Engine fails to turn when starter
operated
m mFlat battery (recharge use jump leads or
push start)
m mBattery terminals loose or corroded
m mBattery earth to body defective
m mEngine earth strap loose or broken
m mStarter motor (or solenoid) wiring loose or
broken
m mIgnition/starter switch faulty
m mMajor mechanical failure (seizure)
m mStarter or solenoid internal fault (see
Chapter 12)
Starter motor turns engine slowly
m mPartially discharged battery (recharge, use
jump leads, or push start)
m mBattery terminals loose or corroded
m mBattery earth to body defective
m mEngine earth strap loose m mStarter motor (or solenoid) wiring loose
m mStarter motor internal fault (see Chapter 9)
Starter motor spins without
turning engine
m mFlywheel gear teeth damaged or worn
m mStarter motor mounting bolts loose
Engine turns normally but fails to
start
m mDamp or dirty HT leads and distributor cap
(crank engine and check for spark)
m mNo fuel in tank (check for delivery at
carburettor) m mExcessive choke (hot engine) or insufficient
choke (cold engine)
m mFouled or incorrectly gapped spark plugs
(remove, clean and regap)
m mOther ignition system fault (see Chapter 4)
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
m mPoor compression (see Chapter 1)
m mMajor mechanical failure (eg camshaft drive)
Engine fires but will not run
m
mInsufficient choke (cold engine)
m mAir leaks at carburettor or inlet manifold
m mFuel starvation (see Chapter 3)
m mIgnition fault (see Chapter 4)
Engine will not start
REF•10Fault Finding
Spares and tool kit
Most vehicles are supplied only with
sufficient tools for wheel changing; the
Maintenance and minor repairtool kit detailed
in Tools and working facilities,with the
addition of a hammer, is probably sufficient
for those repairs that most motorists would
consider attempting at the roadside. In
addition a few items which can be fitted
without too much trouble in the event of a
breakdown should be carried. Experience and
available space will modify the list below, but
the following may save having to call on
professional assistance:
m mSpark plugs, clean and correctly gapped
m mHT lead and plug cap – long enough to
reach the plug furthest from the distributor
m mDistributor rotor, condenser and contact
breaker points (where applicable)m mDrivebelt(s) — emergency type may
suffice
m mSpare fuses
m mSet of principal light bulbs
m mTin of radiator sealer and hose bandage
m mExhaust bandage
m mRoll of insulating tape
m mLength of soft iron wire
m mLength of electrical flex
m mTorch or inspection lamp (can double as
test lamp)
m mBattery jump leads
m mTow-rope
m mIgnition waterproofing aerosol
m mLitre of engine oil
m mSealed can of hydraulic fluid
m mEmergency windscreen
m mWormdrive clips
m mTube of filler pasteIf spare fuel is carried, a can designed for
the purpose should be used to minimise risks
of leakage and collision damage. A first aid kit
and a warning triangle, whilst not at present
compulsory in the UK, are obviously sensible
items to carry in addition to the above. When
touring abroad it may be advisable to carry
additional spares which, even if you cannot fit
them yourself, could save having to wait while
parts are obtained. The items below may be
worth considering:
m mClutch and throttle cables
m mCylinder head gasket
m mAlternator brushes
m mTyre valve core
One of the motoring organisations will be
able to advise on availability of fuel, etc, in
foreign countries.
A simple test lamp is useful for checking
electrical faultsCarrying a few spares may save you a long walk!
Engine cuts out suddenly –
ignition fault
m mLoose or disconnected LT wires
m mWet HT leads or distributor cap (after
traversing water splash)
m mCoil failure (check for spark)
m mOther ignition fault (see Chapter 4)
Engine misfires before cutting out
– fuel fault
m mFuel tank empty
m mFuel pump defective or filter blocked
(check for delivery)
m mFuel tank filler vent blocked (suction will be
evident on releasing cap)
m mCarburettor needle valve sticking
m mCarburettor jets blocked (fuel contami-
nated)
m mOther fuel system fault (see Chapter 3)
Engine cuts out – other causes
m
mSerious overheating
m mMajor mechanical failure (eg camshaft
drive)
Ignition (no-charge) warning light
illuminated
m mSlack or broken drivebelt — retension or
renew (Chapter 9)
Ignition warning light not
illuminated
m mCoolant loss due to internal or external
leakage (see Chapter 2)
m mThermostat defective
m mLow oil level
m mBrakes binding
m mRadiator clogged externally or internally
m mElectric cooling fan not operating correctly
m mEngine waterways clogged
m mIgnition timing incorrect or automatic
advance malfunctioning
m mMixture too weak
Note: Do not add cold water to an overheated
engine or damage may result
Note: Low oil pressure in a high-mileage
engine at tickover is not necessarily a cause
for concern. Sudden pressure loss at speed is
far more significant. In any event check the
gauge or warning light sender before
condemning the engine.
