

lar box spanner to avoid possible

damage to the insulator, and do not

und

er any circumstances use a movable

wrench. Never overtighten a plug, but ensure that a good joint is made between

the plug body, washer, and cylinder head.

The correct grade of sparking plug for use under normal driving conditions

is the Champion N5. Plugs of a lower heat

ran

ge (hotter running) should not

be used, otherwise pre-ignition will occur, with consequent rise in combustion

temperature

and

resulting engine damage.

For

competition w

ork

or hard driving

where high

output

is consistently sustained the Champion N3 sparking plug

should be used. This

is a cooler-running plug and will ensure lower combustion

temperatures

and

an increased margin of safety. Accumulated deposits of

carbon, leaking or cracked insulators,

and

thin electrodes are all causes of pre­ignition . The plugs should therefore be examined, cleaned, and adjusted at the
specified intervals

and

defective ones renewed.

Lamps

Check all lamps for correct functioning.

44

EVERY 6,000 MILES (10000

Km

.)

Distributor (lubrication)

Cam bearing

Remove the rotor arm from the top of the distributor drive spindle and

add a few drops of thin engine oil to the cam bearing. Do

not

remove the screw
that is exposed to view; there is a clearance between the screw and the inner face
of the cam spindle for the oil to pass. Replace the r

otor

arm with its drive
lug correctly engaging the spindle slot and push it onto the spindle as far as
it

will go.

The distributor cam bearing

and automatic timing control

lubricating points

A5

325

C

The distributor cam spindle

and contact breaker lubricat-

ing points

Cam spindle and contact breaker pivot

Smear a very small amount of grease to Ref. C (page 70) on the cam spindle
and also on the contact breaker pivot. Do not allow the grease to get on the
contacts; lubricate sparingly.

Automatic advance control

Add a few drops of oil to Ref. A (page 70) through the hole in the contact
breaker base plate to lubricate the automatic advance mechanism . Do not over­oil or allow any oil to get on or near the contacts. Carefully wipe away any
surplus oil and see that the contact breaker points are clean.

45

EVERY 6,000

MaES

(10000 Km.)

Distributor (mechanical check)

Check the functioning

of

the automatic advance

and

ret

ard

mechanism

as follows .

Centrifugal advance mechanism

Remove

the distributor cap

and

grasp the

rotor

firmly.

Turn

the

rotor

arm

in the direction

of

rotation

and

release it.

The

rotor

arm

should

return

to its

original position without showing any tendency to stick.

Vacuum advance

Use a screwdriver to check the movement

of

the moving plate . Where a

modified

cap

having a window

cut

in the side is available fit the

cap

and

start

the

engine.

Open

the

throttle

and

observe the movementofthe contact breaker plate.

The distributor points, con-

tact plate securing screws,
and the (screwdriver) adjust­ing slot, indicated by arrows

Contact breaker

Remove the distributor cap

and

turn

the

crankshaft

until the contacts

are

fully

open. Check the gap with a feeler gauge (see

'GENERAL

DATA');

the gauge

should be a sliding fit in the gap.

If

the gap varies appreciably from

the

gauge

thickness, slacken the

contact

plate securing screw (see illustration)

and

adjust

the contact gap by inserting a screwdriver in

the

notched

holeatthe

end

of the

plate

and

turning clockwise to decrea se and anti-clockwise to increase the gap.

Retighten the securing screw.

If

the

cont

act breaker points

are

burned

or blackened, clean them with a fine

carborundum

stone or with fine emery-cloth.

Cleaning the contacts is

made

easier if the

contact

breaker lever carrying the

moving

contact

is removed. To do this unscrew

the

nut

securing the

end

of the

spring, remove the spring washer, flat washer,

and

both

lead terminals,

and

lift

off the lever complete with spring. After cleaning refit

the

contact

breaker

and

check the gap.

The

high-tension cables connecting the distributor to the sparking plugs may,

after long use, also show signs

of

perishing. They

must

then

be replaced by the

correct type of ignition cable .

Cut

the cables to length, fill the holes in the cap

with silicone grease, push the cables well

home

in the cap,

and

secure with the

pointed screws.

46

EVERY 6,000 MILES (10000 K

rn.

)

Battery

Check the state

of

charge of the battery by taking hydrometer readings

(see page 22).

Front wheel alignment

Excessive and uneven tyre wear is usually caused by faulty wheel tracking.

