Positioning:
A vital resource for owners and mechanics of the 1980 MG Metro, offering factory-level repair and maintenance guidance.
Competitors:
Often compared to other superminis of the era, but the Metro had a distinct British character and sporting heritage from MG.
Manual Advantage:
Comprehensive, detailed, and officially sanctioned, providing the most accurate information for servicing the MG Metro.
Value Proposition:
An economical alternative to dealership servicing, empowering owners to perform maintenance and repairs themselves.
Engine Service:
Complete overhaul, diagnostics, tune-up, cooling system, fuel system, emission control, engine control system.
Transmission Service:
Manual and automatic transmission overhaul, repair, and diagnostics.
Brake System:
Hydraulic system, brake pads, rotors, drums, calipers, master cylinder, parking brake.
Electrical System:
Detailed wiring diagrams, component testing, troubleshooting, lighting, ignition, starting, charging.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension components, alignment, steering gear, power steering (if applicable).
Chassis Body:
Body repair, frame alignment, interior components, chassis lubrication.
Fuel Injection System:
Component diagnosis, testing, and repair for fuel injection systems.
Axle Differential:
Front axle, differential unit, and driveshaft components. (Covered under Transmission/Drivetrain sections).
Heater Air Conditioning:
HVAC system operation, repair, and maintenance (if equipped with heating/ventilation, AC was very rare).
Wiring Diagrams:
Detailed and integrated with electrical system troubleshooting for ease of use.
General Maintenance:
Routine checks, fluid changes, filter replacements, lubrication.
Troubleshooting:
Systematic diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon faults.
Repair Procedures:
Step-by-step instructions for component disassembly, repair, and reassembly.
Technical Specifications:
Torque values, clearances, fluid capacities, and other critical data.
Periodic Lubrication:
Comprehensive lubrication points and schedule for chassis and mechanical components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering all aspects from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional mechanics.
Illustrations:
Hundreds of photos and illustrations, including detailed drawings and enlarged insets for precise part identification.
Instruction Format:
Numbered step-by-step instructions with detailed substeps, notes, cautions, and warnings.
Engine Family:
BMC A-Series (various displacements)
Typical Displacement 1980:
1275cc (though other variants existed or were introduced shortly after)
Horsepower Typical:
Approximately 60-70 hp (depending on specific tune and emissions controls)
Torque Typical:
Approximately 70-80 lb-ft
Induction Type:
Carburetor (e.g., SU or Zenith Stromberg) or Fuel Injection depending on specific model variant and market.
Fuel Type:
Unleaded Petrol (likely 95 RON or higher)
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 - 6,000 miles or 6-12 months, depending on driving conditions. (Manual will specify exact interval and oil type).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Refer to manual for specific mileage, usually around 10,000-20,000 miles.
Engine Oil:
Refer to manual for specific viscosity grade (e.g., 10W-40 or 20W-50) and API service classification.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze/coolant, typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water. (Manual will provide specific type and capacity).
Transmission Fluid:
Manual: Gear oil, GL4 specification. Automatic (if applicable): ATF Dexron II or equivalent. (Manual will specify exact type and capacity).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 glycol-based brake fluid. (Manual will specify exact type).
Common Wear Items:
Ignition system components (points, condenser, coil), carburetor tuning, suspension bushings, clutch wear, exhaust system.
Rust Prone Areas:
Wheel arches, sill panels, door bottoms, boot floor are common areas for corrosion due to age and manufacturing methods of the era.