Gauge reads low or warning light
illuminated with engine running
m mOil level low or incorrect grade
m mDefective gauge or sender unit m mWire to sender unit earthed
m mEngine overheating
m mOil filter clogged or bypass valve defective
m mOil pressure relief valve defective
m mOil pick-up strainer clogged
m mOil pump worn or mountings loose
m mWorn main or big-end bearings
Pre-ignition (pinking) on
acceleration
m mIncorrect grade of fuel
m mIgnition timing incorrect
m mDistributor faulty or worn
m mWorn or maladjusted carburettor
m mExcessive carbon build-up in engine
Whistling or wheezing noises
m
mLeaking vacuum hose
m mLeaking carburettor or manifold gasket
m mBlowing head gasket
Tapping or rattling
m
mIncorrect valve clearances (where appli-
cable)
m mWorn valve gear
m mWorn timing chain or belt
m mBroken piston ring (ticking noise)
Knocking or thumping
m
mUnintentional mechanical contact (eg fan
blades)
m mWorn drivebelt
m mPeripheral component fault (generator,
water pump, etc)
m mWorn big-end bearings (regular heavy
knocking, perhaps less under load)
m mWorn main bearings (rumbling and
knocking, perhaps worsening under load)
m mPiston slap (most noticeable when cold)
Engine noises
Low engine oil pressure
Engine overheatsEngine cuts out and will not restart
Fault FindingREF•11
REF
Crank engine and check for spark. Note
use of insulated tool
Glossary of Technical TermsREF•15
REF
GGapThe distance the spark must travel in
jumping from the centre electrode to the side
electrode in a spark plug. Also refers to the
spacing between the points in a contact
breaker assembly in a conventional points-
type ignition, or to the distance between the
reluctor or rotor and the pickup coil in an
electronic ignition.
GasketAny thin, soft material - usually cork,
cardboard, asbestos or soft metal - installed
between two metal surfaces to ensure a good
seal. For instance, the cylinder head gasket
seals the joint between the block and the
cylinder head.
GaugeAn instrument panel display used to
monitor engine conditions. A gauge with a
movable pointer on a dial or a fixed scale is an
analogue gauge. A gauge with a numerical
readout is called a digital gauge.
HHalfshaftA rotating shaft that transmits
power from the final drive unit to a drive
wheel, usually when referring to a live rear
axle.
Harmonic balancerA device designed to
reduce torsion or twisting vibration in the
crankshaft. May be incorporated in the
crankshaft pulley. Also known as a vibration
damper.
HoneAn abrasive tool for correcting small
irregularities or differences in diameter in an
engine cylinder, brake cylinder, etc.
Hydraulic tappetA tappet that utilises
hydraulic pressure from the engine’s
lubrication system to maintain zero clearance
(constant contact with both camshaft and
valve stem). Automatically adjusts to variation
in valve stem length. Hydraulic tappets also
reduce valve noise.
IIgnition timingThe moment at which the
spark plug fires, usually expressed in the
number of crankshaft degrees before the
piston reaches the top of its stroke.
Inlet manifoldA tube or housing with
passages through which flows the air-fuel
mixture (carburettor vehicles and vehicles with
throttle body injection) or air only (port fuel-
injected vehicles) to the port openings in the
cylinder head.
JJump startStarting the engine of a vehicle
with a discharged or weak battery by
attaching jump leads from the weak battery to
a charged or helper battery.
LLoad Sensing Proportioning Valve (LSPV)A
brake hydraulic system control valve that
works like a proportioning valve, but also
takes into consideration the amount of weight
carried by the rear axle.