The wheels are set to toe in between 0

and

t in. (0

and

3·2 mm.) to each other.

Correct setting of the front wheels

enta

ils the use of an alignment gauge.

Entrust this work to a Distributor/Dealer.

Front wheel alignment in the
straight-ahead position. Di-

mension

(A) must be between

oand t in. (0 and 3'2 mm.)

greater than

(B)

The method

of

setting the
valve clearance, and (inset)
using a f eeler gauge to check

the rocker clearance

Valve rockers

Test the clearance between the rocker arm and the valve stems by inserting a

feeler gauge between them (see

'GENERAL DATA'). When cold the blade of

the gauge should be a sliding fit. Adjustments must be made with the tappet
on the back of the cam.

47

EVERY 6,000 MILES (10000 KIn.)

Engine oil filter

The external oil filter is of the renewable element type and is located on the

right-hand side of the engine crankcase. Remove the filter for cleaning, and

fit a new element at the same time as the engine oil is changed. The filter is

released by unscrewing the central securing bolt at the bott om of the container;

oil will commence to drain from the container as soon as the bolt is unscrewed.

Remove the old element and wash the container

in fuel, dry it thoroughly,

and make certain

that

the sealing washers are in good condition; renew them

should there be any sign of deterioration. Ensure that the washers fitted below
the element inside the container are fitted correctly. The small felt washer must

be positioned between the element pressure plate and the metal washer above the

pressure spring.

It

is essential for correct oil filtration that the felt washer is in

good condition and a snug fit on the bolt.

The engine oil filter, showing
the positions in which the
washers are fitted below the

element

I. Retainingclip.

2. Elementpressure plate.

3. Felt

washer.

4. Steelwasher.

5. Pressure

spring.

6. Rubber

washer

(external).

Insert a new element into the container, hold the bolt head firmly against

the bottom rubber sealing washer, and

fill

the container with new oil. Refit the
assembly to the filter head, keeping the bolt head pressed against the bottom
sealing washer to prevent the oil draining.

Check the filter for signs of leakage immediately the engine is started.

Make

quite certain

that

the correct element is obtained for the type offilter fitted.

Dynamo bearing

Add two or three drops of engine oil to

Ref

. A (page 70) to the dynamo

bearing through the central hole in the rear and bearing plate. Do not over-oil.

For the complete summary of

atte

ntion to be given every 6,000 miles (10000 km.)

refer to pages 54 and 55.

48

EVERY 12,000 MILES (20000 KID.)

Steering

A lubrication point is provided at the left-hand side of the rack housing
(right-hand side on left-hand-drive vehicles), accessible when the bonnet is
raised. Replenish the oil in the housing via this nipple with oil to

Ref

. B

(page 70). Avoid overfilling; do

not

give more

than

10 strokes of the oil gun.

Sparking plugs

Fit

a new set of sparking plugs of the type and make recommended and

given under

'GENERAL

DATA' on page 4. Check the gaps before installing

the new plugs.
General

Check rear road spring seat bolts.

The steering-rack lubrication

nipple

Water pump

Remove the plug on the water

pump

casing

and

inject a small quantity of

grease to Ref. C, page 70. Lubrication

of

the water

pump

must be done very

sparingly, otherwise grease will seep past the bearings

onto

the faceofthe carbon

sealing ring and impair its efficiency.
Air cleaners

Fit

new air cleaner elements every 12,000 miles (20000 km.), or earlier in
dusty operating conditions. Remove the interconnecting bracket securing nut
and

the air cleaner through-bolts. Lift the assemblies from the induction pipe,
prise off the covers, and extract the elements. Clean the containers thoroughly
before fitting the new elements.

Do

not

remove the covers or disturb the elements

at any other time.

49

EVERY 12,000 MILES (20000

Krn.)

Breather control valve

Remove the spring clip and lift

out

the diaphragm and top control spring .

Clean all parts thoroug hly and flush in methylated spirits .

Examine the valve interior, the control orifice, the diaphragm, and the control

needle.

Should the diaphragm on examination be damaged, i.e. punctured, it must be

renewed.

Reassemble the valve taking care to locate the spring centrally under the

diaphragm .

N

OTE.-Solven

ts such as trichlorethylene, cresol, acetone, and benzene are not

recommended for cleaning as they

will damage the diaphragm and the backfire-

valve seat.

