Target Audience:
Austin-Healey Sprite owners, enthusiasts, classic car restorers, and independent repair shops.
Advantage:
Provides comprehensive, factory-level repair information directly to the end-user, enabling DIY repairs and significant cost savings.
Feature List:
Hundreds of pages of diagrams and detailed information, step-by-step instructions, troubleshooting guides, wiring diagrams, professional-level accuracy.
Cost Savings:
Enables owners to save hundreds or thousands of dollars on repair and maintenance bills.
Applicable Models:
All Austin-Healey Sprite 1962 Models, Engines, Trim, and Transmission Types
Estimated Page Count:
Hundreds of pages (specific count not provided, but described as extensive)
Type:
Workshop Repair Service Manual
Engine Service Repair:
Comprehensive diagnosis, repair, overhaul, and tuning procedures for the engine.
Transmission Service Repair:
Detailed procedures for maintenance, repair, and adjustment of the transmission system.
Brake System:
Coverage of hydraulic brake systems, including master cylinder, wheel cylinders, brake lines, and shoes/pads.
Wiring Diagram:
Complete and detailed wiring diagrams for electrical systems.
Electrical System:
Troubleshooting and repair procedures for all electrical components, including lighting, ignition, starting, and charging systems.
Suspension:
Maintenance and repair of front and rear suspension components, including shock absorbers, springs, and control arms.
Steering:
Procedures for steering system diagnosis, repair, and adjustment.
Cooling System:
Maintenance and repair of the radiator, water pump, thermostat, and cooling fan.
Fuel System:
Details on fuel tank, fuel lines, fuel pump, and carburetion (likely SU carburetors for this model).
Emission System:
Information on emission control systems relevant to the 1962 model year, if applicable.
Chassis Body:
Bodywork repair, frame maintenance, and chassis component servicing.
Differential Drive:
Service and maintenance of the rear axle and differential unit.
Axle:
Procedures related to front and rear axles.
General Maintenance:
Regular service checks and preventive maintenance tasks.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic procedures for identifying and resolving common and uncommon problems.
Periodic Lubrication:
Detailed lubrication points and recommended schedules and lubricant types.
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step instructions for disassembling and reassembling vehicle components.
Cleaning Reinstalling:
Procedures for cleaning and properly reinstalling serviced or replaced parts.
Depth Of Coverage:
Professional-level technical detail, equivalent to factory workshop manuals used by authorized service centers.
Diagnostic Capabilities:
Comprehensive diagnostic information for all vehicle systems.
Repair Scope:
Covers everything from simple adjustments to complete engine and transmission rebuilds.
Engine Type:
Inline 4-cylinder OHV
Displacement:
948 cc (57.9 cubic inches)
Bore X Stroke:
2.69 in x 2.75 in (68.3 mm x 70.0 mm)
Compression Ratio:
Approximately 8.3:1 (varies slightly by source)
Horsepower:
Approximately 43 bhp @ 5200 rpm
Torque:
Approximately 49 lb-ft @ 3000 rpm
Carburetor:
Twin SU H2 carburetors (standard)
Fuel Type:
Unleaded gasoline (or leaded with appropriate additive)
Ignition System:
Distributor-based ignition system, coil, spark plugs.
Safety Ratings:
N/A (Vehicle pre-dates modern safety rating systems like NHTSA/IIHS.)
Active Safety:
Primarily mechanical brakes, direct steering, basic chassis.
Passive Safety:
Minimal passive safety features by modern standards. Body-on-frame construction, basic seat belts (often optional or added later).
Infotainment System:
Basic AM radio (optional, not standard), manual tuning knob, simple speaker.
Driver Assistance Features:
None (vehicle design predates modern driver assistance systems).
Connectivity Features:
None (basic electrical system for ignition, lights, and accessories).
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 3,000 miles or 6 months, but the manual will specify the exact recommended interval and oil viscosity.
Tune Up Interval:
Regular tuning (ignition timing, carburetor adjustment) is critical and detailed in the manual, often recommended annually or every 5,000-10,000 miles.
Engine Oil Specification:
The manual will specify the correct API service classification and viscosity grade (e.g., SAE 20W-50 or similar, with potential recommendations for leaded fuel additives if using older formulations).
Coolant Specification:
Water with appropriate anti-corrosion inhibitor (the manual will detail specific recommendations).
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid (non-silicone based).
Transmission Fluid Specification:
Gear oil for the manual gearbox (specific GL rating and viscosity will be in the manual).
Differential Fluid Specification:
Hypoid gear oil, typically SAE 90 or SAE 80W-90.
Common Problems:
Rusting (especially sills, floor pans, wheel arches), weak steering racks, cooling system leaks, carburetor tuning difficulties, electrical gremlins, clutch wear.
Manufacturer Heritage:
Austin-Healey is renowned for producing classic British sports cars known for their performance, handling, and distinctive styling.
Sprite Mark I Development:
The Austin-Healey Sprite (codenamed 'Bug' or 'Frog' during development) was introduced in 1958 as an affordable, small, open-top sports car. The 1962 model represents an evolution of this original design.
Production Period:
The Mark I Sprite (AN5) was produced from 1958 to 1961. The 1962 model listed in the manual likely refers to early production units that may carry over aspects or the manual itself is inclusive of the transition period leading into the Mark II Sprite (ANO).
Manufacturing Location:
England
