First published in "Abingdon Classics" November, 1981
This was originally written for MGs, but provides a basic plan of attack to for problems with almost any classic car.
Always consult your vehicle's service manual and observe proper safety precautions when servicing your vehicle.
Jump to: Brakes | Engine | Steering | Fuel | Electrical | Clutch | Cooling
Brakes Problem Solvers |
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PROBLEM | CAUSE | CURE |
Excessive brake pedal travel |
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Brake fade |
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Spongy brake pedal |
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Brake pedal too hard |
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Brake pedal requires pumping or loss of pedal |
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Brakes grab when applied |
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Brake squeal |
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Brake shudder |
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Brake pull to one side only |
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Handbrake ineffective |
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Servo (where fitted) late in operation |
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Loss of servo action when braking heavily |
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Loss of fluid (servo only) |
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Jump to: Brakes | Engine | Steering | Fuel | Electrical | Clutch | Cooling
Engine Problem Solvers |
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PROBLEM | CAUSE | CURE |
Lack of compression |
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Piston slap |
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Smoke from exhaust Lack of power |
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Noisy tappet (with correct clearance) |
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Big-end knock |
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Mains rumble |
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Cam follower tap |
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Knocking when clutch depressed. Movement at crank pulley |
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Clattering from fron of engine |
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Small-end or gudgion pin knock |
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Lack of oil pressure |
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Oil leaks |
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Lack of power (engine in good condition) |
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Jump to: Brakes | Engine | Steering | Fuel | Electrical | Clutch | Cooling
Steering Problem Solvers |
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PROBLEM | CAUSE | CURE |
Steering feels stiff |
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Steering wheel shake |
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Steering pulls to one side |
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Wheel tramp |
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Abnormal tire wear |
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Tire noises |
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Jump to: Brakes | Engine | Steering | Fuel | Electrical | Clutch | Cooling
Fuel Problem Solvers |
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PROBLEM | CAUSE | CURE |
Flooding |
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Excessive fuel consumption |
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Stalling |
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Poor acceleration |
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Spitting |
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Insufficient fuel supply |
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Loss of fuel delivery |
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Noisy pump |
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Jump to: Brakes | Engine | Steering | Fuel | Electrical | Clutch | Cooling
Electrical Problem Solvers |
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PROBLEM | CAUSE | CURE |
STARTER | ||
Starter doesn't turn (lights dim) |
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starter doesn't turn (lights stay bright) |
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Solenoid switch chatters |
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Starter just spins |
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CHARGING CIRCUIT | ||
Low or no charge rate |
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LIGHTING CIRCUIT | ||
No lights (or very dim) |
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side and rear lights inoperative although stoplights and flashers work |
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One lamp fails |
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Flasher wrning bulb stays on or flashers twice as fast |
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Lights dim when idling or at low speed |
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One dim light |
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WINDSCREEN WIPERS | ||
Wipers do not work |
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Motor operates slowly |
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Jump to: Brakes | Engine | Steering | Fuel | Electrical | Clutch | Cooling
Clutch Problem Solvers |
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PROBLEM | CAUSE | CURE |
Clutch slips |
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Clutch drags |
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Clutch chatter |
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Clutch noise |
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Clutch noise (pedal down) |
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Clutch noise (pedal on the way up) |
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Clutch grabs |
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Jump to: Brakes | Engine | Steering | Fuel | Electrical | Clutch | Cooling
Cooling Problem Solvers |
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PROBLEM | CAUSE | CURE |
Overheating |
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Loss of coolant |
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Overcooling |
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Poor circulation |
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Corrosion |
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Original scan by the NAMGBR
Would like to see a chapter about "Suspension" if its possible.
Thank You!
the control lever, it goes back into o/d for a moment or two, then drops
out again. I'm suspecting electric problems, any experience or tips as
to where to go first?
the morning. Struggles to turn over sounds like batter going flat, BUT
when finally starts, it goes well. have just had 2 6 volt batteries
replaced with one new 12 volt, chock cable replaced. Problem not soved.
Any advice Thanks
http://www.mgexp.com/phorum/
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