The breather control valve
with the combined air filter/

oil filler cap shown inset

1. Spring clip.

2. Cover.

3.

Dia

phragm.

4.

Spring.

5. Control orifice.

For a complete summary of maintenance to be carried out every 12,000 miles

(20000 km.) refer to pages 55 and 56.

50

AS INDICATED BY THE WARNING LIGHT

The lubrication warning light is your guide to the need for a more frequent

oil and filter change.

If

the light comes on and continues to glow when the engine is running at or
above fast idling speed, it indicates the need for a new oil filter element and an
oil change ; this should be done as soon as possible within a maximum of a
further 300 miles (500

km.).

If

6,000 miles (10000 km .) or six months have passed since the last oil

and

filter change, although the warning light has

not

appeared, both the engine oil

and filter must be changed. When taking your car

in for the 6,000 miles (10000

km.) service, advise your Distributor or Dealer if 6,000 miles (10000 km.) or six
months' motoring has not been completed since the last oil and filter change
was made after indication by the warning light, and ask him to omit these
operations from the 6,000 miles (10000 km.) service.

51

BODYWORK

Coachwork

Regular care of the body finish is necessary

if

the new appearance of the car

exterior is to be maintained against the effects of air pollution, rain, and mud .

Wash the bodywork frequently, using a soft sponge

and

plenty of water

containing a mild detergent. Large deposits of

mud

must be softened with water

before using the sponge. Smears should be removed by a second wash in clean

water,

and

with the spongeifnecessary. When

dry,

clean the surface of the car

with a damp chamois-leather.

In

addition to the regular maintenance, special

attention is required

if

the car is driven in extreme conditions such as sea spray,

or

on salted roads.Inthese conditions and with other forms of severe contamina-

tion an additional washing operation is necessary, which should include under-

body hosing. Any damaged areas should be immediately covered with paint
and a complete repair effected as soon as possible. Before touching-in light
scratches

and

abrasions with paint thoroughly clean the surface. Use petrol/

white spirit (gasolinefhydrocarbon solvent) to remove spots of tar or grease.

The application of B.M.C.

Car

Polish is all

that

is required to remove traffic

film

and

to ensure the retention of the new appearance.

Bright

tr

im

Never use an abrasive on stainless,

chr

omium, aluminium, or plastic bright
parts and on no account clean them with metal polish. Remove spots of grease
or

tar

with petrol/white spirit (gasoline/hydrocarbon solvent) and wash fre­quently with water containing a mild detergent. When the dirt has been removed
polish with a clean cloth or chamois-leather until bright. Any slight tarnish
found on stainless or plated parts which have

not

received regular washing may

be removed with B.M.C. Chrome Cleaner. An occasional application of mineral

light oil

or

grease will help to preserve the finish, particularly during winter,
when salt may be used on the roads , but these protectives must not be applied
to plastic finishes.

Windshield

If

windshield smearing has occurred it can be removed with B.M.C. Screen

Cleaner.

Interior

Clean the carpets with a stiff brush or vacuum cleaner, preferably before
washing the outside. The upholstery, carpets, and roof lining may be treated
with B.M.C. 2-way Cleaner applied with a damp cloth and a light rubbing
action. The best result will be obtained on carpets

if

the solution is applied with

a soft brush.

A razor blade will remove transfers from the window glass.
aeanin

g the hood

To clean the hood it is only necessary to use soap

and

water, with a soft
brush to remove any ingrained dirt. Frequent washing with soap and water
considerably improves the appearance and wearing qualities of the hood, and
it should be washed at least as often as the rest of the

car

.

Do not use caustic soaps, detergents, or spirit cleaners to clean the hood or

the hood back-light.

The B.M.C. approved products mentioned above

are

obtainable from your

Distributor or Dealer.

52

MAINTENANCE SUMMARY

53

MAINTENANCE SUMMARY

Daily

Inspect engine oil level, and top up as necessary.
Check w

at

er level in radiator, and top upifnecessary.

Weekly

Check battery and top up to correct levels.

Test tyre pressures.

3,000 miles (5000

km.)

or 3 months service

1. Engine

Check water level in

radiato

r, and

top

upifnecessary.

Top

up carburetter piston dampers.

2. Brakes

Check brakes,

and

adjustifnecessary.

Make

visual inspectionofbrake lines

and

pipes.

Check level

of

fluid in the hydraulic supply

tank

, and top up if neces

sar

y.