LocknutA nut used to lock an adjustment
nut, or other threaded component, in place.
For example, a locknut is employed to keep
the adjusting nut on the rocker arm in
position.
LockwasherA form of washer designed to
prevent an attaching nut from working loose.
MMacPherson strutA type of front
suspension system devised by Earle
MacPherson at Ford of England. In its original
form, a simple lateral link with the anti-roll bar
creates the lower control arm. A long strut - an
integral coil spring and shock absorber - is
mounted between the body and the steering
knuckle. Many modern so-called MacPherson
strut systems use a conventional lower A-arm
and don’t rely on the anti-roll bar for location.
MultimeterAn electrical test instrument with
the capability to measure voltage, current and
resistance.
NNOxOxides of Nitrogen. A common toxic
pollutant emitted by petrol and diesel engines
at higher temperatures.
OOhmThe unit of electrical resistance. One
volt applied to a resistance of one ohm will
produce a current of one amp.
OhmmeterAn instrument for measuring
electrical resistance.
O-ringA type of sealing ring made of a
special rubber-like material; in use, the O-ring
is compressed into a groove to provide the
sealing action.
Overhead cam (ohc) engineAn engine with
the camshaft(s) located on top of the cylinder
head(s).Overhead valve (ohv) engineAn engine with
the valves located in the cylinder head, but
with the camshaft located in the engine block.
Oxygen sensorA device installed in the
engine exhaust manifold, which senses the
oxygen content in the exhaust and converts
this information into an electric current. Also
called a Lambda sensor.
PPhillips screwA type of screw head having a
cross instead of a slot for a corresponding
type of screwdriver.
PlastigageA thin strip of plastic thread,
available in different sizes, used for measuring
clearances. For example, a strip of Plastigage
is laid across a bearing journal. The parts are
assembled and dismantled; the width of the
crushed strip indicates the clearance between
journal and bearing.
Propeller shaftThe long hollow tube with
universal joints at both ends that carries
power from the transmission to the differential
on front-engined rear wheel drive vehicles.
Proportioning valveA hydraulic control
valve which limits the amount of pressure to
the rear brakes during panic stops to prevent
wheel lock-up.
RRack-and-pinion steeringA steering system
with a pinion gear on the end of the steering
shaft that mates with a rack (think of a geared
wheel opened up and laid flat). When the
steering wheel is turned, the pinion turns,
moving the rack to the left or right. This
movement is transmitted through the track
rods to the steering arms at the wheels.
RadiatorA liquid-to-air heat transfer device
designed to reduce the temperature of the
coolant in an internal combustion engine
cooling system.
RefrigerantAny substance used as a heat
transfer agent in an air-conditioning system.
R-12 has been the principle refrigerant for
many years; recently, however, manufacturers
have begun using R-134a, a non-CFC
substance that is considered less harmful to
the ozone in the upper atmosphere.
Rocker armA lever arm that rocks on a shaft
or pivots on a stud. In an overhead valve
engine, the rocker arm converts the upward
movement of the pushrod into a downward
movement to open a valve.