3. Electrical

Check

batt

ery

and

top up to correct levels.

4. Lubrication

Lub

ricate all grease nipples (except steeri ng rack and pinion).

Change engine oil (if using m

onogra

de only) .

5. Wheels and tyres

Check tyre pressures .

6,000 miles (10000 km.) or 6 months service

1. Engine

Check water level in r

adi

ator

, and top up if necessary.

Top

up

car

buretter piston dampers.

Check fan belt tension.

>

Check valve

rocker

clearances,

and

adjust if necessary.

2. Ignition

Check functioning of

auto

matic advance and re

tar

d mechanism.

Check,

and

adjust if necessary, distributor contact points.

Lubricate all

parts

as necessary.

Clean and adjust sparking plugs.

3. Brakes

Check brakes ,

and

adjustifnecessary.

Make visual inspection

of

brake lines and pipes.

Check level

of

fluid in the hydraulic supply tank,

and

top

up if necessary.

Inspect disc

brake

friction

pads

and

reportifattent

ion is required.

54

MAINTENANCE SUMMARY

4. Steering

Check wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary.

5. Electrical

Check battery cell specific gravity readings and top up to correct levels.
Lubricate the dynamo bearing.
Check all lamps for correct functioning.

6. Lubrication

Change oil in engine.
Fit

new oil filter element.
Top up oil levels in gearbox and rear axle.
Lubricate all grease nipples (except steering rack and pinion) .

7. Wheels and tyres

Check tyre pressures.

9,000 miles (15000

km

.) or 9 months service

Carry

out

the 3,000 miles (5000 km.) or 3 months service.

12,000 miles (20000

km.)

or 12 months service

1. Engine

Top up carburetter piston dampers .
Check water level in radiator, and top up

if

necessary.
Check fan belt tension.
Lubricate water pump sparingly.
Check valve rocker clearances, and adjust

if

necessary.

Fit

new air cleaner elements.

Clean and examine breather control valve.

2. Ignition

Check functioning of automatic advance and retard mechanism.
Check, and adjust if necessary, distributor contact points.
Lubricate all parts as necessary.
Fit

new sparking plugs.

3. Steering

Check steering and suspension moving parts for wear.
Check wheel alignment, and adjust if necessary.

4. Brakes

Check brakes,

and

adjust if necessary.
Make visual inspection of brake lines and pipes.
Check level of fluid in the hydraulic supply tank, and top up if necessary.

Inspect disc brake friction pads and report

if

attention is required.

55

MAINTENANCE SUMMARY

5. General

Check rear road spring seat bolts.

6. Electrical

Check battery cell specific gravity readings

and

top up to correct levels.

Lubricate dynam o bearing.

Check all

Lamp

s for correct functioning .

7. Lubrication

Top

up oil level in gearbox and rear axle.

Fit

new oil filter element.
Change oil in engine.
Lubricate all grease nipples.
Lubricate steering rack and pinion.

8. Wheels and tyres

Check tyre pressures.

SUPPLEMENTARY TOOL

KIT

To supplement the tool kit a roll containing the following is obtainable from

all Distributors. Part No. 97H 524 should be quoted.

4 spanners:

-k

in. x i in. A.F. .

"*

in. x t in. A.F.

ilr in. x t in. A.F.

-itin. x i in. A.F.

I pair 6 in. pliers.
1 adjustable spanner (7 in.).
I tommy-bar

(i in. diameter).

I tubul ar spanner

(t in. x ilr in. A.F.).

1 Phillips screwdriver.

56

B.M.C. SEAT BELTS

Seat belts are available from B.M.C. Service Ltd. Fitting should onlybe carried

out

by an authorized Distributor/Dealer.

The complete seat belt is made up of two sections, both adjustable, which,
when in use, are connected by a quick-action buckle. The end bracket (with the
two holes)

of

the long belt is bolted to the wheel arch

and

the other end is

attached to the sill with the bolt supplied. The bracket on the end of the short

belt is bolted to the wearer's side of the propeller shaft tunnel. When in use

When fitting ensure that the

seat belt buckle is in the

position shown

the long belt passes from the wheel arch downwards across the chest to the sill
with the buckle tongue approximately at its centre. The short belt from the tunnel
is adjusted so

that

the buckle is located just in front of the hip,

and

the tongue

on the long belt

is pushed into the buckle until it clicks in the locked position.

The long belt is then adjusted so that the wearer is held firmly but comfortably
in the seat. For quick release it is only necessary to lift up the buckle lever,

which immediately frees the wearer.

Take care to stow the long belt in such a way that you are not tripped when

getting

out

of the car.

57

IMPORTANT

Your

attention is drawn to the following points, compliance with which, we

suggest, will prove mutually beneficial.

1. WARRANTY

DOCUME

NT

Retention of the Certificate or Passport to Service, signed by the Distributor or

Vendor,

in a safe place in the vehicle will (by quickly establishing the date of sale)

help to expedite any adjustments u

nder

Warran

ty if such adjustments are re-

quired to be carried

out

by a B.M.e.Distributor or Dealer other than the

supplier of your vehicle.

2.

CLAIMS

UNDER

WARRANTY

Claims for the replacement of material or pa rts under Warrant y must be
submitted to the supplying Distributor or Dealer, or, when this is not possible,
to the nearest Distributor or Dealer, informing them of the Vendor's name and
address.

Except in cases of emergency, W

arr

anty work shou ld always be carried

out

by

a franchise holder, since this ensures that no d

oub

t can arise in connection with

circumstances of

the

vehicle history when claims are

put

forward.

3. PREVE

NTI

VE MAINTENANCE

A Passport to Service containing Service Vouchers (applicable in the United
Kingdom only) is provided with every new vehicle, and the regular use of the
Vouchers in sequence is the best safeguard against the possibility of abnormal
repair bills at a later date. Replacement Passport to Service Books are obtainable

free

of

charge from Distributors and Dealers. I revent rather than Cure.

Regular servicing, proved by completed Vo-cher counterfoils, could well en-

hance the value of your vehicle

in the eyes of

~

prospective buyer.

4.

REPLACEME

NT

PARTS

When

Ser

vice

Part

s are required insist on

\i.M.e.

GENUINE

PARTS

as these

are designed and tested for your vehicle and in addition warranted for 12 months by
the British Mo tor Corporation.

ONLY

WHEN

GENUIN

E PARTS ARE USED

CAN B.M.e.ACCEPT

RESPONSffiILITY.

~

WE SU PPLY ONLY

~

~

B MC

~,,:~,~

.

,

..

~

A:,.

When purchasing replacement parts or having repair" done owners are
requested to see that a label similar to the one illustrated here is attached to
the invoice rendered. These labels are issued by B.M.

e.

Service Limited and

constitu te a guara ntee that B,M.C.

Ge~~ine

Part s are supplied.

Our

world-wide network of Distributors and Dealers is at your service.

B.M.t.

SERVICE LTD.

Proprietors: The British M ot or Co rp

ora

tion Limited

COWL

EY .

OXFORD

. ENGLAND

Telephone: Oxford 77777 Telegrams: BMCSER V. Telex. Oxrord

Telex : BMCSER V. Oxford 83145 and 83146

> ' Overseas Cables: BMCSERV. Telex. Oxford. England

58

AUSTIN-HEALEY SPRITE

(Mark II)

S

UPPLEMENT

GENERAL DATA

Engine

Engine type
Bore
Stroke
Cubic

capacity

Comp

ression ratio

Ignition

Static ignition timing

Fuel System

Carbu

retter

needles
Spring
Pump

Tra

nsmission

Overall gear ratio :

Reverse . .

Weight

Dr

y weight

Dimensions

Track

.

~

,'

\')

nt

Rear

Early models

9

CG

(4-cylin

der

overhead- valve)

20478

in. (62'94 mm.)
3·00 in. (76,2 mm. )
57 87 cu. in. (948 c.c.)

9 : I or 8·3 : I

(H .C.) 4"

B.T.D

.C.

(L.c.)

10B.

T.D

.C.

Sta

nda

rd V3, Weak

GX

, Rich V2

Light blue

AC 'Y' type (mechanic al)

17 361 : 1

J,3

655

lb. (597 kg.)

3 ft. 9i in. (1,16

m.)

3 ft. 8i in. (1'14 Ill.)

Later models

Fuel System

Carburetter needles
Spring

Wheels and tyres

Tyre pressures :

All conditions :

Front
Rear . .

For

sustained speeds in excess

of

80

-85

m.p.h. (129

-13

7
km.p.h.):
Front

. .

Rear . .

Weight

Dr

y weight

St

andardGY

, Weak

GG

, Rich M

Blue

18

lb.jsq, in. (1'27 kg. jcm .")