Adjusting spark plug gap
Plastigage
Gasket
A
Accelerator cable - 3•12, 13•80
Accelerator control system - 13•75
Accelerator pump -3•7, 3•8, 3•11, 13•66
Acknowledgements - 0•4
Aerial -9•10
Air bags - 0•5
Air cleaner -3•4, 13•60, 13•69, 13•67,
13•75, 13•79
Air pressure switch - 13•70
Air temperature sensor - 13•76
Airflow meter - 13•67, 13•69, 13•80
Alternator -9•3, 13•58, 13•103, 13•104
Alternator fault -9•14
Anti-flooding device -3•8, 3•9, 3•10, 3•11,
13•64
Anti-knock sensor - 13•86, 13•90
Anti-roll bar - 13•111
Antifreeze - 0•6, 0•13, 2•1, 2•2
Antiskid system - 13•103
Armrest - 13•112
Asbestos - 0•5
Auxiliary shaft -1•29, 1•30, 13•51, 13•53
B
Battery -0•5, 9•2
Battery fault -9•14
Bleeding brakes -8•7
Bleeding clutch - 13•94
Bodywork- 12•1et seq, 13•111, REF•4
Bonnet - 12•3, 12•4
Boots -7•2, 10•2, 13•98
Brake fluid -0•13, 8•1, 13•110, 13•111
Braking system-8•1et seq, 13•100,
REF•1, REF•2, REF•3
Braking system fault finding -8•9
Breakerless ignition system - 13•85, 13•86
Bumpers - 12•4, 12•11, 13•113
Burning -0•5
C
Cables -3•12, 5•1, 8•9, 9•8, 13•80
Calipers -8•3, 13•101, 13•102Camshaft -1•19, 1•21, 1•24, 1•29, 1•32,
13•21, 13•30, 13•34, 13•41, 13•42
Capacities -0•6, 13•17
Carburettors -3•6 to 3•11, 13•62 to 13•66
Carpets - 12•2
Cassette player-9•10
Catalytic converter - 13•77
Central door locking -9•11, 13•109
Centre console - 12•9
Check control (warning module) system -
9•12, 9•13, 13•110, 13•111
Choke -3•11, 3•12
Cigar lighter -9•13, 13•109
Clock -9•13, 13•108
Clutch-5•1et seq, 13•83, 13•92, 13•94
Clutch fault finding -5•3
Clutch fluid -0•13
CO emissions (mixture) - REF•4
Coil -4•6, 13•86, 13•90, 13•91
Coil spring - 11•3, 11•4
Condenser -4•5
Connecting rods -1•12, 1•18, 1•22, 1•26,
1•30, 13•25, 13•26, 13•30, 13•35,
13•47, 13•48, 13•53
Console - 12•9
Constant velocity joint -0•13, 7•3, 13•98,
13•99
Contact breaker points -4•2, 4•3
Contents -0•2
Control panel - 13•108
Conversion factors -0•14
Coolant -0•6, 0•13, 2•1, 2•2, 13•69, 13•70,
13•110, 13•111
Coolant pump -2•4, 13•55, 13•58
Cooling and heating systems-2•1et seq,
13•54, 13•55
Cooling and heating systems fault finding -
2•8
Courtesy lamp -9•5, 9•8
Crankcase -1•17
Crankcase ventilation system -1•8
Crankshaft -1•18, 1•20, 1•30, 1•31, 13•44,
13•45, 13•52
Crossmember - 11•4
Crushing -0•5
CV joints -0•13, 7•3, 13•98, 13•99
Cylinder block -1•17Cylinder head -1•10, 1•16, 1•19, 1•22,
1•25, 1•28, 1•32, 13•19, 13•22, 13•30,
13•34, 13•43, 13•44, 13•53
D
Dents in bodywork - 12•2
Depressurisation (fuel system) - 13•75
Digiplex 2 ignition system - 13•90
Dim-dip system - 13•106
Dimensions -0•6, 13•17
Direction indicators -9•7
Discs -8•4, 13•101, 13•102
Distributor -4•3, 4•5, 13•86, 13•89, 13•90,
13•92
Doors -9•11, 12•5, 12•6, 12•7, 13•111,
13•112, 13•114, REF•2
Drivebelts -2•3, 13•58
Driveshaft
Driveshafts and hubs fault finding -7•6
Driveshafts,hubs,roadwheels and tyres-
0•13, 7•1et seq, 10•4, 11•3, 11•6,
13•98, 13•99, REF•3, REF•4
Drums -8•4
Dwell angle -4•4
E
Economy gauge (Econometer) -3•11, 9•12
Electric shock -0•5
Electric windows -9•11, 13•109
Electrical control circuit (ECU) - 13•67,
13•71, 13•81, 13•86, 13•90
Electrical system-9•1et seq,13•103,
REF•2
Electrical system fault finding -9•14,
REF•9
Electronic ignition -4•3, 4•6, 4•7
Engine-1•1et seq, 13•19, 13•33, 13•37
Engine fault finding -1•35, 1•36, 2•8, 3•13,
4•9, 13•92, REF•10, REF•11
Engine oil -0•6, 0•13, 1•3, 1•4, 1•8
Engine speed sensor -4•7, 13•89, 13•91
Environmental considerations - REF•8
Exhaust emission checks - REF•4
Exhaust manifold - 13•77
Exhaust system -3•12, REF•3
IndexREF•17
REF
Note: References throughout this index relate to Chapter•page number