24 lb.jsq. in. (1,69 kg.rem.')

22 Ib'/sq. in.

(l'55

kg.jcm .")

28 lb.

jsq

. in.

(l'97

kg.

jcm.

")

1,466 lb. (665 kg.)

59

CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Starter switch

Th

e s

tar

ter

motor

is controlled by a switch located on the fascia panel. Pull

the knob marked 'S' to operate the s

tart

er, and release it as soon as the engine

fires. Should the engine fail to start the first time, wait until the cr

ank

shaft stops

turning before pulling the knob again.

Do

not

run

the b

att

ery down by keeping

the starter

turn

ing when the engine will

not

start.

8

Driving controls-right-hand drive

I. Hand brake. 5. Brake pedal.

2. Headlight dip switch. 6. Accelerator pedal.

3.

Horn

switch. 7. Seat adjuster lock.

4. Clutch pedal. 8. Gear lever.

Driving controls- lef t-hand drive

I. Seat adjuster lock. 5. Brake pedal.

2. Headlight dip switch. 6. Accelerator pedal.

3.

Horn

switch.

7.JI

Hand brake.

4. Clutch pedal.

&. Gear lever.

60

CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Ignitionswitch

The ignition switch is located in the centre of the fascia panel and is operated

with a removable key. Do not leave the ignition switched on when the engine is
not running.

Instruments and switches- right-hand drive

I. Mixture control 10. Speedometer.

2. Windshield washer. 11. Windshield wiper switch.

3. Direction indicator switch. 12. Ignition switch.

4. Heater switch. 14. Lighting switch.

5. Oil pressure and water temperature 15. Tachometer.
gauge. 16. Ignition warning light.

6. Starter. 17. Panel light switch.

7. Direction indicator warning light. 18. Headlight main-beam warning light.

8. Trip mileage indicator. 19. Trip mileage resetting knob .

9. Total mileage indicator. 20. Fuel gauge.

~

.

Instruin

£,nt

s and switches-i-left-hand drive

10. Windshield washer.

11. Mixture control.

12. Fuel gauge.

13. Panel light switch.

14. Headlight main-beam warning light.

15. Trip mileage resetting knob.

16. Ignition warning light.

17. Windshield wiper switch.

18. Ignition switch.

19. Lighting switch.

1. Speedometer.

2. Trip mileage indicator.

I

3. Total mileage indicator.·

<.:"

j

4. Direction indicator warning light.

5. Tachometer .

'

ok

6. Starter.

7. Oil pressure and water temperature
gauge.

8. Heater switch.

9. Direction indicator switch.

61

CONTROLS AND INSTRUMENTS

Direction indicators

The flashing direction indicator switch is located on the centre of the fascia
panel. Move the switch to the right or left according to the indicator required. A
warning light on the fascia panel flashes as long as the indicators are in use. The
indicators operate only when the ignition is switched on.

Mixt

ure control

Pull the knob

out

to its limit when starting from cold, and push it in com­pletely as soon as the engine will run without a rich mixture. Never allow the
engine to run for long periods with the knob pulled out.

62

BODY DETAILS

Hood

Erecting the hood

Remove the hood from its stowed position (see page 65). Place the main
hood stick in the body sockets with the hinged rail facing forward, then with
the peg in line with the slot press the main hood stick downwards to compress
the tension springs, and lock both sides in this position.

Place the hood over the open framework, fit the front rail of the hood into the
lip of the windshield frame, and secure it with the fastener at each top corner
of the windshield.

Attach the rear hood rail to the two slotted fasteners on the tonneau panel
and the hood sides to the body with the turn-buttons and fasteners.

Secure the fr ont rail firmly
into the lip

of

the windshield

frame

Turn the lug until the locking
peg is in line with the slot.
Push the hood stick down-

wards and rotate the lug as
indicated to lock the tele­scopic end

of

the hood stick

in the compressed position

Make certain that the front hood rail is still firmly secured in the lip of the

windshield and release the telescopic hood stick from compression. Turn the

lug to the position shown in the illustration.

Removing the hood

Turn the lug until the locking peg is in line with the slot. Apply downward

pressure on both sides of the main hood stick to compress the tension springs

63

BODY

DETAILS

and lock it in this position by rotating the lug on the bottom section of the frame
to engage the locking peg with the retainer. Release the fasteners

and

tum-

buttons on the body side: pull the fasteners to release them from their retainers.
Slide the rear hood rail backwards clear of the two slotted fasteners on the
tonneau panel, release the front rail from the retaining lip on the windshield,
and lift the hood from the frame.

Fold the quarter-lights iI/-

wards, folding on a line

between thequarter-light and

back-light

Finally, roll the hood as

shownfor storage

N

OTE.

-It

is most important that the instructions given should be followed
when folding and stowing the hood in order to obviate damage to the quarter- and
back-lights. Never fold the hood when it is wet or damp.

Folding the hood

Folding the hood correctly is of utmost importance; lay the hood on a flat

surface with the lining upwards. Fold the hood in the way shown in the illustra-

tion and then roll it up carefully, avoiding kinking.

64

BODY DETAILS

Stowing the hood and hood sticks

The hood should be rolled up carefully to avoid damaging the back-lights
and placed in the bag provided. There is also a bag provided for the hood
sticks, and both should be stowed away

in the luggage compartment beneath

the tonneau panel.

The hood, hood sticks, and
sidescreens stowed away in
the luggage compartment

65

BODY DETAILS

Hardtop

Fitting the hard top

Remove the hood and stowitaway, following the instructions given.
Place the hard top in position on the car and insert the securing bolts through

the two side brackets into the existing hood stick sockets.

The two roofpanel to wind-

shield frame clamps.

Mak

e

certain that the hook

of

the
clamp is correctly positioned
underthelipof the windshield

frame before the clamp is

secured in position

One

of

the two hard topfixing
brackets with the bolt in­serted through the body
bracket, securing it to the
hood stick socket with a

wing nut

Locate the roof clamps in the holes in the top of the hard top and hold them
securely in position under the lip of the windshield frame. From inside the car fit
the stepped sleeve onto the roof clamp.

Fit

the tube locking screw and together

with the wing nuts on the rear section pull the hard top into position.

66

PERIODICAL MAINTENANCE

EVERY 3,000 MILES (5000

Km

.)

Brakes (early models)

Check the oper

ationofthe brakes and, if necessary, adjust as follows:

Front brakes: Appl y the hand brake, j

ack

up one front wheel until it is free

to revolve. Spin the wheel in a forward direction

and

apply the foot brake

firmly to centralize the shoes in the drum . Remove the wheel cap, extract the

rubber dust sealing plug from the adjuster hole

in the wheel

and

align the hole

with the screwdriver slot on one wheel cylinder. Insert a screwdriver

andturn

in a clockwise direction until the brake shoe bears

hard

against the drum. Back

off the adjustment the least possible

amount

(usually two

or

three clicks) until

the wheel is free to revolve. Repeat these oper

ation

s at the other wheel cylinder.

Replace the wheel cap. Adj ust the opposite front brakes in a similar manner.

Rear brakes: Place chocks under the fr

ont

wheels, release the hand brake and

jack up one rear wheel until it is free to revolve. Remove the wheel cap and

proceed as for the front brakes, but, as there is only one adjusting point for

both shoes, the adjuster must be turned until one shoe bears aga inst the drum ,

then continue t

urn

ing until

both

shoes bear hard. Back off the adjustment the

least possible amount until the wheel can be revolved freely (the amount

of
backing off may be slightly more tha n was needed for the fro nt brakes). Replace
the wheel cap. Adjust the opposite rear wheel brake s in a similar manner.

EVERY 6,000 MILES (10000

Km.

)

Dynamo

Unscrew the cap

of

the lubricator on the sideofthe bearing housing, lift out

the felt pad and sprin g, and half fill the cap with grease to Ref. C (page 70).

Replace the spring and pad, and screw the cap back into position.

67

INDEX

Page

Page

A G

Air cleaners 49

Gauges

Fuel

8

Oil

9

B

Temperature

9

Battery

22

Gear lever

6

..

Body details

12 to 16

H

Bodywork 52

Bonnet lock 12

Hard

top (Mk. II)

66

Brakes

Heater

and

demister control

7

Adjustment 41

Heating

and

demisting 11

Fluid

.. 41

High-compression engine tuning

20

Hand brake 6

Hood

14

Hand brake cable

40

Horn

6

Bulbs, replacement

27

I

Ignition

C Coil

23

Cables, high-tension 46

Setting. . 21

Carburetters

Instruments

Adjustment

.. 35

Speedometer 9

Car

number

3

Tachometer

10

Cooling system

Anti-freeze 18

J

Draining 18

Jack and jacking 31

Filling

18

L

D

Lights

Data, general 4

Flashing indic

ator

26 and 27
Headlamps 24
Number-plate lamp 27

E

Panel

and

warning 27

Sidelamps 26

Electrical equipment

22

Stop/tail lamps

27

Engine

Lubrication

Number 3

Carburetter 39

Running in 19

Diagram Centre of Book

Starting

19

Distributor

45

Dynamo

48

Engine

..

43

F

Gearbox

42

Fan

belt . .

43

Hand

brake cable

40

Filter

Propeller shaft

40

External oil

48

Rear

axle

42

Foreword

3

Recommended lubricant s

70

Fuel

Steering

49

Filling up 19

Swivel pins

39

Fuses

23

Water pump

49

68

INDEX

Page

Page

M Switches

Maintenance

summar

y

53 to 56

Headl

amp

8

Headl

amp

dipping 7

Ignition/st

arter

7

Lighting

8

N

Panel lights 8..

Number, identification 3

Sidelamps 8
Windshield wiper

10

p

T

Pedal controls 6

Tonn

eau cover

16

Periodical maintenance

37 to 5]

Too

l kit, supplementary

56

V

R

Valve rocker clearance

47

Running instructions 19

Voltage regulator 23

W

W

arrant

y 58

S

Wheel alignment

47
Seat adjustment. . 12 Wheels and tyres 31
Seat belts

57

Windshield washer 10

Sparking plugs

44

Windshield wiper 24

St

arter

24

Wiring diagram 28

69

-..I

o

KEY TO RECOMMENDED LUBRICANTS

A B

C

D

Upper

Rear Axle All Gre ase

Cylinder

C

omp

onent

Engine,

Gearb

ox, Oilcan,

and

C

arburet

ter

and

Steering

Gea

r

Points Lubrication

All

conditions Arctic

down

consistently

Climatic to - 1

2'

C.

below - 12' C.

All

All

conditi ons

All temperatures abo ve - 1

8'

C. (0' F.)

(l0

' F.) (10' F.)

conditio ns

conditions

Shell

Shell

Shell Sheli Up per

SHELL Shell X

-loo

Multigrade IOW/30

Spirax 90 Spirax 80

Retin ax Cylinder

E.P .

E.P.

A

Lubricant

Filtrate

Fill

rate

Filtra

te

Filt

rat

e

FILTRATE Fil

trat

e IOW/30 Multi grade

Hypoid

Hypoid

Super

Lithium

Petr oyle

Gear 90 Gear 80 Grease

Ambro leum

Ambr

oleum Ambro line

Sternol

ST ERN O L Sternol Mu ltipl ic E. P

.9

0 E.

P.80

L.A .T. Magiko yl

Duckham's Du ckham's

Du

ckh

am'

s

Du

ckham

's

DUCKHAM

'S

Q.5

5oo

Hypo

id 90

Hypoid 80

L.B

.IO

Adcoid

Grease Liquid

Castrol Castrol Castrolease

Castrollo

CASTROL

Castrolite"

Hyp oy

Hyp oy

L.M .

Light

Esso Esso Esso Esso

Upper

ESS O

Esso

Extra

Motor Oil Gear Oil Gear Oil Multi

purp

ose

Cy linder

G.

P.9

0 G.P. 80 G rease A

Lub

ri

cant

MOBIL

Mo biloil Special Mobilube M obilube Mob ilgrease

Mobil

GX

.90

G.X. 80 M.P. U pperl ube

Energol Energo l Energrease Energo l

BP

BP Ene rgo l Visco-static

E.P. E.P. L. 2

U

.C

L.

S.A.E. 90 S.A.E

.8

0

Appr

oval is also given to Du ck h

am'

s Q. 20/50 oil, BP Visco-st

atic

Lo nglife oil , and to m

ono

grad

e or single-viscosity con ven tional lu br icants

su pplied by co mpanies listed in this publi cation.

• For tem peratures below - 12' C. (10'

F.) use an S.A.E. IOW/30

grad

e oil. T his is available in mar kets where such low tem peratur es prevail.

PRINTED

IN

ENGL

~ND

BY

THIl NUFFIELD PRESS

UMrT<D

COWLEY. OXFORD

29/26 (5813n 5/

64-1

2,050

AKD 3899 B